By Angelika Twinkle Mae A. Auro
Bangles is an accessory that is wrapped around the wrist and worn. It can be used for a variety of reasons, including as an ornament and decoration. In addition, armlets and necklets can also carry different meanings and messages.
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| Photo: Kusog Arts FB Page |
Kusog shop, a business based in Ibajay, Aklan, offers arts and crafts that highlight accessories as their centerpieces. This shop is known within the Aklanon artist community because of its eccentric bracelets, anklets, and necklaces that resemble the province's taste for arts.
Handcrafting is a well-respected industry in Aklan due to its requirement for high-level artistry, creativeness, and meaningful designs. Artists who make handmade art, including Kusog's, are often more likely to utilize ethically produced materials.
The main components of Kusog's products are stones, delicately engraved wooden designs, and bands that wrap around the wrist, ankle, or neck. Beads, strings, leathers, and other items of similar nature are the special materials used by the Kusog artist to create his bizarre crafts.
These handmade accessories feature intricate patterns which take hours and even days to be completed by a professional craftsman. Moreover, this handicraft showcases how available materials around us can produce attractive and meaningful objects.
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| Photo: Donnie Delos Reyes |
Some of Kusog's designs feature one-eye, butterfly patterned beads, spiral motioned strings, stones of different colors, Ati people, owl, sun, leaf, horn, peace, and other distinctive figures.
Some of their creations convey meanings aside from their looks. Examples include their Black Onyx bracelets which promote calming quality and can be beneficial in working with challenging emotions such as grief and anxiety. Next is the Tiger's Eye bracelet that brings good luck and helps the wearer have a focused mind. Lapiz Lazuli releases stress and inspires confidence, said Kusog on their Facebook posts.
In an interview with ExplainED PH — Aklan, Mr. Mel Ilinon, the artist, revealed that he named his business 'Kusog' as it is a Bisaya word for 'potency'. "It represents the strength of each one withstanding the daily struggle of life," he said.
He shared the challenges in creating his crafts. "It is difficult to find resources, especially the purchase of raw materials". However, he added that he managed to keep crafting by inspiring himself through his initiative, love for arts, and profit.
He picked up his skill in crafting unique accessories at events he attended, in his surroundings, and on YouTube. Mr. Mel has been running his business for two years and has a Facebook page named 'Kusog' where he advertises and sells his products.
"Incomparable gratitude to all of you," was his message to the people who appreciate his art.
Kusog's crafts provide adornments as accent pieces that bring recognition to the arts in Aklan. It is typically a good shop to look for environmentally friendly and ethical accessories. You'll get a one-of-a-kind souvenir every time you buy handmade accessories in Kusog's shop
Want to buy some local products? You may visit their Facebook Page here.