Cat-Themed Natural Wood Back Scratcher from Bali, "Helpful Cat"

"From an early age I loved natural things – plants, animals, birds or sea life. I have a special appreciation for the often neglected dogs that populate all Balinese villages and, when I see the way Western people treat their animals, I hope someday that Indonesians will appreciate their animals as much!

"When I was still quite young I knew I had an ability to translate nature into artful things of beauty. Because my life has always centered on animals and other natural themes, I use these as my subjects, usually interpreted in tropical woods. Now I have the opportunity to create art subjects incorporating not only Indonesian wildlife but also others from all corners of the earth.

"Although I have no formal art training and work purely from my own inspiration and intuition, I know what looks good and what doesn't look right in a carving. I particularly want to create wildlife and other animal themes in an exact, realistic and original way. Each piece is carefully created with this realism in mind. I will not allow anything out of my hands that I would not want to own and display in my own house. It's my highest desire that every piece goes to a home and will give great joy for as long as the owner has it."

2008 update from Nengah Sudarsana:

"Novica has created a much better life for me and my family. Before, I could hardly afford to live in a single room home. Now I live in a house with three rooms, and have my own car. Most importantly, I now support many other artisans who work with me. My family and I live a much better life, and five other families now benefit directly from my Novica sales. I am also able to help my relatives, especially the younger children, who now have shoes, clothes, and an education that they couldn't have before. Since joining Novica, I have also grown in my realization of how we as Balinese fit into the whole world picture. Before, I was like a lot of fellow Balinese in that my thinking was centered on Bali only, as if Bali was the world! Now I realize more how we are just a piece of the puzzle. When I read customers' comments about my products, I'm filled with a great sense of well being and pride, to be able to create something that others value. After all, in Bali we are a mere spot in a vast ocean, and I realize this now when I see customer responses from all over the world! Often I look on a map or a globe to see where my customers live. It's amazing that my carvings are now in so many various places, and I am here. It is almost as if part of me has traveled to those other places and is now residing there."