National Living Treasures: Eduardo Mutuc

Eduardo Mutuc is a master artist renowned for his religious and secular works in silver, bronze, and wood. His meticulously crafted retablos, mirrors, altars, and carosas adorn churches and private collections, ranging from grand pieces over forty feet tall to delicate, finely detailed creations. Despite the prestige of his work, Mutuc operates from a modest studio in Apalit, Pampanga, sharing space with a tailoring shop. Recent floods damaged his workspace, but Mutuc remains unfazed, embodying resilience and dedication to his craft.

Mutuc discovered his talent for sculpture and metalwork relatively late, at age 29, when he transitioned from farming to woodcarving to support his growing family. Starting as an apprentice in furniture carving, he faced challenges but developed skills that later proved invaluable. Though his early earnings were meager, poverty drove him to persevere. His breakthrough came after five or six years when a colleague taught him silver plating, a technique used to embellish religious artifacts. This skill allowed him to branch out on his own, leading to commissions like a tabernacle for a Quezon City parish. His work, inspired by Spanish colonial designs, gained popularity, especially during Holy Week and Christmas.

Mutuc’s creative process begins with detailed drawings, which he transfers onto woodblocks and meticulously carves. He then covers the wood with metal sheets, hammering out designs with precision. The final steps involve dipping the metal in molten silver—a hazardous task—and polishing to reveal intricate details. Each piece presents unique challenges, whether in scale or precision, and mistakes can be costly due to the expense of materials like brass and silver. However, Mutuc’s expertise has reduced errors over time.

His works are more than decorative; they enhance the spiritual atmosphere of churches, providing focal points for worship and reflection. Mutuc’s handmade pieces, particularly his lifelike cherubs, stand out for their individuality and expressive quality, achieved through careful craftsmanship. He emphasizes the importance of respecting tools and materials, teaching his students proper techniques to avoid fatigue and mistakes. Mutuc believes true mastery comes from immersion, practice, and a commitment to perfecting one’s craft, rather than seeking quick profits.

Despite economic challenges reducing commissions, Mutuc continues to find inspiration in religious art, creating pieces that blend tradition with his unique vision. His dedication to preserving and advancing his craft ensures that his legacy endures, enriching both sacred and secular spaces with his artistry.