Debbie Carlos is a Michigan-based artist and photographer who grew up in Manila, Philippines where she derives inspiration from both nature and the Tagalog culture. Our partnership with Debbie began in 2013 when she documented the Unison studio and warehouse along with select artists and suppliers. The partnership continued in 2017, when her images were prominently featured in the Fall catalog.
But photographs are only the beginning when it comes to this artist’s impressive work. After developing a successful career as a fine art and commercial photographer, Debbie decided to explore new mediums and has since become a talented ceramicist. In 2021, Unison introduced her handmade Ilog Bowls to the Holiday Collection as a limited edition run. They were a smash hit, selling out within a month of their launch. This year, another iteration of that very design has been added to the holiday collection: the Ilog White And Tan Platter.
Crafted by Hand
The Ilog White And Tan Platter has an undeniably handmade look and feel. A speckled white satin glaze flows over the stoneware surface, pooling and dripping down the sides before hardening into its final form. Ilog (pronounced ee-lohg) actually means “river” in Tagalog, a name inspired by this noteworthy feature. Part of what makes the Ilog Collection so fascinating is how this glaze never fails to create distinctive and unexpected patterns. By allowing the glaze to flow freely, Debbie is able to capture a more naturalistic look that reflects the movement of river water.
The ceramic base of the Ilog Platter and its glazed accents work together seamlessly. Crafted from speckled tan ceramic stoneware, the base’s raw texture creates a tactile contrast to the smooth white glaze. The neutral tan and white tones complement one another, while the sheen of the glaze stands out against the matte base.
The Ilog Platter taps into a philosophy that Debbie has carried with her throughout her artistic endeavors. It features a playful quality that brings a sense of delight to the simple things. Its minimalist tones underscore that simplicity, and the flowing glaze patterns touch on the feeling of a moment captured in time — almost like a photograph.
Versatile Uses at Home
Whether you already own Ilog Bowls from the previous limited run, or you’re new to Debbie’s work, you’ll find that the Ilog White And Tan Platter carries an impressive number of potential uses in the home. Its gently sloped sides create a perfect border for snack plates that brim with fruits, cheeses and crackers or delicious side dishes for sharing, like roasted vegetables or freshly baked rolls.
Those lucky enough to own an Ilog Bowl can combine the two to create a coordinated spread for family meals or dinner parties. The 12″ size can also function as a dinner plate, providing plenty of space for generous individual servings. This remarkable serveware piece can remain on display in your kitchen in between every day uses and special occasions, as it is something you’ll want to proudly highlight as an artistic contribution to the home.
Learn more about the Ilog White And Tan Platter