Significant works
Mutuc uses wood, silver, and bronze to create exquisitely detailed and lifelike pieces of varying sizes: altars, mirrors, tabernacles, retablos, candelabras, picture frames, salakots, and even carosas.
Pukpuk Silver Metalwork (Panel Frame)- Eduardo Mutuc starts his metalwork project with a precise drawing. He then chisels out the intricacies on a block of wood to transfer the design. He then covers the wood with a metal sheet before carefully hammering the design out with a mallet and an old rubber lipper. He next dips the solid metal sheet in molten silver, a dangerous job that must be done outside to avoid inhaling the toxic chemicals. He then continues to hammer and polish the item to bring out the finer features.
“Pukpok of the Crucifix” metal piece by Eduardo Mutuc - A crucifix in the style of the Spanish colonial era Wood and brass combine to create the cross. The artwork is transitional; the metal "swag" may be removed, and the cross can be detached from the base and hung on the wall.
Agsam x Mutuc (Collaboration) - In 2018, Eduardo Mutuc collaborated with Agsam Fashion Fern Accessories for a sophisticated and gold-plated collection of pendants. The collaboration features the dried Agsam fern and the polished metal plates created by Eduardo. In addition, the joint effort is intended to unite the diverse influences that shaped the distinctiveness of the Philippines' cultural identity and to express the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Filipinos.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE NATION’S TRADITIONS AND CULTURE
For more than thirty years now, Tatang Eddie has made his mark as the finest metal craftsmen in the country. He introduced traditional Filipino customs and crafts to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, in his community where youth are more inclined to do other things than learn the age-old tradition of pinukpuk, Tatang Eddie was valued for his extraordinary contributions to the creation, preservation, and promotion of indigenous folk-art forms.
As a part of NCCA’s program of transferring the skill to the next generation, Mutuc trains young boys in the community by teaching them woodcarving which is a basic step, before the metal craft. He teaches his students about the respect of craftsmanship, respecting one’s tools and medium. He teaches them how to hold the chisel and hammer properly to promote ease of use and prevent fatigue and mistakes because of improper handling. AS he said, the only way to improve one’s skills is to immerse oneself, learn the technique, and to practice. Only in perfecting one’s craft can there be real reward.