Philippine actress Mercedes Cabral showcasing her hand-painted ceramic pots, reflecting her fine arts background.
For Mercedes Cabral, known for her compelling performances in independent films, the global pandemic brought about an unexpected shift in focus. With acting opportunities curtailed, this celebrated Filipino actress turned to a different form of art to navigate the anxieties of uncertain times: pottery. Mercedes Cabral discovered not just a pastime, but a therapeutic and fulfilling creative outlet in working with clay.
Cabral openly shared how the pandemic heightened her anxiety, but expressed gratitude for having art to lean on. “I got to concentrate and make time with my art,” Mercedes Cabral explained. “That’s the beautiful thing about pottery; clay is a tactile medium,” she continued, emphasizing the sensory and calming nature of the craft. “The feeling of earth and dirt in your hands feels very relaxing. It’s like a dance between your hands and the clay. It’s very intimate and a bit sexy, too, to tell you honestly!” This intimate connection with the material became a cornerstone of her coping mechanism.
Portrait of Mercedes Cabral, Filipino actress and emerging ceramic artist, holding one of her unique pottery creations.
Mercedes Cabral’s foray into pottery isn’t entirely out of the blue. She holds a degree in sculpture from the prestigious University of the Philippines-Diliman’s College of Fine Arts. While her acting career took center stage, her artistic roots remained. Last year, encouraged by friends Cecille de Jesus and Lara delos Reyes, Mercedes Cabral revisited her artistic foundation by attending a Basic Wheel Throwing Pottery Workshop. This return to her sculptural background proved to be incredibly beneficial.
Pottery became more than just a hobby; it became a therapeutic practice for Mercedes Cabral in managing her anxiety. She describes the process as requiring a delicate balance of control and surrender. “You don’t just go with the flow of the wheel and clay, you have to go against it and put the right amount of pressure on it for you to manipulate and shape the clay in whatever form you want. It gives me a mind and body connection,” Mercedes Cabral elaborated. This mindful engagement with the clay allowed her to ground herself and channel her mental energy into a tangible creation.
Mercedes Cabral draws her artistic inspiration from the natural world. Plants, rocks, branches, corals, flowers, and fruits all serve as muses for her unique pottery designs. She seamlessly integrates her distinctive linear art style into her ceramic pieces, creating a signature look that is both organic and refined. However, like any artist, Mercedes Cabral faces creative challenges. She admits that the ebb and flow of inspiration can be unpredictable. Some days are filled with an overwhelming rush of ideas, while others bring a frustrating creative drought.
Close-up of Mercedes Cabral’s pottery, showcasing coral-inspired designs and intricate linear artwork.
Currently residing with her friend Cecille de Jesus, Mercedes Cabral is taking her pottery venture a step further. Living together is part of their plan to launch a collaborative pottery business. This creative partnership fosters both mutual inspiration and a healthy sense of competition, pushing both artists to refine their craft.
“Sometimes we joke that we’re gonna smash or destroy each other’s works,” Mercedes Cabral playfully reveals, highlighting the lighthearted rivalry that fuels their artistic growth. This collaborative environment provides both support and motivation as they navigate the challenges of starting a creative business.
Mercedes Cabral in her pottery workshop, demonstrating the wheel throwing technique.
Mercedes Cabral speaks warmly of her friendship with De Jesus, emphasizing the supportive nature of their relationship. When Mercedes Cabral lacked her own potter’s wheel, De Jesus generously shared hers. Together, they even constructed their own raku kiln to fire their creations. Looking ahead, Mercedes Cabral and De Jesus are expanding their pottery line to include dinnerware, anticipating the arrival of food-grade glazes to make their pieces functional for everyday use.
In terms of production, Mercedes Cabral estimates that she can create six to eight small pots, approximately 3-5 inches in height and diameter, in a single day. Her weekly output can reach 40 to 50 pieces, depending on the complexity of the designs. She notes that a simple small piece takes about an hour to create, showcasing her efficiency and dedication to her craft.
Selection of Mercedes Cabral’s finished plant pots, displaying her signature linear designs and organic forms.
For Mercedes Cabral, the affirmation of her artistic journey comes when people purchase her pottery. Each sale validates the effort, emotion, and skill poured into every piece. “Every artist knows that it’s your brain juice, heart, soul, sweat, blood and tears that you pour into your artwork,” she passionately states. “Some people may say, ‘Oh, that’s too easy! I think I can make that, too!’ But boo, no, it isn’t. [Your art] is your way of letting people know who you are.” This sentiment underscores the deeply personal and expressive nature of her pottery.
Each piece crafted by Mercedes Cabral is unique. While there may be thematic similarities within her plant pot collections, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. This handcrafted individuality is a key aspect of the appeal of Mercedes Cabral’s pottery. Mercedes Cabral and De Jesus are set to launch their collaborative tableware collection under the name Blacq Door, marking an exciting new chapter in their artistic partnership.
To explore more of Mercedes Cabral’s unique pottery, follow @mercedes__cabral (double underscore) and @blacqdoor on Instagram.
