Daniel dela Cruz's prayers in metal

MANILA, Philippines - To be able to retain the inspiration and fortitude to mount five solo exhibitions in a span of three years is indeed a blessing. So the next show by metal sculptor
Daniel dela Cruz — entitled “Passage” — doesn’t merely chronicle his auspicious journey as an artist thus far; more importantly, it is a reflection of his steadfast resolve for unrelenting exploration, as well as thanksgiving for providence received as he continues to broaden his experience in the craft.

“Man’s life is a series of passages, full of arrivals and departures, crossroads and junctions. It is in our nature to seek beyond existence,” explains dela Cruz. “This show is my statement as an artist who is trying to evolve with the passage of time and the accumulation of wisdom. I believe that there is a desire in every one of us to be free from the mundane; to acquire a sense of connection with the divine. The great journey forces us to go through countless passages as we search for the truth.”

Daniel dela Cruz’s personal artistic journey took a meandering course. After earning a degree in philosophy from the University of the Philippines, he bucked family expectations to study law or medicine and worked as a product designer for a gift and décor company. Recognition of his innate artistry was forthcoming, resulting in project commissions from numerous international companies.

At age 39, however, he was determined to follow a more serious artistic path as a sculptor. “There was no particular inspiration. It felt like the right thing to do.” And one year later, in 2006, he held his first solo exhibit.

“I’m lucky that I was able to start even if it was a bit late because I already developed the necessary habits,” says Dela Cruz who believes that discipline should be fundamental. “Creativity is something you have to work on. You can’t wait for the ‘grand idea’ to just come by.” 

Although more challenging to work with, metal was always the preferred medium because, he says, “I want my works to last. There may be faster, easier materials but I live by the advice of Arturo Luz when I first started out, that there has to be permanence and value to the material that you are using.” Instead of merely resorting to casting, he employs various metalworking techniques to build up the details of the copper, nickel or chrome-plated creations. The solid elements like hands and feet, however, are carved using titanium bits. He shares that the limitation of metal is the difficultly in making small sculptures.

From the start, Daniel dela Cruz’s sculptures are easily recognizable because of the preponderance of generously proportioned women with delicate hands and feet. “My ideal of the strong, robust women in the pieces is to show inner strength and character,” he explains. “If I made the women too sexy, then there could be a tendency to see woman as ‘objects’ rather than seeing the real message.” When asked why his preference is for female subjects, he half-jokingly replies, “Because of my general interest in women. Men may deserve some recognition as well, but there is so much more beauty and grace in the female form. It is a personal preference.”

While past shows like “Kandungan” explored the themes of motherhood, friendship and love, and the most recent exhibit, “Himig,” dwelt on the musicality and beauty of woman, the focus of “Passage” is more philosophical and spiritual.

 ”The titles of each individual piece in the collection are about how we as humans strive to reach a higher plane and go beyond our limitations. In a way it is somewhat inspired by religion. It shows our wanting to get closer to the Creator by transcending our daily lives,” reflects Daniel dela Cruz. “As I continue to work with the metals, I learn about their strengths, I discover more techniques and sometimes it is a matter of trial and error to achieve balance. Art evolves with mastery and one comes to a realization that there is so much more to the material.”

And recognizing that the same statement could apply to every man as his various experiences sculpt him for life, it strikes us that “Passage” is aptly titled.

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“Passage,” the fifth solo exhibition of metal sculptures by Daniel dela Cruz, shows from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 at ArtistSpace, 2nd Floor, Glass Wing, Ayala Museum, Greenbelt Park, Makati City.