Kenneth Cobonpue: Filipino Furniture Designer
“I wanted to do something creative. I really didn’t think about furniture. When I was just starting out, I just wanted to be a designer. Nothing in particular.” ~Kenneth Cobonpue.
Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer from Cebu. He was inspired by her mother who was also a furniture designer. He graduated in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute in New York with highest honors and subsequently worked in Italy and Germany. Cobonpue considers the furniture industry as “one of the remaining few that can propel the Philippines onto the global stage.” The artist takes pride in saying that the country’s furniture designers are better than their counterparts in Asia because we have an understanding of natural materials. He recognizes the craftsmen’s skills as they laboriously work with their hands. He also sees the need for further training of local designers, the push for their continuing education and exposure. Awards to his credit include 5 Japan Good Design Awarda, the grand prize at the Singapore International Design Competition, the Design for Asia Award of Hongkong, the American Society of Interior Design Top Pick selection and the French Coup de Coeur award. Several of his designs were selected for several editions of the International Design Yearbook published in London and New York. Phaidon’s book entitled "& FORK" underscores Kenneth's position as a leader of a new movement incorporating new technologies with crafts. He has appeared on European television, countless international magazines and newspapers around the world. Various Cobonpue designs have also appeared in full-length feature films and television such as Oceans 13 and CSI. Integrating locally sourced materials with innovative handmade production processes, Cobonpue's brand is now known around the world for its unique designs and roster of clientele that include Hollywood celebrities like Brad Pitt and members of royalty. Kenneth reveals new work each year in design shows from Paris to New York. He also speaks regularly about Southeast Asian design all over the world. In 2007, TIME magazine called him "rattans first virtuoso". For more info's, you can visit http://www.kennethcobonpue.com/. |