artisan goods

Framed against a landscape of lush jungle foliage, an African woman balances a basket of goods atop her head as she heads home after a long day. Ghanaian artist Benjamin Sebi Amenortey paints this scene in an impressionist style, creatively blending form and colors.

Working with hues of red and orange that give a fiery aesthetic, Ghanaian artist Benjamin Sebi Amenortey paints this expressionist composition. In the foreground, a lone woman travels home, armed only with her walking stick and a basket of goods atop her head. She is framed against a great palm tree forest.

Expertly balancing baskets of goods and food atop their heads, two African women walk side-by-side and chat as they cross the Orubor river. Ghanaian artist Benjamin Sebi Amenortey paints this tranquil scene in a blend of expressionist and impressionist styles; saturated colors and shading characterize the women, as the river features a blend of colors.

Brilliant color conjures fervent feelings, both good and bad. On the left, a person is pensive while, on the right, he throws his head back in laughter. "These are the happy, sad and thoughtful moods of a person," artist Sunil Jaiswal says.

She sits alone in a chair, dreaming of the one she loves. Her smile is hopeful. Passionate colors envelop the woman in a portrait by Harman. "Love is an affection that all human beings feel. Whether the love of a man or woman, love of nature, or anything. As long as people use love, the result will be good," the Javanese artist confides.

Many cultures believe that doves are good omens, symbols of peace, notes the artist. Inspired by the beauty and tenderness of these birds, Theus depicts three rosy doves in his expressionist style. "This is a visual message in which I show the gentle birds in flight," The Anden artist says. "They delight us with their dynamic harmony. This painting was created to share a message of unity, love and collectivity."

Titled Vuela paloma vuela in Spanish.

"Shoes are a subject that has fascinated me since I was a child because I've always known they have to do with the importance of feeling good," says Costa Rican artist Magda Cordoba who created a series around this theme by working with watercolour and ink on paper. She uses the collage technique where she cuts each shoe, places it on the paper and then gives them a colour treatment. The unique Expressionist-style painting comes with a cardboard mat and a foamboard base.

Titled Zapatillas de coloures 3 in Spanish.

Balinese artisan Aricadia paints an intriguing portrait of an expectant mother surrounded by gentle white doves, a symbol of peace. "Blue represents the sky and yellow is the grain of wheat that grows in the ground. All move as desired, without pollution and war. All went as desired without pollution and war. Just like the doves that welcome him where all babies will be born with cries of happiness, not sadness.

"A mother always does and spreads kindness for her baby so that she can give goodness and peace to the world. Good luck to all nations. In this world, we do not need weapons to achieve a feeling of peace, we only need love and compassion. Peace is love and mutual giving.

"Starting from ourselves to our neighbors, our environment, animals, plants, and the universe — the best leaders think about the people of the world, not their own ego. Because life is a gift from God, so live the day and live it with love."

"Peace can be realized by mutual tolerance and love for one another. This can start from the smallest circle, namely the family. Instill a sense of love and peace from an early age so that in the future there will be mutual respect," artist Ida Bagus Lawa Bargawa confides.

"Peace is always beautiful, always starts with a smile, and any problem can be discussed. Differences are natural and, as long as they don't hurt each other, peace can still be realized. Peace is closely related to mutual tolerance, listening, and understanding, and reducing unnecessary debate is an important key.

"Keep peace and maintain it, because to get it requires a great sacrifice. Peace cannot be maintained by violence, it can only be achieved by understanding peace within ourselves and peace in the world. Peace is a daily, weekly, and monthly process of gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, and quietly building new structures.

"My hope for world peace is that what is an aspiration for the progress of a country will be reflected in the harmonious relations of all countries in this world. For this reason, all countries must be able to help each other stabilize the world's economy. Welfare within a country will have a good impact on the path of world peace."

To illustrate these thoughts and dreams, the artisan brings us a captivating composition made with traditional batik techniques. Crafted in Bali, it is a tribute to peace and unity, depicting joined hands surrounding the world and upholding the peace symbol. Every element adds a message of friendship, love and cooperation.