Friday, September 29, 2006

nagfa's Ambigram Challenge October '06

The calendar page is indicating it's time for NAC October 2006 edition - the first world-wide challenge-invitation for ambigram enthusiasts to share and showcase their individual style and personality. (click here for more information)

This month's phrase: 'magic trick'
*The first time we saw an ambigram, we were speechless: our breaths were sucked out of our lungs like carpets pulled from beneath our feet. We did not fall, but we DID fell in love in its simple yet extraordinary concept. Many a time, visitors request an 'ambigram tutorial' but we believe learning to design an ambigram is like learning a magic trick, it is something far more fulfilling when experienced, and once understood, its secrets will be revealed like a blossoming, willing flower. (Being told that a trapdoor or hidden pockets exist, or the magician's assistant is actually lying on folded legs before being sawed in two only serves to demystify an inquisitive mind, we believe.)

This month's theme: 'myths and legends'
*The 'myths and legends' entries were of very high quality that we see more potential in expanding it to become this month's theme. Any entries related to 'myths and legends' are accepted, such as names of characters and places in folklores (of any countries or traditions). Entries may be presented in any one of the ambigram styles available.

Please submit designs to:
nagfa_ambigram@hotmail.com
hopefully before the 22nd of October (for allowance for us to compile them before November). Please also include the chosen word for the design (especially for 'theme'), your name (pseudonym allowed), country of origin, and website/blog (if any).

Due to the many entries we received, we encourage participants to limit their entries for each category. We, nagfa: Naguib & Fadilah, sincerely thank you for making NAC a regular 'meeting place' for ambigram enthusiasts all around the world. May this love for ambigrams continue bringing representatives from all around the world together.

salam & respects,
nagfa
singapore

p.s.: something special coming your way for NAC November 2006. Look out for that!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

some commissioned pieces at Malaysia's PhotoFest'06

The following are only some of the ambigrams commissioned during Nag's 2-day trip to Malaysia for Malaysia's PhotoFest 2006. Of course, the original pieces did not have the 'nagfa' signature.


ambigram: yayau's.kitchen

ambigram: syamsul-suzalinie

ambigram: rosmana&hadi

ambigram: hafifi-&ayu

Monday, September 25, 2006

NAC September '06 theme

Salam (Peace)! Showcasing the entries to nagfa's Ambigram Challenge (NAC) theme. The theme given for this month was: 'singers / bands / musicians'. The entries are of high quality and nagfa appreciate the effort and time taken by each individual contributor in creating and sharing these with us..

Again, we have arranged the art pieces alphebetically, according to countries of origin.. Do check out each ambigrammist's website at the links under Ambigram Mates in the sidebar.. Hope you enjoy the pieces as much as we do..

'marillion'
amafirlian
(belgium)
.
.
'astor piazolla'
fraga
(brazil)
.
.
'matchbook romance' (90-degrees rotational ambigram)
matriXadi
(brunei)
.
.
'billy joel'
robert maitland
(canada)
.
.
'modest mouse'
skadamanks

(canada)
.
.
'led zeppelin'
&

.
'sinatra'
homero
(chile)
*more band designs at this special gallery : here
.
.
'genesis'
mario

(chile)
.
.
'hiromi'
&
.
'miles davis'
derrenleepoole
(england)
.
.
'keeravani'
balaji
(india)
.
.
'michael jackson'
&

.
'dangerous'
jeraz
(india)
.
.
'vertical horizon'
nagfa
(singapore)
.
.
'bjork'
&
.
'iron lion zion'
&

.
'the beatles'
txescu
(spain)
.
.
'the living end'
syfi
(u.s.a.)
.
.
'kate bush'
bill densmore
(u.s.a.)
.
.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

NAC September '06 phrase

Here are the awaited entries for nagfa's Ambigram Challenge (NAC) - September '06 (phrase) edition. The given phrase was 'myths & legends'.

The second instalment of NAC has been a great success, and has seen new participants / contributors. To them all, we welcome you to our little ambigram family! And nagfa extends our heartiest and sincerest thank you - respects and kudos - to all artists, the old and new, for the great artworks shared. We have enjoyed each and every entry emailed, and we believe that you will, too. Enjoy..


nagfa
(singapore)
.
.
amafirlian
(belgium)
.
.
matriXadi
(brunei)
.
.
robert maitland
(canada)
.
.
skadamanks
(canada)
.
.
homero
(chile)
.
.
'mitos y legendas'
.
.
&
.
.
&
.
'myths and legends' - 'mitos y legendas'
alberto portacio
(colombia)
.
.
derrenleepoole
(england)
.
.
balaji
(india)

.
.
jeraz
(india)
.
.
ravi
(india)
.
.
.
&
.
.
&
.
zycopetrix
(india)
.
.

ruel
(philippines)
.
.
jordi serra
(spain)
.
.
txescu
(spain)
.
.
onetrickpony
(u.s.a.)
.
.
.
&
.
syfi
(u.s.a)
.
.
bill densmore
(u.s.a.)
.
.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

reflection: girlfriend-nagfa

After the success of the NewYork reflection, we thought we'll try designing more reflections for a change. (Notice the heart-shape within 'FR').
ambigram: hafidz!

One of our very first designs, for a LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts student. Designed by nagfa, made cooler by Hafidz himself. The design was initially for his skateboard (note the overall shape, and the 'swastika' emblem within it.)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

nagfa's photofest adventure 2006

Over the weekend of 16-17 September, nagfa was invited by Tourism Malaysia to Malaysia PhotoFest 2006 held at the Malaysian Tourism Centre. The Fest is an annual event promoting universal beauty, peace and brotherhood. As Fa was busy with her obligations as a teacher, Nag represented nagfa. Hopefully, Nag & Fa could participate in similar events in the future together. That will be great!

nag: a deer in the headlights

Malaysia Tourism Centre: nightimescenes

the calm before the storm

blueberry morning

The Malaysia Tourism Centre is located a mere 500m from the world's tallest Twin Tower, the Petronas Twin Tower, and not far from another giant, the KL Tower.

the *katet: 'Batman', Aldellah, Fadzli and Faisal (seated)

Abang Faisal and his *katet, as the event planner for PhotoFest2006, were responsible for the invitation of nagfa. nagfa again would like to thank him for the best hospitality one can hope for in a foreign land; the accommodations, the food, the contacts and friends made, the opportunity, the trust and respect. Thanks, bro! To the whole *katet too.

*katet: a bond of friends chosen by Destiny and guided by Time (from Stephen King's The Dark Tower)

'Batman', Nag, Fadzli & Faisal

the display booth (the setting up)
Din and Hadi, the guys from Peace Malaysia (www.peacemalaysia.com). It had been a journey of celebration for friendship between different countries, as well..
Fa: Love and the Butterfly
Love and the Butterfly
Beautious beings that flutter by
Leaving us in utter sigh
When they go we mutter why

...and Nag loves Fa excessively still; beforebetweenbeyond.