An afternoon of sun and rain, smoke rising from a pile of charcoal, and the nourishment of a community through stories shared. Dula-Dula: Terracotta Clay Workshop continued its second session at Studio Balay, Talay, as participants got to witness the process of firing their clay artworks, and an opportunity to hear the stories of the artists, their process, and their inspirations.
The artists Dyn Quilnet, Hemrod Duran, Jana Jumalon, and Mikoo Cataylo demonstrated the process of firing from the proper handling of the delicate uncooked clay artworks to loading the pit and then finally starting the charcoal that would soon turn the grainy, brittle, yellow raw pieces of clay into the well-known smooth, durable, red pieces of terracotta.
As the coals burned, the artists and participants engaged in an artist talk. In the spirit of Bahandi, the artists talked about their individual artworks—their connection to the environment, to childhood, and to history and heritage. While the purpose of the workshop was to teach the art of terracotta, what mattered most was the building of a community especially addressing the dwindling craft of terracotta, a craft so connected to Negros Oriental history, heritage, and culture. The hope we hold is that Dula-Dula will have inspired a following generation of artists, one that follows the stories of the artists of Bahandi—being immersed in a community of artists and the development of their craft that started off simply as playing with soil.
With Mugna Gallery now in its fourth year, it was only a matter of time for the gallery to expand by bringing workshops to the younger generation of artists and students, and highlighting the significance of immersing the gallery’s guests in a community that appreciates and loves local art, culture, and history.
Thank you to our guests, teachers, and students.
Bahandi runs until 26 July 2026.
