Viral leaf artist MM Dacanay talks about her art

Leaf artist Mary May “MM” Dacanay recently broke the internet with her masterpieces carved in langka or jackfruit leaves, featuring faces of famous celebrities such as Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Paolo Ballesteros collectively known as JoWaPao, the comedy trio of 'Eat Bulaga' and the iconic TVJ trio (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon).

Some of MM's trending leaf arts / eminemdacanay (FB)

In a recent episode of Mars Pa More, MM was hailed “Mars of the Hour” for her newfound online fame and her unique artworks.

In her conversation with hosts Iya Villania and Camille Prats, MM narrated how she got into leaf art.

“Bale, nag-start po kasi ako sa iba't ibang artworks. Then nag-experiment po ako ng iba pang art.

“Kasi nagsimula rin po ako sa posporo, malunggay. Then, nitong lockdown po, nag-experiment po ako ng artwork then na-discover ko po ang leaf art.”

MM also shared that she was overwhelmed with joy when she found out that photos of her leaf art went viral.

“Sobrang saya ko po kasi first time ko pong maging trending nang ganun na marami pong likes and shares sa social media.”

According to MM, it takes her about an hour to finish a single leaf artwork.

She also detailed her creative process in crafting her leaf masterpieces.

“Bale may pinaka reference po ako then parang nagii-sketching lang din po ako sa papel.”

“Ang pinakamahirap po kasi is yung bandang sa mata or bandang ilong.”

MM's leaf art for 24 Oras anchors

MM also said that there are three ways to preserve a leaf art.

The first one is by having it framed and the second one is by using dried leaves instead of fresh ones, but this will definitely be a more complicated process for the leaf artist, as dried leaves crack easily.

And lastly, one can use fresh leaves then wait for it to dry before inserting it in between pages of a book.

“'Pag for posting po kasi katulad nung sa mga 24 Oras anchors, mga fresh na dahon po yun ginamit ko, tapos hintayin ko na lang pong mag dry 'yung leaves tapos iipit ko lang po sa libro.”

And if you're interested in commissioning a leaf art from MM, her masterworks start at 200 pesos per leaf/head.

So, if you want to own or gift someone with MM's leaf art, you may get in touch with her through her social media accounts.

If you want to learn more about other inspiring women, tune in to Mars Pa More from Monday to Friday, at 8:45 a.m. on GMA-7.

And for more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

You might also want to check out other inspiring Filipina achievers.