A Bacolod artist has created an unconventional Christmas tree with ornaments that represent the different cultures of Asia.
Mosaic artist Lisa de Leon Zayco’s “tree of joy” adds to the kaleidoscope of colors at her Capitol Hills home in Bacolod City that is filled with works of art.
“My home is my canvas,” she says.
Hanging on her tree are Temari balls, which she embroidered herself. Temari balls are a folk art form and Japanese craft, which originated in China in the 7th century A.D.
Also among the ornaments on her tree are small silk lanterns from Vietnam, protruding bird cages attached to bamboo sticks from Japan, Indian bangles, black and red silk balls from China, bamboo dragonflies from Vietnam, bracelets and beads from Bali, Indonesia, and trinkets from Thailand.
“I always want a tree that portrays my character… with ornaments that I make or embellish with the work of my hands…like adding birds and tassels to the bird cages, the handmade Temari balls, the beaded garlands, the Indian silk bangles I tied together,” Zayco says.
Her tree topper is a star made by one of her friends for export.
“I chose this tree topper because it reminds me of the colorful Filipino parols we often see in Pampanga, plus I wanted my tree topper to be Filipino. It also draws inspiration that we can be on top of the world if we all strive to be. This is made by an artist friend who exports Christmas decors to Europe and the USA,” Zayco says.
Zayco says she puts her tree up in October and takes in down after Three Kings Day in January.
Zayco who also lives in Manila says the COVID-19 pandemic brought her back to Bacolod where her home and garden became her canvas.
The ornaments on her Christmas tree and the art pieces in her home have a lot of stories to tell, she says.
Her artistry does not stick to her art form, it transcends to different mediums.
And Zayco goes for happy colors because she wants her home to exude positive energy so those who visit will feel welcomed, loved and embraced.*