peace sculpture

"I see a lack of compassion between fellow beings these days and few people who bring about peace in society. The process to make peace for the common good in society and the world starts with the self, doing small things such as meditating and practicing mindfulness to solve problems for the sake of both peace and the world," master artisan Wayan Rendah says.

"My hope is that everyone can respect one other and respect the differences that exist to avoid hostility and injustice in life and society.

"Buddha's teachings promote inner peace and unity for achieving enlightenment, and Buddha has motivated many to transform their life choices over thousands of years, spanning periods of chaos and stability."

The Buddhist concept of a peaceful life inspires this hand-carved hibiscus wood sculpture depicting the serene face of Buddha, blessing all those within his presence. At the center of a world suspended in equilibrium, Buddha seeks discipline and selflessness among the inhabitants of the Earth.

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.

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.

With its perky crest, a rooster stands proudly atop a green bearded face in this mask. Fluid in its beauty, the sese wood carving comes from the Guro people of Côte d'Ivoire, where such masks represent the spirits of the underworld. This carving by Salihu Ibrahim represents blessings and peace.

"This work is my own vision of world peace, and also how I portray that message to the world through my art. Through this altarpiece, I want to convey the importance of seeing ourselves as sentient human beings, capable of shaking hands with each other to finally put politics aside and unite for harmony in our society and calm," says Peruvian artisan Erika Ulloa of her painstakingly handcrafted wood and ceramic work of art, in the traditional retablo style.

She sends a strong message of peace through this complex scene, with handmade soldiers abandoning their weapons for friendship and love. With every detail painted by hand, the artist says this retablo represents the prayers of a world asking for a society united by and for peace.

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.

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.