Handmade Striped Walnut Wood Cuff Bracelet from Kazakhstan - Sylvan Mark

Artisan Organization: Alibek Sandyqshy

Country: Silk Road

"In the heart of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage lies a passionate wood carver, and this is my story.

"From a young age, the allure of wood carving captivated me. At just twelve years old, I embarked on a journey to learn the craft from Master Abdurahmonov in his humble workshop. There, I immersed myself in the intricacies of pattern drawing, carving techniques, and woodworking technology. The art of wood carving became my calling.

"As I grew older, my dedication to this traditional craft only intensified. After completing my schooling, I pursued higher education in the arts, first at Benkov College of Art in Tashkent and later at the Faculty of Applied Arts at the Kazakh National University of Arts in Astana. Throughout my academic journey, my love for applied art, a cultural legacy passed down through the Steppe Kipchak for millennia, deepened. I felt an urge to preserve and modernize the designs, blending the essence of Kazakh ethnography with contemporary styles.

"Drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship of our ancestors, I infuse my designs with traditional constructions, forms, and carving techniques. To maintain the authenticity of the craft, I often craft my own tools and equipment needed for production. The process is a labor of love, and I mainly utilize local materials such as wood, leather, and metal.

"Despite facing challenges and limited resources, I persisted in my pursuit of wood carving. Sometimes, my students lend a helping hand, but I mostly work alone, driven by my dedication to preserving the art and passing it on to the next generation.

"My creations blend the realms of tradition and modernity, earning appreciation from friends and the wider community. I consider myself a humble master, and while sometimes seeing myself as slow and lazy, my passion and commitment to the craft burn bright.

"Throughout my life, I resisted pressures from well-meaning parents and relatives who urged me to pursue more profitable paths. I knew in my heart that preserving my cultural heritage and expressing myself through wood carving was my true calling. Even during the difficult times when profit seemed elusive, I pressed on.

"My childhood in the Qashqarliq neighborhood near Tashkent was a pivotal period that shaped my journey. Spending afternoons in our wood carving teacher's workshop, learning the art through observation and hands-on experimentation, solidified my dedication to the craft.

"I am married and with a family of my own, I dream of a bright future for my children, hoping they will grow up healthy and contribute positively to society. While I wish for them to carry on my legacy, I understand the importance of letting them choose their own paths.

"My ultimate goal is to create wooden products that would evoke feelings of pleasure, joy, and exuberance in their owners. Moreover, I aim to pass down my knowledge to eager students, ensuring the continuity of this cherished tradition.

"As I reflect on history, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for those who support the survival of Qipchoq's applied art, a heritage that colonizers once sought to destroy. Through passion, dedication, and support, we breathe new life into a craft that almost faded into oblivion.

"And so, my story continues, a tale of determination, cultural preservation, and the timeless artistry of wood carving, woven into the tapestry of Kazakh heritage.""