Filipino Marble Artist's Story

Meet Elmer ⛏️🐉🇵🇭 He has been carving and shaping marble since he was 14 years old! After arriving I found out that this small island is known for its marble industry, both mining and crafting for sale. On my way to see the mine itself I came across small wooden or tarp covered shacks with white dust sprayed across the surrounding streets. I slowed down to take a look inside and was invited in with a huge smile and an amazing story to tell! From paperweight trinkets at the pier to life-size masterpieces to be exported to Europe or China, Elmer and a few dozen other seriously skilled artists work 6 days a week to create masterpieces out of large blocks that are roughly mined and cut here. He left school to learn from his father and completely take over the trade one day. This 3 foot statue is almost ready to be shipped to a client in Europe, as soon as he finishes the scales along the dragons back. He’s worked on it tirelessly for 6 weeks and will sell it for 25,000 Filipino Pesos, which is roughly $444 USD. That works out to be just $74 per week… for 8-10 hour days. You might think is wild, I do too; however, he feels blessed to have this job because it’s over 2 times the minimum wage here in this region which allows his wife to stay at home and raise their 9 children. Who all but one either have or will go on to pursue school and other careers. I went to a few other shacks this day and they were all very friendly and receptive of me watching their work. Nothing will compare to my time sitting and talking with Elmer, against my request he completely stopped what he was doing for about an hour to talk with me and even take me into his home to meet his wife and few kids that were home. Mahalo nui loa, Elmer! You are incredible and I am so honored to have met you😁 Can you imagine how many amazingly unique stories there are out there?! Let’s go and hear about some of them 🌏 @liveagreatstory #Godisgood • • • • •