EDUARDO MUTUC’S ARTWORKS

He notes that handmade pieces are finer and more

delicate than machine pressed pieces, particularly
when commissioned pieces involve human
representations. “Facial expressions are among the
hardest to do,” says Mutuc who uses different molds
for each cherub to ensure their individuality. His
cherubin are engaging creatures, whose strikingly
lifelike quality comes through the silverplate. They
look out at the worshippers with a concerned, kindly
air, seemingly on the alert to guide their prayers
upward.

.According to him, craftsmanship begins with respect

for one’s tools and the medium. The first thing he
teaches his students is how to hold the chisel and
hammer properly to promote ease of use and prevent
fatigue and mistakes because of improper handling. He
also cautions against working with an eye towards
easy money. The only way to improve one’s skills, he
says, is to immerse oneself, learn the technique, and to
practice. Only in perfecting one’s craft can there be
real reward.
 EDUARDO MUTUC
Eduardo Mutuc is an artist who has dedicated his life
to creating religious and secular art in silver, bronze
and wood. His intricately detailed retablos, mirrors,
altars, and carosas are in churches and private
collections. A number of these works are quite large,
some exceeding forty feet, while some are very small
and feature very fine and delicate craftsmanship.

For an artist whose work graces cathedrals and

churches, Mutuc works in humble surroundings. His
studio occupies a corner of his yard and shares space
with a tailoring shop. During the recent rains, the river
beside his lot overflowed and water flooded his studio
in Apalit, Pampanga, drenching his woodblocks. Mutuc
takes it all in stride.

Mutuc’s works are more than merely decorative. They

add character and splendor to their setting. His
spectacular shiny retablos that decorate an apse or
chapel provide focus for contemplation and devotion
while the faithful commune with the Divine in regular
church celebrations.
EDUARDO MUTUC