Text and photos by Franchesca Lesaca
The Ceramic Studio of UP Diliman College of Fine Arts (UPCFA) in partnership with the Embassy of Israel present “Common Ground: A Ceramic Art Collaboration of Israel and the Philippines”.
Common Ground is part of UPCFA’s plans to establish a multi-disciplinary Ceramic Arts program ad a new minor in the College of Fine Arts. The event aims to encourage cultural exchange and develop the craft by integrating traditional and contemporary techniques from both nations, “It widens the knowledge, skills, and means of conceptualization in the field of ceramic arts.”
Israeli ceramic and interdisciplinary artist, Roy Maayan, shares his expertise to the institution through a lecture and demonstration. Started ceramic and pottery education at a young age of 8, his career as a professional ceramicist now spans for 20 years. The seasoned potter and artist enjoy learning through artists from different parts of the world, exchanging materials and ideas to expand the depth of ceramics making and pottery. For Common Ground, Maayan shared his methodology and prepared decorative pieces resembling Israel’s “Tembel” (bowl-shaped hat) and “Matka” (wooden beach paddle), using the collective knowledge he gathered from years of research and continuous learning. Maayan further notes, “Not only did I share my knowledge to the Filipinos, even I learned a lot of new methods from this experience.”
Distinguished Filipina ceramicist and UPCFA Professor Rita Gudiño recognized the importance of this event to supplement and achieve the goal of establishing Ceramic Arts program as a new minor, as well as paving the way to stronger cultural ties and exposure to the wide world of pottery and ceramics.
