Over the lockdown, Jon Pettyjohn, one of the pioneer potters in the Philippines, has been busy creating art—and washing dishes.
“I’ve been the kitchen dishwasher since the quarantine started,” he told Lifestyle in an email interview. “I’ve learned a lot about functionality. We must treat handmade pottery with special care, it deserves that. Don’t leave the plates in the sink overnight!”
“It’s also important for makers to consider how easy or hard it might be to clean or handle an object,” he added. “And how it might affect a given environment over time.”
The Potters’ Group headed by artist couple Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn are exhibiting their works in the ongoing Art in the Park, the annual “affordable art” selling event which goes online for the first time. Until Aug. 17, collectors can choose from over 2,000 pieces, with a price cap of P50,000 per item. New items are uploaded daily on artinthepark.ph, and part of the proceeds will benefit Museum Foundation of the Philippines.
Participating pottery artists are Teresita Baldo and Siegrid Bangyay of Sagada Pottery and Training Center, Joey de Castro, EJ Espiritu, Bing Famoso of Kasibulan organization, and Soleil Ignacio of Space Encounters Gallery.
‘Platita’
Buying pottery may have become a quarantine trend since the pandemic has forced many people to stay in, set their own tables and decorate. On Instagram, #platita, a portmanteau of plate and tita (aunt), shows new collectors of functional home art in the form of ceramic bowls, trays, tea sets, vases and centerpieces.
“It’s important that every new generation develop their own taste in ceramics, hopefully they might take a look at the long history of pottery,” Jon said. “We have also observed that young couples can afford to buy a moderately priced piece of pottery or sculpture though they couldn’t afford a major painting. That’s always been a big part of our collector buyers.”
For Art in the Park, Jon’s works include elegant stoneware platters with bamboo strokes and iron brushwork. The “Red Flowers” platter features hand-painted blooms, while the smaller “Red Plate” stoneware with black brushstrokes can be used for display or as serving ware.
His glazed “Celadon Tea Set,” composed of a soft green teapot and matching cups, make for a conversation piece, while his “Tenmoku” red stoneware mugs keep drinks hot for a longer time.
The Pettyjohns keep a workshop in Laguna which follow traditional techniques, with influences from Japan, Korea, China and the West. Jon’s “Palayok” series shows irregular vases inspired by the Filipino cooking pot. Tessy sculptures depicting corals, succulents and flowers are made of stoneware and porcelain.
Igorot craftsmanship
Sagada artists Bangyay and Baldo produce high-quality stoneware pottery using locally sourced clay and glaze. Their works are influenced by Chinese heirloom pots and local Igorot crafts.
Bangyay’s “Bamboo Mugs” are rippled stoneware drink ware with bamboo handles. His other works are “Dark Blue Water Jug,” “Long Life and Good Luck” covered vessel, “Tinagtago” vase, and a series of fruit bowls and Philippine jars.
Baldo’s textured jars with rattan accent and deep serving bowls are made with clay, soil and minerals. It may appear morbid, but Baldo’s classic blue stoneware urn featuring a cover with molded clasped hands is beautiful.
The mountainside, ecological and social awareness are the themes of Espiritu’s pottery: large wave trays in blue and brown, gradient teal jars, sculptures of faces and people.
A contemporary clay artist, De Castro experiments with glazes, firing and temperature. His works are earth-toned soup and dessert bowls, some Shino vases, a stoneware resting chair and a series of “Virus” sculptures.
Famoso’s “Bulak” series is composed of spike-edged deep-dish stoneware. The artist is part of the Kasibulan group of Filipino women artists.
Ignacio’s “Binibini” and “Magandang Umaga” are hand-painted, food-safe plates. The artist is represented by Space Encounters Gallery “which focuses on the relationship of art with interior and furniture design, while highlighting young and adventurous artists.”
“Art in the Park online is a lifesaver, literally,” Jon said. “It will be interesting to see how this all evolves, will there be a ‘new normal’ in the art scene, or do we go back to where we were?”
Peruse artworks on the website and check out Art in the Park activities on Facebook, such as the Globe Platinum Hour featuring live performances, BPI Art Clips videos, and food and beverage promos.
Visit www.artinthepark.ph; follow @artinthepark on Facebook and Instagram.
