From Craftsmen to Artists: Engaging and Empowering Philippine Woodcarvers

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会议名称:“2022世界木材日”研讨会暨第四届国际林联(IUFRO)林产品文化研究组讨论会
会议时间:2022年3月22日

报告嘉宾:Consuelo Dl. Habito
嘉宾简介:菲律宾开放大学 教授


摘要

In the early days, there was a huge chasm dividing crafts people/ woodcarvers from sculptors from the Philippines. Renowned Philippine sculptor like Napoleon Abueva and other artists like him have earned their distinction for having learned their craft from Fine Arts institutions whereas woodcarvers who have been carving all their lives remain as the unknown and lowly woodcarver. Since 2013, there has been several activities that have empowered the lowly woodcarver to up their game and be recognized for their work. The University of the Philippines Open University established the first woodcarving competition participated on by woodcarvers from the three known towns in the Philippines that have earned a reputation for their woodcarving of religious images and altars, furniture, and folksy Philippine scenes. Workshops participated on by woodcarvers were organized with the help of artists while competitions became annual events. In recent years, despite the threat of the covid-19 pandemic, the woodcarvers have dared to compete in prestigious national art competitions. The local government units of the woodcarving towns have supported local woodcarving events with certificates and cash prizes. Some of the winners were given chances to join international wood carving events hosted by the World Wood Day and the IWCS. The woodcarvers now enjoy the recognition of their craft and their artistry, and continue to reap the benefits of collaboration among fellow artists, engagement with their community and the recognition bestowed by international organizations such as WWD and IWCS.

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