Meet Lala Gallardo-Samson. Photo by Karlo Samson via Philippine Star Lifestyle.
Meet Lala Gallardo-Samson, a painter and mixed media artist known for the ethereal and haunting subjects she chooses for her intricate papercut artworks. We met her last year when she took slab pottery with Mia Casal at the workshop, and learned a bit later, upon recommendation by our resident printmaking facilitator Fara Manuel, of her beautiful papercut works. It took a while to organize, but we’re thrilled she’s sharing her expertise in papercutting with us. Her second workshop happens this weekend! I think it’s just about full. 🙂
Zombiepocalypse. Photo from Lala Gallardo’s FB page.
How long have you been crafting? What got you started?
As I child I did a lot of crafts, and we were taught basic sewing and such in school for Home Economics. But I was painting for most of my adult life (I went to UP College of Fine Arts – Studio Arts) and only really started using crafts techniques sometime in 2007, when I decided to give paper cutting a go for an upcoming group show.
What’s your favorite medium? Why?
I like using a lot of different types of mediums, from oil to acrylic to plastic. Recently I love paper because it’s so simple, doesn’t take up much space (I presently don”t have a studio). And cheap!
No End In Sight. Illustration. Image taken from Lala’s FB Page.
Tell us about your favorite projects.
A few years ago I participated in the Transcultural Exchange’s “Coaster’ and “Tile” project. I made small scale works (4x 4 in), a hundred in total, and mailed them to various cities around the world where they were exhibited. I used aluminum sheets and spray paint, bathroom tiles, and epoxy putty to make my pieces. It was a lot of fun, and challenging to make so many pieces in such a small size.
What’s the one crafting skill you’ve always wanted to master/learn?
Crochet. I really suck. My mom is pretty good at it and made bedsheets and curtains when she was pregnant with us. I can’t even make a doily.
You Are Consuming Me. Image taken from Lala’s FB Page.
What are you currently working on?
I’m planning a solo show in my head. I’m wishing for a slot in a nice gallery. I haven’t started on any paintings yet because as I said, I have no studio. But I have so many concepts percolating in my head.
What’s your dream project? What have you done to make it happen so far?
To go on an artist in residence program in Japan. Still in idea form. Percolating.
Broken Heart. Image taken from Lala’s FB Page.
Aside from crafting what else do you do?
Mom duty. I have a 2 year old son. And freelance illustration work.
How does creativity influence the other areas in your life?
Even the small stuff, like for example my son’s lunch, I try to make interesting. That’s why I have a lot of bento making tools in my kitchen. I like making him home made play dough, sidewalk chalk. I try to raise him in a creative environment because that’s how I was raised.
Image taken from Lala’s FB Page.
Any advice for other aspiring crafters?
Try to push the boundaries of your chosen craft. Like, don’t just stick to doilies, make some crazy looking crochet sculptures. Crafts can go beyond lola-ness.
What do you do to beat a ‘creative block’?
I listen to music. Or I watch films. I’m a huge film geek. I get a lot of inspiration from it.
Give us 3 crafting essentials you must have in your toolbox at all times.
My X-acto knife. Scissors. A sharp pencil.
Daphne. Image taken from Lala’s FB Page.
Why should people get their hands busy (and start crafting)?
So the human race doesn’t end up a mass of internet/ smartphone addicted drones.
Where can we find your work?
www.lalagallardo.com