Novica Wood Sculpture, 'Short Haired Cat'

Kitty's inquisitive but docile gaze is irresistible in this sculpture from Bali's Nengah Sudarsana. The artisan masterfully captures the cat's relaxed pose and expressive face, right down to the whiskers. The sculpture is carved by hand of native suar wood with a natural finish that highlights the wood's grain. Product Features: Dimensions: 3.9 inches high x 7.25 inches wide x 3.9 inches deep Country: Indonesia Product Features: Handmade Material: Wood Color: Brown Story Behind the Art: From an early age I loved natural things - plants, animals, birds or sea life. I have a special appreciation for the often neglected dogs that populate all Balinese villages, and when I see the way Western people treat their animals I hope someday that Indonesians will appreciate their animals as much.?When I was still quite young I knew I had an ability to translate nature into artful things of beauty. Because my life has always centered on animals and other natural themes, I use these as my subjects, usually interpreted in tropical woods. Now I have the opportunity to create art subjects incorporating not only Indonesian wildlife but also others from all corners of the earth.?Although I have no formal art training and work purely from my own inspiration and intuition, I know what looks good and what doesn't look right in a carving. I particularly want to create wildlife and other animal themes in an exact, realistic and original way. Each piece is carefully created with this realism in mind. I will not allow anything out of my hands that I would not want to own and display in my own house. It's my highest desire that every piece goes to a home and will give great joy for as long as the owner has it.2008 update from Nengah Sudarsana:Novica has created a much better life for me and my family. Before, I could hardly afford to live in a single room home. Now I live in a house with three rooms, and have my own car. Most importantly, I now support many other artisans who work with me. My family and I live a much better life, and five other families now benefit directly from my Novica sales. I am also able to help my relatives, especially the younger children, who now have shoes, clothes, and an education that they couldn't have before. Since joining Novica, I have also grown in my realization of how we as Balinese fit into the whole world picture. Before, I was like a lot of fellow Balinese in that my thinking was centered on Bali only, as if Bali was the world. Now I realize more how we are just a piece of the puzzle. When I read customers' comments about my products, I'm filled with a great sense of well being and pride, to be able to create something that others value. After all, in Bali we are a mere spot in a vast ocean, and I realize this now when I see customer responses from all over the world. Often I look on a map or a globe to see where my customers live. It's amazing that my carvings are now in so many various places, and I am here. It is almost as if part of me has traveled to those other places and is now residing there. The handcrafted touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen. Imported