Ceramics

Hand-made ceramic vessels and sculptural art by Beryl Cahapay

Being a designer has allowed me to create a broad spectrum of work for my clients. However, the need to evolve was strong and I long to create art that is solely my own. I find ceramic art highly cathartic and mesmerizing with the repetitive motion of attaching and molding clay. Inspired by fiction and the fantastic, it serves as a distraction from sometimes troubling reality. Embracing unpredictable outcomes, acceptance of blemishes, and seeing beauty in the imperfect is parallel with nature and my humanity. It is but a small drop of my collective experiences and identity. A mixture of emotions that I find difficult to express. A proof of life.

Aswang

A Collection of Philippine Monster Lore (in progress)

Even as a small child, I was always enthralled by monster lore and superstitions. I'm pursuing a body of work comprised of Philippine monsters (aswang) and my depictions of them in female forms. Each piece conveying their individual stories.

The Manananggal is a creature that detaches itself from the lower half of their body to fly off to find their victims at night. The lower body is hidden but vulnerable to attack. This piece is made of ceramic and thread representing many themes that resonate with me personally. Like the detachment I felt from leaving a country I once called home. Forever split and missing a part of my identity along with finding it difficult to connect with others. The long threads represent a few hopeful links that may help guide the way.

The top portion of the sculpture hangs on the wall, separate from the body and connected by very long threads.

Bottom half of Manananggal, connected by threads.

The Tiktik is a shape-shifting monster from Philippine folklore. It sneaks onto rooftops and lowers a thin long tongue to consume its sleeping victims. It can be repelled by garlic or a pair of open scissors. My piece invites the viewer to cut off a piece of the tongue, a long continuous ribbon protruding from its mouth. Ceramic sculpture, knotted cord, and ribbon. A spool mechanism hidden within the face.

Preserving My Eggs

(in progress)

One of the stereotypical "misconceptions" about women within my culture is that a woman's life is only complete when she becomes a mother. It's often the matriarchs or aunties giving unsolicited advice that having children is what makes a family. Without caring to know the background of the person they pressure.

Here are my eggs for everyone to view. They may not be a product of a biological process but they are of my own creation.