Start with this thought: The task of leading a diverse people, scattered over 7,000 more than islands, now rests on the shoulders of our newly sworn-in officials. The burden of nation-building, however, rests on all Filipinos. This is why now more than ever, unity and love for country is paramount.
It’s deep food for thought, one that requires a still setting, a calm room and a comfortable chair conducive to reflection.
And while it’s definitely not a new thought, its repeated appearance in Filipino consciousness does not make it any less relevant from when it was first brought up.
There’s a man that encourages Filipinos to give this and other national issues a good mulling over, and also gives them the materials to stimulate the internal discourse — all the way down to the comfy thinking chairs.
He is none other than artist and furniture craftsman Clifford Espinosa of Espinosa Arts and Design (EADE) — a previous apprentice of master craftsman Jerusalino “Jerry” Araos for eight years — who believes that art should not only express beauty, but also contribute to the preservation of nature and culture.
He expresses this ideal in his newest collection Perlas ng Silangan (Pearl of the Orient) that will be on display at the Globe Art Gallery in Bonifacio Global City until July 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Perlas ng Silangan collection, like many of EADE’s pieces, is composed of furniture that easily doubles as works of art made from reclaimed and upcycled wood like Narra, Ipil and Yakal.
Pieces represent the three colors of the Philippine flag, and the three major islands Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao all coming together. More importantly, they reflect Clifford’s philosophy of sustainability, harmony with the Earth as well as Filipinos’ hard work, ingenuity and indomitable spirit.
Rich cultural symbolism is in every detail of his masterpieces. One example is the unique “interlocking system†he uses to put pieces together. No nails are ever used; every wooden piece simply fits together perfectly, every color combination is thought over, signifying that the vision of a brighter future can only be achieved when we come together as one people and one nation.
Clifford has become a master himself, training future craftsmen in the style of his mentor that emphasized discipline, attention to detail, precision and technique over artistic flair.
For more information about Espinosa’s collection of art-furniture or to make an appointment to visit the exhibit, contact (0917) 595 5480 or (0927) 721 2478. Log on to www.eade.ph or follow EADE on social media: Facebook and Instagram: @eade.ph; Twitter and Pinterest: @eade_ph.   
