Culture
Athens Wood Sculptor Expands Business
By: Olivia Bevan
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Fine art wood sculptor Mamerto Tindongan, whose career began with a fallen tree, is branching out.
The Athens artist’s company, MGT Studio, is now selling artwork in galleries. In the past, Tindongan sold his work at art shows, which had its drawbacks.
“It’s energy depleting, exhausting…all the preparations,” said Tindongan.
MGT Studio began when Tindongan moved to Delaware from the Philippines. During a storm, a nearby magnolia tree was uprooted, and he was inspired to put his childhood sculpting skills back to work.
Later, he and his wife moved to Athens to attend graduate school.
He disagrees with people who think his studies of International Affairs and Geography at Ohio University aren’t related to his art work. According to Tindongan, all of his work is influenced by his life’s experiences, including his time at OU.
“I tried to incorporate what I learned from the school into my art,” he explained. “Life itself inspires me. And my medium (wood), it’s so alive.”
An exhibition featuring Tindongan’s artwork is opening Friday, Sept. 21 at Fidel’s Fine Arts Studio in Parkersburg.
More of Tindongan’s artwork can be seen at the Market on State, formerly the University Mall, in Athens.
For more information, visit www.mamertotindongan.com.