Play is a serious interest for wood sculptor Eugie Varona Dela Cruz . Yet, to narrow his artistic practice within the philosophical confines of ‘art for art’s sake’ is not the path the sculptor discerned to tread. What unfurls in his array of sculptural works is a spirited intermingling of history , mathematics , physics , poetry and art - a playground for the senses as well as the mind . His technique of enhancing and manipulation of natural art’s organic medium , makes all his creations uniquely distinct from each other like a finger print. For he Believes that “Everything that has been created is beautiful , that he as a sculptor his hands are mere instruments to enhance the magnificence for others to see.”

Eugie belongs to rare group in the scene that continues herald ancient traditional crafts , elevating them into fine art. One of the few (if not the only ) Wood Inlay Image artist in the Philippines , he skillfully brings years of perseverance , experience, and knowledge in multiple fields to create exquisitely humorous yet thought- provoking works that are sure to stay significant beyond one’s lifetime .

His primary medium is rescued wood . He had re-introduced to the Philippines the ancient art of “ WOOD INLAY IMAGE “ , an Art form started 5000 years ago during the Pharaonic Egyptian period , before Jesus Christ was born. His very distinct style of artworks in wood can be easily recognized, for he had creatively merge modern art and ancient art that brings a unique character to his works that gained him a growing number of patrons .

A big shift in his life from a an entrepreneur , national political campaign analyst & strategist and teaching history , governments and politics.

In his most recent show , Pushing the Limits (2024) where he both showcased one of his largest functional inter-active sculpture , “Says ng Sarimanok.” Boasting seven feet length , this sculpture draws from the classic teeter we see in playgrounds , he had manage to incorporate the iconic figure of 2 sarimanok that seems to be in a cockfight ,where the full narrative is shown when 2 persons ride the sculpture in a forward and backwards motion , his observation of the war in Mindanao . In the same shows , Eugie put to the fore the hushed wars over the West Philippine Seas in his piece “ Silent War ,’ which featured vintage glass tube amp fabricated into chess pieces that stood on a board made of Narra and Kamagong wood. An ambient brown noise emits from these pieces , and so, once again , engages the viewers in thoughtful disposition.

Eugie Varona Dela Cruz’s art career in woodworking can be defined by his passion for restoring vintage and antique furniture . Possessing a penchant for objects with stories , Eugie took it upon himself to learn the techniques of Filipino “anluwage “ old master carpenters, by reverse engineering their workings , studying them with utmost delight and curiosity, much like catching up with a dear companion. His commitment to the craft led him to further enrich his practice by traveling across the globe , particulary , Germany , Prague , Italy , the US and most recently is France , where he learned the methods of the West.

In 2017 , he officially started his journey as an artist. Most of his clients were friends and friends of friends who commission him to create functional art pieces . Early in his art career Eugie usually posted his creations on social media which caught the eye of other artists ,collectors and galleries.

In 2019 , he was invited to join a group art exhibit held at LRI Design Plaza where he showcased 9 pieces of his original creations that were all sold in 3 hours. His career in the arts progressed rapidly and quietly yet boasting serious art collectors holding his creations as his patrons. He had 4 Successful Solo Exhibition, His recent was last June, 2024 ,3ree Dimension (Pushing the Limits ) at Art For Space Gallery, 3ree Dimension ( August 2022 ) at Art for Space Gallery , Laro (November 2021 ) at Eskinita Art Farm and his inaugural solo show during the Pandemic in Nov 2021 under One Gallery, where all his works sold during the first day of his show, and doubling his commission sales.

Eugie dedicate most of life as an Artist working Daily from 8am to 6pm doing his Commission works , commitment to Exhibitions and creating regular new pieces that fascinate his collectors and fans, many of them became his regular patrons .

LEARNINGS INFLUENCES AND STUDY

His wood working skills were introduced to him by his Father whose woodworking hobby during his childhood . He saw his Father a seafarer, would make doors , tables and wood jalousies for their Home . Having learned from the old master carpenter , Eugie further enhanced his skills by actively learning woodworking techniques from years of acquired skills from practicing masters, from simple measuring techniques , to cutting , to wood joinery , to wood turning , carving and shaping wood. He had showcased all these techniques in his most recent show Elementis ( February 2025 ) at Art for Space Gallery , Lamina ( May 2025 ) at City of Dreams Casino Hotel and Echoes of the Soul ( May 2025 ) Museo Orlina.

BODY OF WORKS

WOOD INLAY IMAGE ART COLLECTION OF KINGS

It was love at first sight , crossing paths with the ancient art of wood inlay image during his travel to Sorrento , Italy ( Museo Bottega Dela Tarsia Lignea ) .

From Mesopotamian civilization , commissioned pieces by the Egyptian Pharaoh ( Louvre Museum ) , Roman Aristocrats then brought this art form to Europe ( Sorento , Italy ) French Royalty fell In love with the art ( King Louis XIII Wood Inlay Collection Palace of Versailles , France ) , Taj Mahal Inlay Adornment ( Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ) .

Eugie’s fascination in the technique grew as he saw how this technique perfectly applied with the vast variety Philippine of wood species and color. His creations includes