Chester Ocampo at Sining Kamalig

MANILA, Philippines - For artist Chester Ocampo, depicting trees must include the very source of the subjects’ totality: the roots. Ocampo’s works created using the unique technique of wood-heating and etching will be presented from Oct. 29 to Nov. 12. at the Sining Kamalig Gallery at the Gateway Mall, Araneta Center in Cubao.

Ocampo’s roots twist in expressive anguish or move into a graceful dance depending on the mood it wants to convey.

He says, “Both art and science must explore cosmic and earthly forces that form our planet’s flora and fauna. Trees achieve full form and essence in natural formation in our environs. Forests are formed naturally. They provide us with the much-needed chemical balance to help us with survival.”

One of Ocampo’s wood-heated and etched artworks

In his work, the artist renders a freshly different artistic interpretation — his trees are etched by applying heat to the wooden canvass with various copper bits and then laid over with stain and wax to finish. The result is the exhibition of more than 20 artworks on display at Sining Kamalig.

After teaching arts and crafts at the Manila Waldorf School where he specialized in woodworks, he immersed himself in studying the craft of wood-heating. He has recently returned to teaching on a part-time basis and plans to introduce this method in the curriculum.

“My artworks represent the elements earth and fire. The medium wood signifies earth and the heat-generated wood-burning pen, personifies fire.” His medium is the very essence of his subject.

Ocampo prefers to use the gentle effect of wood stain to bring out the natural pigments created on the heated parts of the wood. What had been accomplished is how the combination wood and heat can be used once again, this time as a medium for artistic rendering. 

Finally, wax is applied on the almost-finished artwork. Wax is less toxic and natural, although more labor intensive but creates a natural glow casting different shadows on the artwork. The artwork is waxed and bullied several times to assure a protective coat.

“My Trees” is on view from Oct. 29 to Nov. 12 at Sining Kamalig, fourth floor, The Oasis, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

For information, e-mail siningkamalig@gmail.com.