Ramon Orlina Through the Glass | Sculpture Techniques, Museo Orlina, and Empowering Young Artists

Summary

The speaker shares their journey from studying architecture to becoming an artist. Initially pressured by family to pursue a stable career, they eventually found a passion for working with glass, particularly in stained glass sculptures. After declining scholarships to study abroad, the speaker collaborated with Republic Glass and experimented with the material. Overcoming challenges, they completed notable commissions, including a mural for a hotel. Later, they established their own studio and a museum in Tagaytay, helping inspire the next generation of Filipino artists while reflecting on their successful and fulfilling career.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker was offered a scholarship to study in America or Europe, but he declined.
• 👨‍🎨 He initially wanted to pursue a career as an artist but opted for architecture due to his father’s advice.
• 🏛️ He studied architecture at USC and worked with Carlos Arguelles, gaining practical experience.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He observed that many architects stayed in their jobs for stability to support their families, but he wanted more freedom.
• 🏢 After working for a few years, he resigned and started his own architecture firm, Ramon Orlina and Associates.
• 🖼️ He experimented with glass as a medium for painting and had a successful solo art exhibition in 1975.
• 🏗️ He was commissioned to create a sculpture for Silahis Hotel, which took 10 months to complete.
• 🔨 The speaker emphasized the complexity of working with glass, including cutting, grinding, and polishing.
• 💍 He avoided getting married early to focus on his career, but is now happily married to a lawyer.
• 🏛️ In 2013, he opened a museum in Tagaytay, where he showcases his glass art and supports local artists.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial career aspiration, and why did they change their plans?

The speaker initially wanted to be an artist, but their father discouraged them, saying they would starve. As a result, the speaker decided to study architecture, which was closer to art but also more practical.

How did the speaker's college experience influence their decision to pursue architecture?

During college, the speaker's professor informed them that only one section out of four would graduate, which was a competitive environment. This challenge shaped their career path, and later, their work with architect Carlos Arguelles further solidified their interest in the field.

What was the speaker's advice for architecture students, and what personal experience influenced this advice?

The speaker advised architecture students not to get married early. They learned this from their own experience and from seeing fellow architects with families who prioritized job stability over personal ambition.

What significant career decision did the speaker make after working with Carlos Arguelles?

After four years of working with Carlos Arguelles, the speaker decided to resign and start their own architecture firm, 'Ramon Orlina and Associates,' as they did not want to work for someone else for their entire life.

How did the political situation during Marcos' era affect the speaker's architecture projects?

During Marcos' time, the speaker's projects, including a 15-story building in Ermita, were halted as a result of political changes and the economic impact of his regime.

What led the speaker to experiment with glass as an art medium?

The speaker's interest in using mirrors for space manipulation in architecture sparked their curiosity to experiment with glass as an artistic medium. They began experimenting with enamel paint on glass in 1974 and later held their first successful one-man art show in 1975.

Why did the speaker decline a scholarship offer related to glass art?

The speaker declined a scholarship to study glass art abroad because they wanted to learn about the glass-making process locally by visiting Republic Glass, a factory in the Philippines. They were more interested in understanding how glass was made than studying it overseas.

What was the significance of the Silahis sculpture project for the speaker's career?

The Silahis sculpture project was significant because it marked a major commission for the speaker. The project, completed in 1976 after 10 months of work, allowed the speaker to combine their architectural skills with their growing expertise in glass sculpture.

What challenge did the speaker face when working with the glass from Republic Glass, and how did they overcome it?

The speaker faced challenges in cutting and shaping the glass due to limited equipment. Over time, they improved their techniques by using more diamond-tipped cutting tools, allowing them to work more efficiently with the material.

What is the speaker's view on being an artist in the Philippines, and how does it reflect changes in the art scene?

The speaker reflected that in the past, becoming an artist was seen as a financially unstable choice, but today, artists are able to make a good living, sometimes even earning more than the speaker. They expressed happiness that the art scene in the Philippines has evolved, making fine arts a viable career path.