Suar wood - The art of wood carving from Bali

Like teka , suar is one of the solid woods most used as a raw material in Balinese art and the one that fosters a large part of the island's artistic economy without giving up the concept of sustainable consumption, maintaining the preservation of Indonesia 's natural resources. Native to Central and South America, the suar wood ( Samanea saman ), also known as the Rain Tree and Monkeypod , was popularized in the Indonesian archipelago during European colonization, standing out for its rapid growth and the potential resistance it were substantial to define this tropical tree as the main material in the art of natural wood carving without compromising the environment.

If you've never had the experience of losing track of time admiring every detail of a carved wooden art, this is definitely your chance. The Balinese sculptor, whose craft is one of the most prestigious on the island of Bali and features a family tradition, will be your guide as he shows in abstract sculptures , realistic arts , philosophical sculptural works and utilitarian decorative objects the multiple facets of his artistic, technical and artistic repertoire. cultural. In his hands, rustic wood gains lightness and becomes a palpable poetry, which enhances interior decoration with great singularity.Suar wood art undoubtedly becomes one of the pillars of the most refined Indonesian decorative art .

Abstract art: Bali art natural wood sculptures

It is through abstract sculptures that Balinese artisans express their creativity.

Abstract wood suar sculpture is one of the most representative forms of sculptural art in Bali . It shows the maturation of the artisans after the period of conceptual and stylistic transformation that took place in the 20th century, revealing Mas as a great artistic center for wooden sculptures . Through abstractionism , the Balinese took creative freedom into their hands, experiencing creativity in countless ways, whether exploring the visual fluidity of a dense raw material such as rustic wood through organic lines or through thematic exploration such as romance and affection . familiar .

The organic, flowing lines show the artistic and technical mastery of Indonesian artists.

Although based on art for art's sake and no longer on a purely religious purpose, this type of figurative sculpture is fully interconnected with the Feng Shui concept that wood is a decorative element that inspires creation and expansion. In this context, pieces that glimpse the infinity of love loom large in the environment, making this energy flow in the harmonization of the interiors . Spirituality is also figuratively present in the abstract arts with angels and yogis in the theme, leaving no doubt that it is in this artistic style that the craftsmen of Bali deeply touch our souls.

Figurative art: rustic wood animal sculptures

Realistic figurative sculpture exalts the beauty of mystical animals in every detail.

As it is an island, surrounded by fauna and flora , it is not surprising that these are constant inspirations for sweating wood carving. And the abundance of this tropical tree in Indonesia , favored by the climate and the short growth cycle of the species, as well as the easy handling in the composition of details with chisels, makes it a suitable raw material for realistic arts inspired by power animals. such as serpents , monkeys , dragons , elephants , birds , lions , among others. Personalized with artistic and realistic paintings or in a natural tone, the animal sculptures promote a cozy feeling, proposing more “life” to the decoration.

The wooden animals reinforce the feeling of warmth and make the decoration more interesting.

The artistic purposes taken on by the realistic sculptures in Bali - produced from the 1930s onwards - made it possible to bring nature into the home with a new configuration, without giving up the coziness caused by the natural raw material combined with the naturalist inspiration . However, although they are intended to beautify interior decoration , wooden animals do not abandon their mystical essence and sacred symbology .

Zen art: Buddhas and deities carved in suar wood

Uniting Zen Buddhist arts and sweat wood makes the decoration of the environment more harmonious.

The cradle ofBalinese sculpture is religious just like its original purpose and, despite the widespread commercialization of wooden handicrafts in contemporary times, this spiritual “what” continues to guide artisans to this day. Unlike Indonesia as a whole, Bali is predominantly Hindu , which is why wood art appropriates the teachings of this culture, along with other eastern philosophies such as Buddhism . In view of this context, by focusing on encouraging well-being and the practice of meditation as a tool for intimate transformation, Zen decoration integrates Buddhas and Hindu Gods to show us this path through symbolic iconography.

Natural wood is an essential element to attract prosperity in the home guided by Feng Shui .

Just like natural wood , the Buddha image inspires prosperity, according to the concepts of Taoist Feng Shui philosophy and art . Both are protagonists when the intention is to balance the vital energy ( Chi ) and leave the space harmonious, especially if you place it in front of the entrance door, in the office or study room. The vitality of sweat wood will be instrumental in creating a transformative environment.

Wall art : floral art in carved wooden mandalas

Floral mandalas are jewels of Balinese art that demonstrate mastery in wood carving.

If in abstract art Balinese artists manifest maximum creativity, in floral mandalas technical excellence is implicit in every meticulous aspect. Symmetrical and intricate embossed patterns distinguish the flora like jewels of Balinese culture . The natural structure of suar wood , in turn, becomes a great ally in the construction of details with hollow carvings, as it provides strength and uniformity for the development of decorative mandalas and other delicate Balinese handicrafts such as carved wood panels and plaques .

Carved wooden panels and plaques in the form of mandalas anchor intention in the wall decor .

The sculpture of wooden flowers forming this sacred circle represents the reading of the symbol of integration and harmony of the macro (universe) with the microcosm (being) by Balinese craftsmen. Stylistically, they draw on traditional Balinese floral art patterns, with particular emphasis on the lotus flower - further highlighting the mystical appeal to the mandala 's intention in the wall decor .

Utilitarian art: functional decorative objects in Rain Tree

Bowls, pots and carved wooden boxes are Balinese crafts that are as traditional as they are functional.

Utility objects carved in wood are not restricted to their functionality. The naturalistic aesthetic, as well as other styles of sculpting figurative art , provide bowls , boxes , bottle holders , card holders , trays and the most varied household utensils with a creative and original look that adds even more value to the decoration of environments such as dining room, kitchen and living room . These works of art from Bali make the reception dynamic more innovative and unpretentious, in addition to allowing people to enjoy them in interiors with freedom, according to their tastes and needs.

The utilitarian objects are created with the essence of figurative art and assume varied formats.

Carved wood utility art has an extended life cycle compared to other non-natural raw materials. The characteristic resistance of the Rain Tree ( Rain Tree ) reflects directly on the quality and degree of durability of the decorative and functional objects. The polished surface is also a factor that protects home decor items; and together with the basic precautions regarding humidity, which are necessary for any type of piece made of natural wood , it maintains its natural attributes, such as color and shine, for longer.

All these factors and artistic manifestations make carved wood an essential product in Balinese culture , especiallysweat wood . And as you can see, our decoration store will not lack options to transform all the spaces in your home with the most expressive Balinese art .

Namaste!

Milene Sousa - Art & Tune