Seji Taram

Seji Taram hand-carved sculptures

It is with a very heavy heart that we mourn the death of Ketut Taram from lung cancer. He was the best man I ever knew, and the best husband I could ever hope for. He always made me feel loved. He was always gentle and caring, especially with our children — he never got angry and always had a great capacity for understanding, his wife Seji told us. A friend and artisan, he will be much missed by all of us.

My name is Ketut Taram and I was born in the Gianyar regency, Bali, in 1967. I learned how to create my first sculpture from my older brother, Made Mudiawan. From 1975 until 1990, I worked primarily in suar wood. Then, from 1990 until 2000, I made the sculptures from sandalwood. Lately, I enjoy sculpting with both.

I began carving on my own in 1992. Before that, I'd worked together with my older brother, saving until I had enough money to open my own workshop. There are five people working with me now.

Balinese culture and tradition inspire my artwork. As the son of Wayan Kicen, a wood carver, it is easy and enjoyable for me to transfer my imagination into my work.

I have participated in several exhibitions around Bali. Thank you for promoting my artwork to the whole world. Through my art I do hope to provide a good life and a better future for my family, especially for my children.

Always happy and smiling, Taram's carving legacy will be continued by Seji, who says,

I met Ketut Taram when I was 19, and we were married three years later. He was a very quiet man, very kind, didn't talk much, and cared very much for me and our children. He didn't tell us he was seriously ill because he didn't want to make us sad or worry us. He only told me three months before he passed away.

We have a young son and an older daughter. They inspire me and motivate me to make sure I can give them a better life until they graduate from university. But it has been difficult since my husband passed away – I try to fill my day with different activities, working hard.

I'll always remember what my husband said before died. He wanted me to carry on caring wisely for our children, and he also encouraged me to be a stronger woman for our children's sake.

Being associated with you has really made our situation easier, before and after my husband passed away, because we only focus on your orders. We sell most of our sculptures through you and, from that, we can pay for food and also our children's school fees.

I learned this art from my husband, and now I continue to craft his designs, sometimes with your advice on how to improve and create new designs from my own ideas. I hope my hard work will help us sell more, and that everyone likes my new designs.

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Ubud, Indonesia

My name is Ketut Taram and I was born in the Gianyar regency, Bali, in 1967. I learned how to create my first sculpture from my older brother, Made Mudiawan. From 1975 until 1990, I worked primarily in suar wood. Then, from 1990 until 2000, I made the sculptures from sandalwood. Lately, I enjoy sculpting with both.

I began carving on my own in 1992. Before that, I'd worked together with my older brother, saving until I had enough money to open my own workshop. There are five people working with me now.

Balinese culture and tradition inspire my artwork. As the son of Wayan Kicen, a wood carver, it is easy and enjoyable for me to transfer my imagination into my work.

I have participated in several exhibitions around Bali. Thank you for promoting my artwork to the whole world. Through my art I do hope to provide a good life and a better future for my family, especially for my children.

Always happy and smiling, Taram's carving legacy will be continued by Seji, who says,

I met Ketut Taram when I was 19, and we were married three years later. He was a very quiet man, very kind, didn't talk much, and cared very much for me and our children. He didn't tell us he was seriously ill because he didn't want to make us sad or worry us. He only told me three months before he passed away.

We have a young son and an older daughter. They inspire me and motivate me to make sure I can give them a better life until they graduate from university. But it has been difficult since my husband passed away – I try to fill my day with different activities, working hard.

I'll always remember what my husband said before died. He wanted me to carry on caring wisely for our children, and he also encouraged me to be a stronger woman for our children's sake.

Being associated with you has really made our situation easier, before and after my husband passed away, because we only focus on your orders. We sell most of our sculptures through you and, from that, we can pay for food and also our children's school fees.

I learned this art from my husband, and now I continue to craft his designs, sometimes with your advice on how to improve and create new designs from my own ideas. I hope my hard work will help us sell more, and that everyone likes my new designs.

Bali and Java Artisan Empowerment Hub

Come with us on a journey to the magical Indonesian islands of Bali & Java, where artistry is a way of life, and soothing tropical vibes ease away all stress and tension. These lands are famous for intricate wood carvings, divine silversmith work, and Batik designs that transport you to another time.

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Maker BadgeCaring for Children

Seji Taram is a widow. Her daughter is grown, Seji is raising her young son alone.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Seji is determined to give her son the best possible education.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

Seji learned to carve from her husband. Sadly, he passed away and she was left to support herself and two children. Before he died, her husband urged her to be strong and become her own woman. She has done so and has grown their workshop. She now gives work to other carvers, and two women hand-finish the sculptures.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Seji learned to carve from her late husband. Their workshop continues to produce his designs and also the ones Seji has developed. She teaches her assistants to carve and carefully instructs her finishers in how to refine each detail of the sculptures.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Novica sales provide Seji with a steady income that has enabled her to grow her workshop. She is able to not only support her son but to provide steady wages to her workers, enabling them to support themselves and their families.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Since the death of her husband, Seji has not only survived - she has managed to thrive. She has grown her workshop and is now able to offer work to other artisans in her community.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

Today, Seji is a strong female figure who heads a successful carving workshop. But in the days after her husband died, this future was far from guaranteed. With the carving skills she learned from her husband, Seji embraced her new reality with determination and commitment. As a result, she has not only been able to provide for her son, but now employs several other female artisans in her workshop.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Seji Taram has received 5 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1250 and the most recent for $2500. Proceeds were used to hire people to help in his workshop.

Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity

This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge.

Maker BadgeOvercoming Cancer

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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