In 2008 we were able to return to our key suppliers in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cuba, and through associates buy directly in Bolivia, Guatemala and Nepal. We are very pleased with the selection and quality of our purchases.

In Thailand we found an incredibly gifted carving village. This year our Chaing Mai shipper brought us to the woodcarving village of Yu-Wah, in the Lana area of Northern Thailand. It was just a few miles south of Chaing Mai and we were thrilled with the craftsmanship of the producers. They had particularly good elephant carvings created from old teakwood.

After wandering from shop to shop, admiring and buying wooden elephants and furniture; we turned a corner and were startled to find a life sized teak elephant looking at us with sad, thoughtful eyes. He was spectacular and Peggy’s heart jumped. We knew he had a come at the Third World Bazaar. We named him Eddy on the spot; the new ‘brother’ to Freddy our large Kenyan Giraffe. 

As we admired him we were introduced to Mr. Puc Jentalik, the Master Carver of the region, and Eddy’s creator. He has been carving for over 20 years and mentors the up and coming craftsmen in the village.

Mr. Jentalik described to us the process of creating such a magnificent piece of work. While Eddy is huge (almost 10 feet tall) Mr. Jentalik only spent one and a half months working on him (his students would take over a year).  The first week is the hardest and most stressful period as the facial proportions are set.  This time period is nerve wracking as he can not sleep until he is certain the proportions will fit the dimensions of the wood. The most important aspect of carving is to get the forehead proportions set correctly. When you see Eddy, you will be impressed with the skill of Mr. Jentalik.

We are honoured and thrilled to have brought Eddy to the Bazaar.  He is one of four siblings. One is at the residence of the King of Thailand, another is at the new International Airport in Bangkok and one is at the Erewan Museum south of Bangkok. Eddy will greet you as you enter the Barn; look into his eyes and imagine…

Mr. Puc Jentalik with his creation, Eddy          Mr. Jentalik at work

Eddy, Mr. Jentalik, Peggy and Dick

Another Master Artist we buy from is Mr. Laurent Monique. He produces teak root furniture in Bali, Indonesia and we have been buying from him for four years now. His products have always been of the highest quality, have a wonderful feel and are striking to the eye.

Laurent is originally from central Sumatra and his wife Yenny is from Java. He lived in Antwerp Belgium for 8 years as he went to art school and started his trade. At one time he earned extra money carving Angles for the Antwerp Cathedral.

While working in Belgium he told his employer that back home in Indonesia he could make the root furniture that was starting to become popular in Europe. His employer became his first customer when he started making beautiful art pieces out of what was previously waste wood. 

We are sure you will be equally impressed with the skill and craftsmanship of Laurent. Look for the spectacular high back chair which Laurent carved out of a 400 year old Teak root ball. It is spectacular!   

 Mr. Laurent Monique at work                                         Some of Laurent’s Art Work

  Peggy Feeding Laurent’s Parrot                                    Laurent and Yenny

Memories of Bali, March 2008

Ariana Sauder

For most prospective high school graduates, spring break is generally regarded as a week of uninhibited partying in Cancun, most of which will not be remembered; followed by regretfully fuzzy headed morning afters!  As appealing as this may sound to some, the choice between that and spending two weeks traveling around an Indonesian island with two of my best friends was a pretty easy one.

The two weeks we spent in Bali were so full and exciting that it would be impossible to sum up all the beauty of the country in a few words. For me, the most memorable period was the time we spent in Ubud, a city in the center of the island, known for its strong arts culture. From the breathtaking water palace, to the bustling marketplace, there is no end to the list of things to do and see. Along the streets are also many art galleries. These feature many styles and subjects ranging from traditional Balinese art to more abstract and expressionistic pieces. These art shops, intermingled with cafés and other boutiques were rich with Balinese cultural influence.

During our trip, Anneka, Rebecca and I were lucky enough to spend some time with a Javanese artist who was now living in Ubud, named Joe Mintardja. Joe told us about his amazing development as a painter and how his deep love for art has driven his lifestyle. He taught us how to paint with oil, and shared much of his wisdom as a painter. Joe has found success internationally, exhibiting in the United States, Europe and Asia. It was a privilege to be able to learn from someone with such talent and passion.

The time I spent in Bali was a great inspiration to me artistically. The beautiful people, the sounds, and the sights are not easily forgotten and many stories have been relived while unpacking the Balinese products this summer at the Third World Bazaar Barn. I had never been to Asia before, but now that I have been there, I know it won’t be long before I return.

 Ariana has worked at the Bazaar for the last 4 years in numerous different roles.

 Ariana, Rebecca and Anneka in Kuta, Bali

Rebecca, Ariana and Anneka in the Hills of Bali

Anneka, Rebecca and Ariana trekking through the Rice Terraces of North Bali

Rebecca, Anneka and Ariana at a Bali Temple

_____________________________________

Visit our Travel Experiences in 2008

Visit our Travel Experiences in 2007

Visit our Travel Experiences in 2006

Visit our Travel Experiences in 2005