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Aug

2019

Artist Profile: Charming Baldemor

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Charming Baldemors is Filipino wood sculptor who loves to explore the infinite creative possibilities on reclaimed or rescued wood, taking a resolute stand against illegal logging.

I first met Charming during a FilipinaZ Fair media preview a few years ago. She had a little table showcasing some of her beautiful bags and there was one bag in particular that I couldn’t stop holding and admiring. Because beautiful things take time and effort, I also knew that this bag would be an investment piece so I decided to sleep on it. The next day, I knew that bag had to be mine, so I immediately contacted Charming and we have been social media friends since. Charming’s wooden art are so intricate and well-crafted that they will last your lifetime and your children’s lifetime too. I decided to revive my Artist Profile Series to give Charming the attention she deserves. I hope you enjoy reading her story.

How did you first become a wood sculptor?
Wood carving has been our family business for almost 5 decades so you can say it runs in my blood. I’ve grown up around wood carvings all my life so it’s something I’ve come to enjoy and feel comfortable doing.

Growing up, my dad—a wood sculptor—would let me try and explore the craft under his careful guidance. In school, carving was part of our Grade 4 curriculum in Paete (the Carving Capital of the Philippines!)

I decided to continue the legacy of my dad by getting into wood carving as well. I feel that the carving industry of Paete is slowly dying due to lack of wood supply, causing Paetenian artists to go abroad due to the lack of opportunity and inspiration. But I know that wood carving in Paete has a lot of potential, so I decided to stay and challenge myself to inspire young artists to keep the industry alive.

Through my method, I want also want to promote upcycling of wood, and through my art, I want to promote my advocacy for environmental protection and female empowerment.

Did you attend any schools to sharpen your skills? Are there any teachers you had that helped shape your art?

I’ve had no formal schooling. My dad taught me the principles behind everything I know now, especially on how to see value in everything. My parents helped me develop my eye for art and quality.

Some things I’d always hear them say to me:
• Dad – Paying attention to detail – “Hindi pwede and pwede na”
• Mom – “You should only sell something that you yourself will buy”

What woods/mediums are you most comfortable working with? Why?

While I work with all types of wood, I do admit I have a favorite: Reclaimed Narra
First because it has a distinct fragrance that lingers even after being worked. Second because the interlocked and wavy grains of Narra makes it very challenging to work with – and I love it!

On a practical perspective (take note, buyers!), it has very good weathering characteristics, making it very durable. It is almost decay-resistant when treated and conditioned properly.

Are there any local or international artists you look up to?
I want to share that I look up to certain artists not just because of their work but because of the story that they pour into the art they make. The lives they lived served as the inspiration behind what they created, and this is a huge driving factor for me as well.

• Michaelangelo
He never lived flamboyantly
For the best part of his life, he cared above all for his father and his brothers. (His mother died when he was 6)
He convinces both himself and us of the the existence of divine QUALITY perfect by human standards and therefore divine.
The details of his works are amazing!

• Araceli Dans
Her pieces are not ordinary! They manifest her love for beautiful things.
She’s also an educator. She helps young and not-so-young artists and even sculptors, come into their own. She welcomes them, honing them into fine artists, spending time with them, critiquing and mentoring. The details of her works are amazing! Her Calado is exquisite, fine, and intricate.

Can you share a bit about the pieces you are most proud of doing?

I’m most proud of my wearable art – my wooden bags—they originally came about to support a cause / advocacies and are art pieces made to empower women are actually worn by empowered women!
 I’m also proud of my “Troso” (hollow tree trunk) lamps—my “kababayans”, fellow sculptors, even my mom – were deeply skeptical about my rescue initiatives for the decayed (hollowed center, just about 2” of the sapwood is left, the entire heartwood is gone, making it thin)

How do you know what design to create on a piece? Where do you find your inspiration?

Usually, sculptors/carvers would use a solid wood to carve, making this a challenge. But I think it’s really being able to “read” through the material to see what you can create out of it!

Beauty inspires beauty. I am very much fascinated with flowers – form, texture, colors, and most importantly how they affect or influence the feelings of people. I like how fragile they are yet strong enough to convey various messages. I always say that they are like women in many ways.

I also have so much pride in Philippine culture and heritage. I pay tribute to our local artisans by immortalizing their craft in my wood sculptures. Say the Habi Collection (for the bags) and the Bilao series (for the sculptures), which features regional Filipino produce on our traditional basket.

I also want to challenge society and instigate social change. I’m proud to say that I support women empowerment. I want to pay it forward through my art.

What are you currently working on? Do you have any exhibits coming up?
• I’m working sculpture in the round Philippine Flora Centerpieces now.
• 2019 bag collections include Philippine Flora and Fauna and Bakas-daliring Pinoy
• FilipinaZ Fair in October, Rockwell
• Manila Art

I understand you only work with recycled wood pieces. What made you decide to do this? What has been your favourite wood piece finds to work with so far?

I’m always proud of my Troso lamps. I think, so far, I am the only one who uses this medium (at least in our country as far as I know) It’s towering and majestic – preserving the natural shape of the tree.

Can you share what a regular day as an artist is like for you? Is procrastination something you face? Do you ever have those days when you just HAVE to create?

My mind runs on overdrive 24/7. I have ideas about how I want to spend my time and they almost never match reality. But I try, week after week, to impose a sense of order in my days to help me feel like I’m accomplishing something and moving forward. I believe that routine and habit help cement my creative practice. I try my best to be rooted in discipline, otherwise, my ideas will just float off and become lost in the flurry of my days.

I get up between 5:30am and 6:00am to make sure that my furry son, Pedro, doesn’t have an accident in the room. Give him breakfast after, etc.
Visit my fruit bearing bonsais at the veranda. Remove dry leaves, do some pruning if necessary. Breathe some fresh air. Reflect and appreciate the new day.
I’ll make breakfast. Take a shower after eating.
I set priorities for all my sculpting and administrative tasks, and do my best to work through them when I can.
I usually get to decide how I want the day to go, though I often have to take appointments and other commitments into consideration.

▪ MY IDEAL STUDIO SCHEDULE
• 6am – Stumble out of bed and try to wake up. This often involves cuddling and playing with Pedro
I try to exercise every day, even if that just means a 15min run on the treadmill. More than work-life balance, I believe work-life integration is very important, meaning that one doesn’t take precedence over the other
• 7am – Make and eat breakfast, shower. Usually this hour stretches imperceptibly to 2 hours as I sip fresh juice and get lost in appreciating my plants….
• 8am – Get dressed and ready for the day. I don’t put on street clothes or do my hair or makeup – essentially, I switch from sleeping shorts/pyjamas to working shorts/pyjamas – but I do shower every day! I just love comfy clothes.
• 9am – Check today’s TO DO and work on them (chronology depends on my mood—as most artists are)
• 9:15am – Work on art. Usually this is either a sculpture or a sketch of my new idea.
Sometimes, I let myself have some playtime—just use my hands on any creative work. It helps me think and get more inspiration and of course it helps churn out the most creative ideas when all the other things milling in my head are out of the way.
• 11:30am (or when I get hungry) – Make lunch or make some veggie and fruit juices.
• 1pm – Continue with my art.
• In between hours – Admin tasks: check email, paperwork, running the business side, essentially
• 5pm – Household chores or extended artwork hours.
• I spend my evenings making dinner, cleaning, playing with Pedro or watching TV. Of course social media or listing down ideas.

How has your work evolved since you began to create?

Seeing things in a new light has gradually helped me make the pieces more original. Though my influence is rooted in Realism, I think I’m able to improve my ability to put things together in a more meaningful way.
I think I’m more flexible now in terms of adjusting to new situations (while carving)
In case there are imperfections or defects on the material, I believe I’m more fluent in terms of producing new ideas quickly. I really have to always work around the characteristics of the wood, which expands the “repertoire” on the kind of wood I can work with

What is one of the nicest things someone has said about your work?

In my very first exhibit in Rockwell (FilipinaZ Art Fair), a very decent looking guy was staring at one of my flora mural. I came near him, he glanced at me saying “Baliw and gumawa nito, grabe! Iba talaga ang Pilipino! The artist should be recognized!” He showed me goosebumps on his arms not knowing that I am the artist. Until now I still can’t forget the tone of his voice. The expression on his face still lingers in my memory. That was very inspiring!

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your work?

I would always dream of working with Gina Lopez. I admire her devotion, love and passion as an environmentalist. I would love to explore the Philippines with her to discover more inspiration for my art. Maybe we can also have a project to have a sustainable farm of specific wood species for the carving industry of Paete or have an organization or office where the fallen trees after the storm or the cut trees due to road widening projects will be regulated. As an educator, I also dream of having an art school where all the employees are empowered women from “rescues”. (editors note: this was written before Gina passed away in August of 2019)

Thank you so much, Charming for sharing your beautiful pieces and story with my readers. For those interested in contacting Charming or learning more:

Instagram: @charming_baldemor
Contact Number: +63917 882 8746
Studio address: Santa Rosa, Laguna
This is her personal studio, so it’s best to set an appointment before dropping by.

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Apr

2018

Shop Flora Magica: Jewelry Inspired by the Natural World

So, so proud of my beautiful cousin Liane who just launched her jewelry line Flora Magica at Shop LCP this week.

Her pieces are unique, beautifully detailed, and definitely not costume jewelry. You can pass these on to your daughter when she’s old enough. I know Nara is eagerly waiting for my Amazon (mother of pearl monstera) earrings. Here are some of the other pieces in her collection inspired by the natural world:

In case you missed this pop up, follow Flora Magica on Instagram. They will be available online very soon! 🌿✨🐞💕

The Try Local PH team was happy to be out in full support yesterday. My bag is from Dos Marias PH.

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Mar

2018

KAAYO: Modern Mindanao Clothing for the World

The universe has a funny way of bringing people together. Earlier last year, I stumbled upon a beautiful IG site that had an embroidered skirt that super called out to me. I soon discovered that it was owned by Marga Nograles who turned out to be my neighbour when I was a child in Davao! And one of my first child hood friends! From then, I have been a loyal fan of the beautiful items of her brand Kaayo.

I love what Marga is doing so much that wanted to help her shine more light on Kaayo. Because every time you own a piece of Kaayo, you own a work of art that helps sustain lives and keep tribal customs and heritage alive in Mindanao.

Tell us something about yourself.

I am Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. The only child of Binggoy Garcia Montemayor and Baby Maceda Montemayor – and wife to Karlo Nograles, who is now Congressman of the 1st District of Davao City. … I have 3 kids – Mateo 10, Massimo 7, Nikka 6.

I was born and raised in Davao and studied there till high school. For college, I moved to Ateneo in Manila then moved to New York after college. In NY I worked for the Department of Tourism in the Philippine Consulate, we would do balik Philippines campaigns wherein we invite all Filipinos to come back and visit the Philippines. I remember setting up a Fashion show with philippine designers in the New York consulate to promote local weaves of the Philippines. It was jam packed! This was around 20 years ago!

After New York, I worked with L’Oréal Philippines and then Paul Smith Philippines. – on the side, I had a business making gift with purchase bags for different brands – again incorporating local weaves into the bag designs.

After Paul Smith, I decided to move back to Davao since I was awarded the local Sub Distributorship of Havaianas in South East Mindanao. I remember before this, I approached Havaianas for a project where we could maybe embellish the pairs with local shells, wood, beads and weaves, it was a long back and forth with Brazil but eventually they said – maybe try to be a distributor in your area first. I have had Havaianas for 13 years. It was always and will always be a gift. And I will always be forever grateful.

Kaayo my passion project started just early last year.

Marga with some of her Kaayo partners in Mindanao. Look at their beautiful jackets!

Baby Montemayor, Marga’s mom and a driving force of Kaayo also.

How did Kaayo begin? What exactly does it mean?

Kaayo means “Goodness” in Bisaya.

I have always dreamt of having my own brand. I love fashion and I love making my own clothes. My Lola Pat would always tell me – every year – “Margarita I really think you should make your own clothes already!!” I felt, and still feel that there is so much talent out there — and I don’t think I am able to compete with that. With Kaayo, more than making my own clothes, I am able to help communities, preserve and promote culture and weave that into fashion and lifestyle. really the best of both of my worlds!

So this year I decided to go for it. Kaayo is not just mine, but the weavers, the beaders, the tribes, the young designers and all the Mindanaoanas that help bring our stories to life.

Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines for 2018!

What materials are often used in your designs?

For fabric I use chambray, cotton, neoprene, linen and any weave that the tribes can embroider, sew and bead on.

My focus is more on the handiwork of embellishing a piece. Like with the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe, we do a lot of natural dyeing plus we use a lot of beads and threads for pom-poms. With the Tboli tribe, we use tons of threads for embroidery and a whole lot of beads for hand beading.

We also work with weaves from the tribes.

Marga’s adorable daughter

Migs Nograles

What is your design process like? Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in everything.

Sometimes I think it’s too much. There is always something new i want to do and I easily get bored. So after one project I jump to another one – and then another one. There is always something happening in Kaayo.

For my design process, I find pegs, make my mood boards then I set meetings with my team, my collab partners (depending on what project it is) then we start making samples. While samples are being made, I meet with the tribes to show them what I want done with the samples that are about to be ready. After the samples are done, they are sent to Davao, then sent to the tribes I wait for their samples to be done – then we do a back and forth before we start final production.

Stylist Meg Manzano rocking her Kaayo scarf

Kaayo’s slogan is modern Mindanao, can you share more about Mindanao and your roots?

I was born and raised in Davao. I always tell my friends that I am a “probinsiyana” and I have always been proud of that.

There is so much culture, talent and beauty in Davao. Our beaches, our mountains, our organic produce, fruits, cheese, vegetables and especially our indigenous tribes. There are 11 indigenous tribes in Mindanao. Each with its own charm and character. We are strong, talented and creative.

So with Kaayo, I am excited to create different stories and collaborations to bring together the best of Mindanao showcasing all facets of the island.

How does KAAYO promote livelihoods?

Kaayo is able to give sustainable livelihood to 3 women’s groups right now. One group from the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe and two groups from the Tboli tribe of Lake Sebu.

These women are my business partners. I collaborate with them, i ask them their inputs and they tweak many designs to fit their customs, traditions, and their dreams. – I give them money to produce, then I buy all their work, with their mark up.

This year I am also looking for training programs to bring to them and my dream is for Kaayo to also be able to send their children to school.

I want to empower these women and I want to let them know that with their talent, they can provide sustainable livelihood for their family and give their children a better future and I will always be here to support them.

Do you accept custom orders?

Right now I cannot. I am a very new brand and with the back and forth that is required, pieces don’t come out exactly the way it was supposed to be. – it somehow evolves as we go along. From colors, to beads, to weaves, to cuts. In the future hopefully, we will be able to take in custom orders.

Where do you hope for Kaayo to be in the next few years?

In the next few years I would like to see more collaborations, more products and more projects with the tribes and Mindanao. I constantly wants to bring the beauty of Mindanao to as many people as possible and inspiring Kaayo (“goodness”) to everyone we touch.

Where can people purchase Kaayo items?