"Function Conjunction," the exhibit title, put emphasis on the utilitarian aspect of pottery. I suspect the reason Jon asked me to join this particular exhibit was because he knew about my using pottery for my cactus/succulent collection, and I wasnt about to refuse the offer. After all, what "pothead" would pass up the opportunity to be able to exhibit alongside some of the greatest names in Philippine pottery?
I figured that I wasnt about to change the way I do pottery either. Each piece had to be able to stand on its own, but I would complement each design with a succulent from my collection. And so to work I went, producing more than 20 pieces that were all exhibited (save for one which broke during Milenyos wrath) and to which I added three already existing pieces. The plants were chosen according to what best fit each work. And apparently my ideas worked I sold nearly half on opening night! The exhibit closed last Oct. 11, but I will forever remember the excitement of that first evening.
This article is probably only the first or second time that I am able to combine all three of my passions: pottery, succulents and photography. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them and making the pottery. Many thanks to Jon, Ugu, Jaime, Pete Cortes, Adee Mendoza, Lope Bosaing and Pablo Capati for their encouragement and inspiration.
E-mail Succulentophile at succulentophile@yahoo.com.