Artistic intelligence for the soul: Artifeks’ Clair Barberis on championing Filipino heritage furniture

Do you have any favourite recent projects? What was the design process for it like? 

I enjoyed designing the Inukit pieces, which use textile patterns from the northern and southern regions as inspiration. Normally, textiles are seen in clothing, but I immortalise these designs into hand-carved pieces such as corbels, lamp bases, tables, cabinets, and shelves. 

I also liked creating Mr Palmer, a floor lamp that is one of our most labour-intensive pieces. We use upcycled metal cans to decrease the waste problems in our surroundings. These metal cans are cleaned, and then they're hand-cut and hammered individually into leaves. So, in this particular piece, hundreds of hand-carved leaves are gathered into branches.  

Another project I enjoyed was the papasan (bowl chair) made of resin. We remoulded the resin to look more mid-century and contemporary with a traditional Filipino design. 

How do you encourage your artisans to explore their creative side, considering their different backgrounds?  

I think it's in our culture to be easily intimidated by a louder voice. So, I encourage them to always ask questions and not feel that questions are silly. At the same time, I’d like them to practice more critical thinking and analysis. So, their creative process is not just about designing what they want but also about being able to design pieces that are both sustainable and functional.

How do you maintain a productive atmosphere amid the artisans’ different backgrounds, personalities, and work ethics?

I am still trying to crack the code. Because there was a difference in standards in education and background, we got off to a challenging start. But because they understood the bigger picture that I had in mind, the ambition that I have for the workshop, and our advocacy, they understood the vision. Constant communication on a very professional level was key to that. I can work long hours, I’m very driven. I make it clear that I also expect the same commitment.  

In a world increasingly reliant on AI technology, what is the value of people-centred design strategies and traditional craftsmanship? 

I also work with AI applications, but I’d like to rephrase it as Artistic Intelligence. AI technology is where the future is headed. There is quite an incredible benefit to AI in terms of the speed with which we can research and cross-reference the history behind certain design patterns. Knowing the history of a design is quite crucial in creating a richer, more elaborate design that integrates tradition and AI. 

I like using some AI apps to create work that is more precise in its design. But what I feel that AI will never be able to replicate is the soul and the nuances that come from conversations between myself, the artists or the creatives, and the artisans because we all come from such varied backgrounds. The interplay of these levels of expertise, the nuances, and the creations that emerge from that can never be recreated by AI.

I also enjoy watching artisans understand the benefits of using this tool. When they can combine it with their traditional work, this builds their confidence and shows them that AI can never replace them.

Why do you think it’s important for older women to be visible through their advocacies and aesthetics?   

I think for older women, there’s that feeling of being displaced or feeling lost. What do you do with this time on your hands now? So I feel that as one gets older, it’s very important to keep that sense of excitement and challenge in your life. Whether that translates to a business or an advocacy, I think there has to be the element of challenge. 

It’s fantastic if one has an advocacy. We want to leave a legacy behind. It was never a conscious decision to leave a legacy behind–it all somehow fell into place. For me, ARTIFEKS was a challenge I started from scratch. When I discovered the roadside workers’ talent and keen interest in becoming artisans, it then evolved into an advocacy. 

Having this makes me feel very present in my life, and it makes me feel more alive as I get older. I think this also prepares me for the uncertainties of the future.

What are any upcoming events/projects that readers should watch out for? 

We just opened a showroom behind Rockwell called Domisilyô, which means ‘home’. So our showroom is like a home where we display various products like our lamps, corbels, cabinets, shelves, and more. People can visit after making an appointment!

In addition, I am currently in talks with the organisers to hold two big events, one in Manila and another in Europe. Once that is finalised, I’ll be able to announce it on our various social media accounts.

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