family figurines

"Physical beauty is temporary, but the heart is forever," says Javanese artist Aricadia, whose lovely figure painting depicts the artist's idea of inner beauty. "Family relationships based on physical beauty will not last long, but the beauty of the heart will give understanding and eternity," he continues. On a bright orange background, the artist skillfully sketches the central figure, adding translucent splashes of blue and orange.

Santa and his reindeer soar across the night sky above the manger where little Jesus sleeps. Despite the late hour, shepherds watch their sheep, turning a curious gaze toward the Three Kings riding camels. Leonor Quispe brings the nativity to the Andes in a lavish, handcrafted Christmas tree skirt. She works in the traditional art of arpillería (patchwork) to create this family heirloom. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and embroidered.

Christian Bustamante expertly uses acrylics on canvas to paint the vibrant figure of a red snapper that has just been caught in an energizing yellow background. “For this composition, I drew inspiration from my country’s rich artisanal fishing heritage,” says the Salvadoran artist. “The inspiration sprung from the waters of the sea that sustain so many low-income families in coastal communities, becoming a vital link to the reality around me. The choice to portray a red snapper is not just aesthetic; it is a statement about the cultural and economic importance of this species in people's daily lives. Every stroke and shade in the painting aims to capture the essence of artisanal fishing, an activity that is not just a livelihood but a way to preserve deep-rooted traditions.”

Titled Pesca del Dia in Spanish.

Growing up surrounded by a family of artisans, J.S. Anderson devotes his artistic career to exploring the new possibilities offered by polymer clay. Working with Meili W., he diligently forms the clay by hand into tubes that feature colorful and imaginative designs. Cross sections are cut from these tubes and carefully applied around the body of this horned lizard sculpture. The hardy lizard is decorated with dazzling designs and patterns over its entire figure, including floral motifs on its body butterflies along its back. J.S. Anderson has worked for 25 years to perfect this millefiori-style technique, which has allowed him to create intricate and amazing designs on his sculptures. Each pattern on this sculpture is diligently arranged by the artisans through a painstaking process to ensure perfection.

Ghanaian artisan Ayoma Alhassan creates his own interpretation of the traditional Dogon boards of Mali, featuring depictions of human and animal figures and serving as protectors of the households to ward off malevolent spirits. Masterfully hand-carved in mahogany, this wall relief panel showcases abstract figures that include a mother with her children, brothers and sisters and a heart symbolizing love. Each figure is exquisitely adorned with accents made from a blend of charcoal and glue and further enhanced by hand-painted details in black and brown.

Like a caged bird, the woman in Aricadia's oil and acrylic painting is caught in a golden prison, bound by marriage in a noble family. Using a mostly monochromatic palette, the Balinese artist paints the woman from behind, creating a moody study of light and shadow.