artistry in wood

George Obeng designed this wonderful original sculpture with world peace in mind. Carved by hand from ebony wood, the sculpture depicts two women of different races holding up a clay pot that represents the fragility of life on Earth. "By this carving, I am appealing to the world that we are not the only creatures in the world," says the artist. "Plants and trees, insects, reptiles and fishes both in the sea and rivers, birds and all mammals are interested in enjoying life in the world. The human race is just a small fraction of all creatures, so why are we not interested in making peace our focus and object in the world, to enable all creatures to enjoy life to the fullest. Anytime there is earthly destruction, we only account for human losses, forgetting that other creatures including trees may also get damaged. This carving is sounding a wake-up call to the world leaders and united nations to wake up for the human race now. Humans are full of selfishness, cruelty and greed; these can cause the world to break into pieces. All the world leaders have a responsibility in the matter. The world is as fragile as a clay pot so therefore whatever we do let's do it in peace."

Abstract forms, vibrant colors and mystic elements are present in Costa Rican Jorge Leiton's expressionist composition. Working with oil on canvas, this painting expresses the artist's thoughts on current society whit different hidden symbolisms carrying a message of peace and love.

"The work has an important meaning across different cultures. The symbols are based on international icons and other signs, such as Hebrew and Arabic words for peace. The hands painted in white are a gesture of peace and rejection of violence. In this painting, all these elements are a consolation to the marginalized, saddened by war, hunger and sex," reflects Jorge.

Titled Símbolo de Paz in Spanish, the painting comes stretched and with a cedar wood frame.

Give peace a chance with this breathtaking suar wood sculpture by Balinese artisan Nyoman Sudiana. "To achieve peace, there are several things that must be created, namely the availability of basic human needs which consist of clothing, food, and shelter. In the world, there is also a harmonious relationship that must be preserved starting from ourselves, namely humans with God, humans with fellow creatures created by God, and humans with the universe's environment. If it has been created in us, we will feel that peace, and our lives will feel more comfortable and peaceful," says the artist.

In this statue, each of these pillars of peace has the following meaning:

• The doves are a symbol of purity and hope, tenderness of devotion. Doves are also associated with the third chakra, which is connected to purpose, creativity, self-expression, and ego.
• The globe is a symbol of the earth itself where we as God's creatures are the inhabitants of the world.3. The two hands symbolize human efforts to care for and maintain a strong life hand in hand to create peace for all mankind and the rest of nature.
• The two pillars symbolize justice and prosperity in which every human being must be able to meet the needs of clothing, food, and shelter for a comfortable life in the world.
• The nuclear disarmament motif symbolizes the Anti-War Movement design by Gerald Holtom on February 21, 1958. This symbol is a combination of semaphore signals for the letters N and D which stand for nuclear disarmament.
• Two open fingers symbolize victory in the struggle.

Giraffes envelop each other in a lovely embrace in a teak wood sculpture by Francis Agbete. "This posture to me, depicts peace and harmony," says the Ghanaian artisan. After carving the sculpture, Agbete paints the giraffes with vivid artistry.

Depicting Buddha in a state of peaceful prayer, this wood sculpture adds a spiritual atmosphere to any setting. Hand carved and painted by Indonesian artist Gung Gus, it features elegant floral and songbird motifs.

The artist explains that the Kalaho bird is a symbol of peace, and is much respected by the Senufo peoples from northern Cote d'Ivoire. He explains that in his culture the graceful kalaho bird is rarely seen; that they are shy birds, avoiding humans and conflict. And that seeing one is a good omen.Salihu Ibrahim carves the kalaho from sese wood, adding details in cream to the beautiful sculpture.

Hand carved and painted by Indonesian artist Gung Gus, this wood sculpture exudes peace and tranquility. Depicting a Buddhist monk deep in contemplation, the master is covered with floral and songbird motifs.

A contemplative Buddha takes on the face of nature in this mesmerizing mask by Gung Gus. Detailed with vivid artistry, the mask is carved of seasoned crocodile wood and painted by hand.

A contemplative Buddha takes on the face of nature in this mesmerizing mask by Gung Gus. Detailed with vivid artistry, the mask is carved by hand of seasoned crocodile wood. This inspiring piece is delicately painted with acrylics.

A contemplative Buddha takes on the face of nature in this mesmerizing mask by Gung Gus. Detailed with vivid artistry, the mask is carved of seasoned crocodile wood and painted by hand. "I crafted this with love to share Buddha's peace," Gus confides.

For Balinese artisan Sarwaedi, woodworking is a family craft. He has hand carved this elegant wall hanging from suar wood, a local resource that is prized for its striking texture and hardiness. Each of Sarwaedi's carvings are unique, and this 'Peaceful Lily' is no exception. At first glance, the piece looks very traditional, but upon closer inspection one finds those unique details of which the artist is so proud. This wall panel generates serenity in any room.

"This sculpture represents the way to keep forgiving each other, loving each other, and to be at peace with yourself, because we are all brothers," explains Balinese artisan Wayan Rendah, conveying this vision in his superbly hand-carved relief panel.

"I is inspired by the turmoil of the world, which is completely uncertain, which causes unrest and difficulties for all countries, Where each party shows a high sense of ego and feels the most right, without realizing it.

"We are all brothers and sisters in this world. There should be no such thing as enmity. In the Hindu sloka verses, the Wedadikatan Sloka — "Wasumdhwam Kutumbhaka" — means let's sit together and shake hands looking for a way to an agreement to achieve world peace."

The artist continues, "The way to make peace for the common good in society and the world is to mediate, to sit down together to find the best solution for problems, and to solve them for the sake of mutual peace and the world. My hope is that all people can respect each other to avoid hostility and injustice in life and society.

"We must forgive and love one another in order to achieve peace. We are all brothers and sisters in this world where there should be no such thing as hatred.

"Love and peace are powerful concepts that inevitably go hand in hand, because one does not exist without the other."