Andi Rachmansyah

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My friends describe me as a simple guy who is a hard worker and loves his family.

I became interested in carving when a friend introduced me to some artisans who worked in carving. I saw the way they worked and it was so amazing that I started to learn. It was my friend Abdul Rasit who taught me, and two other carvers – Pak Dewa and Bli Kadek – were always there to answer my questions.

"My materials are plentiful and inexpensive, when compared to silver or gold. I work in bone and wood. My culture inspires me, and the natural world around me – flowers, leaves and animals. To improve my technique, I turn to books, the Internet and visiting other bone carvers.

"When I am challenged by a difficult design, I work until I can do it nicely. When someone likes it, the result is a very happy moment.

"In 2010 when my wife was pregnant with our second son, I didn't have enough money to pay the rent. We had no choice. We had to move to my father-in-law's house, where we stayed for five months.

"In the future, I hope can buy a new house for my family. I dream of giving my children the best possible education and helping my family, especially our parents."