beautiful sculptures

[This is a single sculpture; photo showcases two angles]"'No War' stands for the human right to love within a world of peace and friendship," says the artist, "While historically and socially constructed ethnic and cultural identities further divide the collective, each human retains the right to choose which face they show to the world; one of love, or one of hate. There will be war if there is a conflict, but there will be peace if there is love.

"This world's human race is diverse," the artist continues. "I want to show that ethnic and cultural differences can coexist peacefully. If humans have love and good friendship, they can create a beautiful world."

Depicted on this sculpture are polar opposite faces, one that seeks peace, and another that desires war. Thailand's Somyot Sawasdee wishes to advance global peace, and to create a beautiful world for future generations. He strives to help advance that goal through the power of art.

Sawasdee crafted this one-of-a-kind sculpture from local recycled paper mixed with cement for rigidity. In a process perfected through years of experimentation, the artist intentionally supports efforts to "divert waste from landfills, to further societal cooperation."The artist explains (translated from Thai), the sculpture "holds the word 'NO WAR,' in which N = human; O = love; W = world; A = peace; R = friendship."

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.

Bringing enlightenment and wisdom, the Buddha represents a religion of self-denial, universal brotherhood and peace. Balinese artist Made Mulyani hand carves a peaceful depiction of Buddha's face from local suar wood, also known as raintree wood. The wood panel features intricately carved beaded headpiece details and a complex floral border design.

Hand carved from crocodile wood, this sculpture of Buddha exudes peace and tranquility. Sitting atop a lotus leaf, the master's raised hand takes the shape of the Vitarka mudra, representing the benefits of teaching and learning. Presented by Indonesian artist Gung Gus, the sculpture features floral and songbird motifs painted on the surface.

Ketut Seji, wife of the late Balinese artisan Ketut Taram, preserves her husband's legacy in this carving of a seated Buddha. Buddha's head rests upon his hands, and a faint smile plays across his lips. The serene sculpture is carved and finished by hand, and signed by Ketut Seji.

Lifting one hand in blessing, Buddha is a beautiful presence. Gulam Rasool captures his peaceful features and posture in pristine white marble. A floral chakra, or wheel surrounds the master's head like a halo.

The calm, peaceful face of Buddha surrounded by vines and berries is captured in natural suar wood by Made Mulyani. Featuring a circular shape, this eye-catching relief panel brings a spiritual vibe to any home.

This peaceful, beautifully hand-carved suar wood relief panel features a floral motif encircling the great om symbol — a mantra of healing and peace that Hindu and Buddhist traditions believe flows through every particle in the universe. In yoga, the om is believed to replenish the body and soul.

With this inspired wall sculpture, Indonesian artisan Made Mulyani aims to share the simplicity and happiness she finds in her craft and culture with a larger audience.