Sukartini

Artisan Organization: Sukartini

Country: Bali and Java

"Nyoman Sukartini is the full name given me by my parents when I was born. From the time I was little, my mother taught me how to be a 'Balinese woman.' In her mind, a Balinese woman must devote her life to God, her husband and also to society. She taught me how to cook and do housework and also how to make offerings, starting from very simple ones and continuing with the complex offerings, because almost every day is a ceremonial occasion in Bali.

"At the age of 16, I studied at SMIK (Sekolah Menengah Industri Kerajinan) in Gianyar. In this school, I learned batik, ceramics and other home industries for three years. Back from school, I took an apprenticeship with a silversmith in a village where they specialized in jewelry.

"Today I work together with local silversmiths to promote Bali's beauty in our own way. We make different kinds of jewelry, mostly with sterling silver, in both traditional and modern styles. I was fortunate to find you. You help small artisans like me share our new ideas and designs, and have a chance to be appreciated by people from all over the world.""