The Captivating Ceramic Art of MariA Magdamit

Born in Daraga, Albay, Maria Cecilia Magdamit had a natural inclination for artistic expression. Recognizing her talent and skills in art at an early age, her parents enrolled her at the high school in Bicol University School of Arts and Trades. She pursued further education by completing her degree in Fine Arts with a major in Advertising at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila.

MariA Magdamit at her exhibit in Museo ni Robredo (credit: Ping Peralta)

After college, she worked in multinational companies that handled the marketing of major consumer brands and went on to develop a successful career in advertising. She started with doing creative work in advertising production, eventually becoming an accomplished Art Director. Later, she went on her own and established her own Design Studio.

During her years in advertising, Maria never produced original art of her own apart from doing what was corporate work. However, the course of her life as an artist would change when “divine calling” struck her. Her “eureka moment” came when she saw the pottery works of Jon Pettyjohn in an art exhibition at Glorietta in Makati. The Filipino American artist pioneered high-fired stoneware in the Philippines. Previously, a tradition of roadside terracotta pottery and imported Chinaware prevailed in the country.

She signed up for Pettyjohn’s pottery classes and there she met a noted painter, artist and potter, Tensie Bello, who became her good friend and mentor. She drew inspiration from the works of these acclaimed artists which kindled her love for ceramics and pottery art. Finding her passion for ceramics would be profound and the connection with this art media would lead her to an outburst of creativity. Her sculptures are meticulously crafted, weaving elements of nature and Philippine mythology.

Categorized as hand-built and high-fired stoneware, Maria’s creations are characterized by allegorical themes and coralesque detailing that evoke a sense of enchantment and wonder. Her Diwata Series, inspired by Filipino folklore, serves as a tribute to the guardians of nature, embodying her deep reverence for the environment. Her works are characterized with dreamy impressionism and enriched with layers of vividness.

MariA Magdamit teaching art for Project HELP (Hope for Special Children Livelihood Program) in Rawis Elementary School in Legazpi City, a Bikol Kugos Artists initiative (credit: Ping Peralta)

The production of these fragile stoneware is rigorous. From hand-building the clay, wheeling it to take shape, to letting it dry for weeks, bisque firing it to harden, coloring, painting and glazing it and then placing it back again inside the high-fired kiln, Maria enjoys every meticulous step of the way. She says the creation process gives her more satisfaction and euphoria than when selling the sculpture.

Her ”Diwata Community” was a semi-finalist in the famed Metro Bank Art and Design Excellence in 2013. “Blue Hope” was a National Finalist in the MADE Sculpture Competition in 2017. She participated in the Ceramic Exchange Program in South Korea. Maria’s works also include the Filipino children at play series, inspired by her adventurous nature, and the Whimsical Circus Series.

Beyond sculpting clay, Maria’s passion extends to nurturing budding artists as a teacher at the University of Sto. Tomas in Legazpi. Her dream of establishing a pottery school reflects her commitment to paying forward her knowledge and experiences, ensuring the perpetuation of her artistic legacy for generations to come.

Maria’s exquisite ceramic artworks were recently featured at the NHCP Museo ni Jesse Robredo in Naga City from May 16 to May 31, 2024. The special exhibit titled “Bicol X” was a partnership with Lucas Global. It was attended by distinguished guests and artists from Legazpi City, Iriga City, and Naga City. The Bicol X Art Initiative is a regional art program designed to showcase and promote the diverse and rich artistic talents of the Bicol region in the Philippines.