By ELIZABETH LOLARGA
Photos courtesy of REYME V. FAURILLO JR. and JOAN GELI DORONILA
BARELY seven years have passed since Sinag de Leon began exhibiting her paper-cut art. But already she has had 10 solo show and joined just as many group exhibits. Integrated in her shows are skills sharing and training workshops.
Her day job is with the University of the Philippines Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts under the UP Diliman Chancellor’s office. At nearby Likha Diwa Vegetarian and Seafood Café hangs de Leon’s 10th solo exhibit, “Paper Rainbows.”
More of her paper cuts are included in the group show “Paglikha at Pagsulong” at the new UP Integrated School’s administration building. Her co-exhibitors and fellow UPIS alumni there are Jemil Araos, Roberto Corbin, Matthew Doronila, Ulysses Imbang and Raul Roco Jr.
De Leon started exhibiting her paper cuts in 2007. The year 2010 was when she had her first solo show. She was elated with the response, saying, “I realized that there was a market for my works.”
Raised in a family of nationalists who have shown her how to give back to the community, she has done paper art workshops in schools, galleries, museums in Metro Manila, Antipolo, Angono, Bacolod and Baguio.
She said her most memorable workshop was the one at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila, for Greenpeace during its M/Y Esperanza Open Boat Days in July last year. It was a two-day activity with a mixed group of parents, kids and Greenpeace volunteers.
“It was tiring but satisfying. We had many participants who were up to the challenge of making their paper cuts even though they had limited time. The workshops were held while they waited for their turn to tour the boat. Some returned to the paper art activity area after their tours to finish their cut-outs or learn more techniques,” De Leon recalled.
She said, “I’m thrilled when participants tell me that after a bit of practice, they’re happy to do it on their own. Art teachers enroll because paper cutting is an activity they can share with their classes. They let me know when they’ve had their activity and show me photos of their students’ works. Many parents and kids have taken up paper cutting as a hobby. The adults consider it a form of therapy to relieve them of stress or boredom.”
She said she feels “good, happy and free” whenever she embarks on a new paper cut. “I’m creating something new even if it’s something my hands are familiar with the sensation of cutting paper. Cutting folded paper is not that difficult, but I make a conscious effort to take different twists and turns with the scissors so that there will be a new design. Knowing that people appreciate what I do also adds to the desire to challenge myself. Just looking at my cut-outs inspires me.”
De Leon considers her paper art no different from her childhood and youth activities (painting, drawing, dancing ballet, playing the piano). She said, “These art forms require concentration and focus. What sets paper cutting apart is the knowledge that it is something I can be very good at.”
She generally uses handmade paper from Iloilo, Negros, Baguio, Bicol and Davao. It helps that family and friends give her paper as pasalubong when they travel to places that produce handmade paper.
Apart from making affordable cards and bookmarks, she has gone into incorporating paper cuts in three-dimensional objects (papier mache horses, tables, chairs and lamps) through the decoupage technique.
She went into a collaboration with sculptor Jerry Araos before he died in 2012. He was building his family home and asked de Leon to do paper-cut designs. These were later carved on wood, then installed as ceiling ventilations. She said, “I feel great that I contributed to that project. I hope the Araos family is happy with the designs. If there are offers of similar architectural collaborations in the future, I’ll gladly accept them.”
De Leon also shares her art for worthy causes. Proceeds from the sales in her solo show go to the UP Mountaineers (UPM) search and rescue (SAR) team. The team is made up of members willing to be trained and to volunteer their time and skills for relief operations and rescue efforts. Ninoy Leyran and Romi Garduce lead this team.
The paper cut artist said, “I am happy that I can still contribute to UPM, even if it’s mostly by joining SAR training and other activities. As a former UPM president, I can mobilize other members to help or join the SAR team. That is an important aspect of the organization.”
“Paper Rainbows” is up until Jan. 12 at Likha Diwa on C. P Garcia Ave., Brgy. Krus na Ligas, Diliman, Quezon City.
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