Inspiring Words From Kenneth Cobonpue

For people who aspire to design stuff, like me, Kenneth Cobonpue is a rock star, a god in the world of design, simply because he has paved the way for many other Filipinos to show that we're capable of producing luxurious items even in our supposedly Third World setting.

Today, I read an interesting article about him and it provided quotes on how he felt about his work.  I was moved by his firm intent on putting "Made in the Philippines" in his work - a move which was not favored in the beginning, but soon reaped benefits for him.  I'm glad that he has insisted that his work be identified as his - and in a way - as ours - since just one look at his work would show to anyone that - well, that's 'very Filipino'!  

I don't think he needs the imprimatur of a Louis Vuitton or Kenzo to prove that his work is world-class.  I've always believed we're world class in many ways, we just have to show the world that we are.

Why Not A Bamboo Car?

Well, this is not the bamboo/rattan car Kenneth Cobonpue designed but since I could not find pics, yet, on the net, of what he designed, I came upon this picture of bamboo car, which ws designed in a Japanes technolohical center.  It looks quaint and organic and is good for the environment!  Will we see a slew of this in the near future?  Why not?  There should be roads available for cars like this!

Now I Understand the Genius of Kenneth Cobonpue

 I am not really a design critic but I have always been proud of the honor, fellow Cebuano, Kenneth Cobonpue has given to Philippine furniture design to connoisseurs worldwide.  However, before, I never really understood why he was so popular - maybe because I would always be shocked to know how much he charges per piece of furniture and maybe because he also uses indigenous materials which are so common to me, I didn't understand what the fuss was all about.

However, everytime I now see the much vaunted Italian or Scandinavian design, I now finally understood why his work was so revolutionary and so fresh.  From my own point of view, it's the fluidity of the design that makes it so wonderful - and it feels like each piece has its own soul - like it is a breathing being because the material used is also organic and from nature.  Some Italian or Scandinavian designs now, appear to me somewhat cold, or mass-produced, despite the hype that surrounds them. When you see a Kenneth Cobonpue chair, you feel like it was fashioned from the waves of the ocean or the gusts of a wind - and it's something you really want to touch and run your fingers through the contours and shape of the piece.