Bead Embroidery at its Finest

Embroidery is an art form that has existed since the 5^th century BC. It has stemmed from early civilization’s practical use of the needle and thread as a means to tailor and repair clothes, into creating elaborate patterns meant to decorate or embellish. Embroidery fits the bill of the cliché statement, “woven in the very fabric of society”, as there have relatively been no significant changes to the materials and techniques used in this art form. In fact, it has been found that early works of embroidery have set high standards of technical skill and craftsmanship rarely seen in modern times.

The culture of embroidery in the Philippines is a fine example of this. Dating back to an indigenous time period, designs native to the Philippines are being lost due to the lack of practitioners in this hand made craft. With the advent of modernity, machines, and fast-paced consumerism, the time-honored tradition of handing down techniques from generation to generation has reached a point where there are too few to teach and even fewer to willing learn.

Pinangga is an association of women homeworkers, teachers, and artists striving to preserve traditional Philippine designs. Established in 1979 by a University of the Philippines professor and artist, they continue to skillfully embroider tops, skirts, linens, and other apparels, with homeworkers from urban poor communities. Pinangga is now proudly managed by one of its original workers.  

Pinangga Bead Embroidery Scarves will soon be available at PALAMUTISHOP.COM

Keeping it real.- PJV 

"Heirlooms" by Steph Lopez

Steph Lopez is a Philippine visual artist who specializes in sculpture, using wire-art as her primary medium. With nine solo exhibits already under her belt, she will be having her first ever “all-jewelry” installation at the Boston Gallery in Cubao, Quezon City.

As a child Steph grew up enthralled by her grandmother’s stories about her life. Being born under an era where the Philippines was transitioning from four hundred years of Spanish colonization, to being purchased by an emerging United States, to being thrown in the midst of World War II under Japanese occupation; you can say that their generation is truly the first of Filipino society as we know it today.

Entitled “Heirlooms”, Steph’s upcoming exhibit is a tribute to her grandmother’s life and legacy. Her pieces are an interpretation of her grandmother’s stories. Stories filled with love and life; and the journey of a woman in a time and place that is singular in Philippine history.

Keeping it real. - PJV