By KC Santos
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA -Ming Ong-Moya believes that there is a need for artists to remind people the value of Filipino jewelry art.
“We are a country with people who have forgotten, if not fully ignored the value of art in whatever context because they think only basic needs are important in this time,” Ming says.
Ming is the designer and proprietress of Kathang Kamay & Obra, an accessory and clothing business which she started in 2003. Her aim is to heighten the people’s awareness of art by enjoining it with a basic need like clothing.
“This is where I was able to find myself. Most of the clothes and accessories that I design are a reflection of my life and other people’s experiences which transcends in wearable art,” she says.
Ming, who is currently finishing her master’s degree in Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, previously worked as a graphic designer but later decided that a decade was already too long and that it was time for her to find something she would really be passionate about.
She would later cross paths with Haydee Rozul, who took her initial works in for consignment in her shop, Souk Gallery. Stylists for different magazines took interest in Ming’s work, which paved the way for her works to become known to even more people.
Ming combines research on post-modern art with techniques in sculpture and painting. However, she uses unconventional materials such as resin, copper wire, and hardware excesses to give her creations an art nouveau look.
She also applies more intricate metalworking techniques like repoussé and “chasing” to give malleable materials added texture and make the accessories look one of a kind.
Overlapping this technique is her fascination of traditional jewelry art by the Ilonggots and Maranaos, which further gives Ming’s creation a unique identity in the realm of jewelry design.
“You can’t just create. Sometimes it pays to do a more in-depth research to make simple things like accessories look grand and the designer well-rounded,” Ming says.
Vintage clothes serve as canvas for her paintings which she makes using textile paint. Ming uses only vintage clothes for her Obra collection. “I look at these clothes as diaries. What inspires me is what’s reflected on these clothes,” she says, adding her inspiration usually revolved on angst and painful experiences in the past.
Ming believes that the reason behind the lack of appreciation is the lack of theory-based information on jewelry art. This is why she also gives lessons on art appreciation, painting and accessory making particularly during summer.
Ming uses these short classes to teach people the importance of originality and high regard for other designer’s artistic effort.
“I’m very strict about copying others’ works. I always remind my students that each one of them is capable of doing their own unique style. The materials which they choose and the overall output is after all, the reflection of who they are,” Ming says.
In bazaars, where Kathang Kamay products are often seen, Ming sells her wearable art from P150 to P4,500. Her accessories are also still consigned at Ishq at Astoria Plaza, Souk Gallery, Schu at Glorietta, Mag:Net Plus Branches, Irene’s Closet Bel-Air, and Muchachas at Tiendesitas.
“In essence, jewelry is like a miniature sculpture. I hope everyone learns how to look at locally made jewelry as a sophisticated form of art,” Ming says.
Get more information about Kathang Kamay & Obra
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