In an industry dominated by European and North American brands, Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue is a creative force held in high regard, especially by budding Southeast Asian designers for whom he has paved the way.
The Philippines media has referred to you as a “force multiplier in the design industry”. What are your thoughts on this?
When I started out, in an industry that did not recognise manufacturers and their original designs, I wanted humble acknowledgment for my creations, so I branded my own furniture and demanded that they are sold under my name. That did not sit well with most buyers. Here was a third world manufacturer who demanded how his products were to be marketed. And let’s not forget that at the time, the Philippines was not a bankable name in the furniture industry.
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For a couple of years, no one ordered my products and the factory floor was empty. We had to lay people off. My fortune changed when I started exhibiting abroad. People who used to only source modern furniture in Italy saw my designs and started to work with me.
What I am most proud of, is that I’ve shown the world what someone from a developing nation is capable of when they learn to trust in their skills and God-given talents. I feel that my biggest achievement, however, is inspiring a new generation of Filipino designers who want to bring pride to their homeland.
How do you keep your creative juices flowing?
Everything I do today is an extension of my creative childhood. As a child, my mother used to put pen and paper in my hand whenever she could, and she encouraged me to build my own toys. I learned a lot from my mom. We have a very dynamic relationship. We argue about aesthetics, but we both appreciate the exchange of ideas. That is how beautiful things start.
I do not necessarily follow trends. But it is important to know what is current. Design always follows fashion but is about two years behind. So, if I want to know what is going to happen, I look at fashion — the colours, the textures, the silhouettes.
What advice do you have for artists and designers struggling to balance creativity and entrepreneurship?
While creativity is the heart of our craft, the entrepreneurial aspect of it is the blood. Knowing the business of our product or service supports not only our artistry but also those people who work to produce it. Budding artist-entrepreneurs should have a financial adviser and develop a sense of financial wisdom. It is important to understand cash flow.
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You were recently appointed co-chairperson of the Regional Development Council for Central Visayas of the National Economic and Development Authority. What are some changes you hope to make for your country?
There’s a long way to go. But I have guaranteed the President [of the Philippines] that I am fully supporting his administration. Whatever it takes to bring the Philippines forward, I am there. There’s not a clear blueprint of plans yet, but I am very optimistic to see better infrastructures and effective solutions to traffic. I also wish that more designers would utilise our local materials.
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