June 29, 2009

Silver Pendant Inspiration Simmers with Bali Spices

Filed under: Bali — Tags: , , @ 4:53 pm

We picked herbs and spices from the organic garden then set to work on an ambitious menu of five Indonesian dishes. The patient instructor from Cafe Wayan walked us through our paces grinding corriander with a mortar and pestle, crushing lemon grass, slicing shallots and mincing garlic. Soon the air was perfumed with the delicious scent of Balinese cooking. In three hours we prepared five dishes then sat down for a well earned feast. I have a new appreciation for the amount of slicing and dicing in Asian food and I just might attempt black rice pudding at home. As I relaxed after the meal, with my senses of smell and taste rapturously sated, images of new silver pendant designs began to float to the surface of my mind. Creativity is such a beautiful mystery……

June 21, 2009

Silver Charms in Bali

Filed under: Bali — Tags: , , , , @ 5:03 am

The Balinese practice a form of Hinduism laced with Buddhism and animism. Everything has a spirit, even inanimate objects. It is important to honor the Gods and spirits with ceremonies. Every household in Bali has a temple. Each morning, a woman of the house brings offerings to the temple, lights incense, says a prayer and then distributes more offerings around the family compound to bless and purify the space. These offerings are beautiful works of art handmade from woven palm leaves, flowers, rice, coins and holy water. I have always been inspired by the spiritual traditions in Bali and fascinated by the exquisite offerings. Women spend many, many hours a week creating these beautiful objects which quickly die in the heat. I could not resist exploring the concept of the offering as a landscape. As you can see, our silver charms inhabit them with ease and grace.

No related posts.

« Newer Posts