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.
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. (Maricris Jan Tobias)
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