In the vast realm of artistic expression, wire stands out for its remarkable ability to capture grace, form, and intricacy despite its seemingly simple nature.

At first glance, wire sculpture might appear deceptively simple. However, within its seemingly straightforward framework lies a world of creativity and skill. Artists adept in this medium transform ordinary wire into extraordinary works of art, breathing life into their visions through the manipulation of this humble material.

One individual in the Municipality of Bontoc has seemingly transformed the mundane into masterpieces that captivate not only attention but also the imagination of people.

Meet Billy Bhoi Khayde, the Wire Wizard who has enchanted the art world with his self-taught mastery of wire sculpting.

Billy, a self-taught wire sculptor based in Bontoc, Mountain Province, embarked on this artistic odyssey without the formal confines of art school. The 22-year-old began his journey when he stepped into a shop that displayed a wire sculpture back in 2018. He shared that he was mesmerized by the art and wanted to give it a try.

As someone deeply connected to art, Billy draws inspiration from his love for the craft, saying, “anusan lang malpas met lang, at muh kasin mu pustulaen nan kina-erb muh malagsakan ket metlang” (Patience, it will soon be completed, and when you look at it again, you will feel happy.)

One of the enchanting aspects of wire sculpture is its versatility, offering a myriad of styles and techniques, ranging from abstract and contemporary to representational and figurative. But what about this flexible metallic conductor enticed Billy to sculpt? For him, it was a step up from his first form of art, drawing.

Despite experimenting to find the best wire for his work, he is thankful for the opportunity to learn another valuable skill - wire sculpting.

 He shared that as long as you have the imagination to create, coupled with diligence in your craft, anyone can learn how to wire sculpt. (JDP/VJLT-PIA CAR, Mountain Province)