Colorful Polymer Clay Tortoise Sculpture (3 inch) from Bali, "Decorative Tortoise"

Growing up surrounded by a family of artisans, J.S. Anderson devotes his artistic career to exploring the new possibilities offered by polymer clay. Working with Meili W., he diligently forms the clay by hand into tubes that feature colorful and imaginative designs. Cross sections are cut from these tubes and carefully applied around the body of this small tortoise sculpture. With head raised to the sky, the decorative animal is elaborated with amazing designs and patterns that include floral and butterfly motifs as well as the image of a dragonfly on its back. J.S. Anderson has worked for 25 years to perfect this millefiori-style technique, which has allowed him to create intricate and amazing designs on his sculptures. Each pattern on this sculpture is diligently arranged by the artisans through a painstaking process to ensure perfection.