I happened to catch a replay of a documentary titled "Local Legends on Potter Ugu Bigyan" on ANC SkyCable while I was confined to the house at the beginning of a super typhoon, Uwan.
The narrative and the artist's motivations and background captivated me to the extent that no raging wind could interrupt my viewing.
Master ceramic potter Augusto "Ugu" Bigyan is one of the country's living treasures, and "Local Legends" travels to the tranquil village of Tiaong, Quezon to uncover his secrets. "Ugu" discusses how his boyhood and an accidental encounter with a renowned ceramic painter from Candelaria, a neighboring community, piqued his interest in ceramic painting.
He then demonstrates the fundamental skills of his trade and discusses significant events in his career that contributed to his international recognition.
"Ugu" also discusses the process by which he developed his unique approach and the legacy he aspires to leave behind.
He experienced burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction as a result of his transition from an artist to a mechanized automaton, despite the commercial success of his export line.
Towards the conclusion, he admitted that if he were granted the opportunity to relive his life, he would prefer to return to his agricultural origins in Tiaong and pursue pottery as an artist. It was during his early years that he was most content.
"Local Legends" also interviews Rita Gudiño, the director of the UP College of Fine Arts Ceramic Studio, to learn more about "Ugu" Bigyan's accomplishments and contributions to the fine arts in the Philippines. (This episode was initially broadcast on November 11, 2019, and it pertains to the manner in which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will influence the future of our generation.
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Al, a classmate who achieved prominence in the production and sale of handicrafts for both domestic and international markets, has heard of Jon's pottery skill and has acknowledged him as an artist. He has deep connection with CITEM, prominent personalities, Filipino artists and international buyers from Europe, America and Asia among others.
According to his narrative, he and Jon are likely distant relatives due to the Tuguegarao heritage of his mother, Z. Kanapi.
Connecting with Jon's father, he requested that a visit be arranged to his workshop in San Jose Batangas. The visit's realization necessitated some time.
Al is interested in inspecting his production line, evaluating the likelihood of exporting his works, and appreciating the art pieces that are currently available.
Jon willingly provided us with a tour of his facilities and introduced us to his female apprentices, backend staff who provided a detailed explanation of the pottery process, including the selection of clay, molding, and baking. On the side he would talk about his coffee plantation.
Al was impressed by the previous works that were observed at the farm and inquired as to why he had not been more proactive in marketing his work.
He is not inclined to commercial works, as he prefers to create as an artist and mentor talented enthusiasts, as Ugu has stated. Additionally, he favors the propagation of coffee.
Jon. Potter. Artist. A coffee farmer. That is the current calling in which he is most content.
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The Value of Being Happy
Jon's facilities in San Jose, Batangas, don't stand as a collection of missed marketing chances. Instead, they are the physical representation of a life that has been carefully planned to bring true happiness.
Al, the smart businessman, saw that there was a chance to make money by exporting the goods. But the bigger and more lasting value lies in Jon's choice to follow something more important than making money. He's not just avoiding the temptation of money; he's also engaging in the better benefits of creation, mentoring, and growth.
The pleasure he gets is tangible and can't be denied. As an artist and potter, the prize is the cool, soft clay that he can shape with his hands into something lasting and beautiful, without having to worry about what will sell. As a Mentor, what makes him happy is seeing his students get better and more confident every day. He passes on not only a craft, but also a sense of artistic ethics. As a Coffee Farmer, he stays very grounded and finds peace in the earth's honest, repetitive work.
This combination—the maker, the teacher, and the cultivator—is what makes him happy in the end. Jon's story shows that a life dedicated to being a Potter, an Artist, and a Farmer is a full and profound success in and of itself. Its value is not measured in market share or bank balance, but in the depth of meaning and peace of the mind.
Ugu's story, also Jon's story. Those are the connections I saw in Ugu and Jon. Masaya sila sa pag popotero. Ang mga obra nila ay regalo nila sa mundo.
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