In this one-on-one interview, we have the pleasure of sitting down with a well-known local artist in Iligan City. Meet Ms. Anna Leah Sanson, a talented artist whose handmade creations capture the hearts of many people. She is the woman behind the vibrant handicraft store, called Kuri-Kuri Lokal.
The Creative Journey
Ms. Anna Leah’s love for arts and crafts began at an early age. Her parents allowed her to appreciate and explore nature which sparked to express herself artistically. At age 13, she helped her family make a living by designing wallets and selling them to her classmates.
She did not have any formal fine arts education. She has a natural talent and along the way, learned few art techniques by helping her Uncle — Adolfo Lacuna in creating costumes of the characters of Iligan City’s religious folk theater called Comedia de San Miguel (locally known as “yawa-yawa”) (MindaNews, 2017). It was also in her college years that she was exposed to cultural arts and discovered her creative gift.
“When I was in college I noticed that I am more interested in the creative field and since then, I focused myself in developing artistic skills including the props making”. She said in a one-on-one interview with Crafted Cultures.
Realizing that costume and props making helped her family in providing their daily needs, Ms. Anna Leah and her siblings mastered their craft. Later on, they became the most sought-after designers and makers of costumes and props for street dancing festivals and other artistic productions in the city.
In the United States, Ms. Anna Leah pursued her passion for visual arts. It was also during this time she established “Kuri-Kuri Lokal” where the brand name “kuri-kuri” is a local term that describes the activity of very productive hands, which also means to tinker or dabble. In October 2017, Ms. Anna Leah had the opportunity to showcase her artworks through exhibitions at New York University and St. John’s University. It was reported that the exhibit features 30 artworks divided into three sets, that highlights not only her crafts but the rich tapestry of the tri-people of Iligan City.
Ms. Anna Leah Sanson’s various renditions of Maranao Women
(Photo from the official facebook account of Ms. Anna Leah Sanson)
Today, Ms. Anna Leah’s home located at Andrada Compound, Mahayahay, Iligan City has become a haven of creativity. Her products are mostly abaca-based wearables as well as homestyle products that are both functional and fashionable. Ms. Anna Leah is not just an artist, she also became an entrepreneur and a mentor to young artists and craftsmen in Iligan City.
Kuri-Kuri Lokal’s Products
The Hand-Painted Bags of Kuri Kuri Lokal
One of the best selling products of Kuri-Kuri Lokal is their hand-painted bags because of the personal touch they carry. However, due to the scarcity of weavers in Iligan City, Ms. Anna Leah finds it challenging to secure the main material of the product — the hand-woven bag.
“When I came back from the US, people looked for a product that is proudly made from Iligan. I personally reached out to different groups here in Iligan City, but the creative community is still unresponsive. That is why the hand-woven bags in this collection are ordered all the way from Negros depending on the design I want and I will hand-paint it myself.” She explains.
Shortly, people started to appreciate her hand-painted bags and these pieces found their way into the hearts and wardrobes of many local and non-local residents.
“Aside from the residents of Iligan City, customers that visit here are also the balikbayans, they will take home 15 pieces of hand-woven bags or other products of Kuri-Kuri Lokal.” She happily shared during the interview.
Connecting with the Community
Photos from the official facebook account of Ms. Anna Leah Sanson
Connecting with the community is one of Ms. Anna Leah’s rewarding experiences as an artist. She has been very active in supporting local initiatives as she partakes in various projects and collaborations with fellow Iliganons in promoting what Iligan City can offer. One of her recent projects is being an executive producer of Viva Iligaña, a magazine TV program under HULMA TV that features Iligan City’s arts, culture, lifestyle, food, and places in Iligan City, making the program’s different segment Iligan’s window to the world.
In the interview she also shared “I felt the need to do this in order to let the youth know what are the traditional arts in Iligan City, why we celebrate Diyandi Festival, and the reason behind this celebration. I want them to be aware of Iligan’s rich culture, that all we have to do is appreciate, cooperate, and support”. She then added, “If we don’t start now, then when? And who will?”
Furthermore, Ms. Anna Leah proudly introduced another initiative of Kuri-Kuri Lokal “HINAYHAY”— an art camp project where young people especially the needy youths can learn and earn through free workshops by upcycling second-hand clothes. This project aims to facilitate self-sufficiency and honest livelihood.
Hinayhay Collection of Kuri-Kuri Lokal
“All we really need to do is encourage people, be open to all ideas, grab opportunities, there are many things we can learn and some are just for free, you’ll be surprised how useful learning craft making will be in the future!”. Ms. Anna Leah’s message to the youth.
Where to Find Kuri-Kuri Lokal’s Products
If you’re eager to own a piece of wearable art, Kuri-Kuri Lokal’s products can be found at Andrada Compound, Mahayahay, Iligan City and online platforms. Be sure to follow their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kurikuri.lokal or stay updated on Ms. Anna Leah’s latest creations and upcoming events on her personal page https://www.facebook.com/anna.l.sanson.
In a world dominated by fast fashion, hand-made crafts of Kuri-Kuri Lokal offer a breath of fresh air. Their crafts are not just a visual delight but a source of inspiration and pride of Iligan City.
Let us support our local artists and carry a piece of art wherever we go!
wow, amazing artist!! 👏