Taking a Moment

A Show of Serene Proportions

Sculptor and teacher Carmel Lim embarks on her debut solo exhibit as she explores the limits of ceramics to express the limitless expanse of the outdoors. A show six years in the making, Lim drew inspiration from her adventures as a mountaineer, conquering the peaks of Mt. Apo, Mt. Iraya, Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Kalawitan, and Mt. Kanlaon. The artist found unparalleled serenity amidst nature, expressing, “I was changed by the wonderful moment after the challenge of physical exertion and mental cleansing.”
Wanting to share the peace and tranquility with those around her, she decided to marry the natural lines of nature with the rigidity of ceramics, which is the medium close to her heart and that she teaches at the International School Manila. “I was driven by capturing fluid lines and forms on the final hard state; the free flowing made permanent,” Lim explains. “I love texture and being drawn in to scrutinize the details of a work.” She was fascinated by the challenge of pushing the limits of the fragility of clay while maintaining its imprint, which proved as cathartic as her sojourns into the mountains.
As Lim encourages us to take a moment, she provides the perfect venue as her exhibit opens on August 12, 2011 at the Corredor Gallery of the College of Fine Arts (the artist’s Alma Mater) at the University of the Philippines. The exhibit, which is curated by Nestor Vinluan, runs until the 2nd of September.

Written by Cherry Tan