Miniature Bas-reliefs carved from Bone in Bali, Indonesia

BAS-RELIEFS

I was always fascinated by artifacts from ancient civilizations---
a king's head on a coin, mythological and religious symbols on brooches and rings
always captured my interest.
I was especially drawn to the "funky" ones which, in their simplicity,
conveyed their meaning and importance without needless detail or sophistication---
almost like today's Logos.

I began carving these bas-reliefs in 1997.
At the time, Bali was suffering from sporadic electrical service
and I remember having to alternate between my electric drill and my hand files
in order to complete my series of 13.

Eventually I designed and framed them
with ornate Sterling Silver bezels in a "Balinese" style. (see below)
As I recall, my silversmith during the "troubles" was very glad to have the work.
(ONLY two "originals" remain.... part of the Virginia Utley Collection, North Palm Beach, FL)

In later years,11 were stolen and their silver stripped---
the Bas Reliefs left lying on the ground where they dropped.
I tried again with just four designs and sold them all to a collector.
Only nine unframed pieces remain today.

BR 1        1 3/8” x 1 7/8”      4.8cm x 3.5cm

BR 2        1 3/4” x 1 1/2”      4.4cm x 3.8cm

BR 3        1 1/2” x 1 3/8”      3.9cm x 3.5cm

BR 4        1 1/2” x 1 1/8”      3.9cm x 2.9cm

BR 5        1 5/8” x 1 1/4”      4.3cm x 3.3cm

BR 6        1 5/8” x 1 1/4”      4.2cm x 3.4cm

BR 7        1 3/8” x 1 1/8”      3.7cm x 2.8cm

BR 8        2 1/8” x 1 1/2”      5.5cm x 3.9cm

BR 9        1 7/8” x 1 1/2”      5cm x 3.8cm