News and Features
Banglos, Contreras, Daambakal Sculptors Use Volcanic Rock At The National Arts Fair Exhibit
[February 28, 2007] - Fisherfolk-artists from Barangay Banglos in General Nakar, Quezon take their skills a notch higher for a worthy cause. Through the initiative of Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), they became skilled in the art of woodcarving as an alternative livelihood – creating art using the same pieces of wood carried by mudslides that destroyed their homes in December 2004.
Today, the Banglos Sculptors are also carving volcanic rock. Also under the tutelage of renowned sculptor Rey Paz Contreras, they are again creatively using materials that were once only associated with destruction.
The rocks were spewed out by Mayon Volcano last year, burying entire barangays in Albay, Bicol.
The Banglos Sculptors are now making pieces that feature mixed media (including Nakar wood and Albay volcanic rocks) which will be on display at the National Arts Fair at Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, from February 28 to March 4.
With the support of Smart, they intend to eventually share their knowledge and skills with the Gawad Kalinga communities in Bicol. Drawing from their own experience and acquired skills, the Banglos Sculptors hope to help them start a livelihood using the very materials that ravaged their community. @
