Kadek Wijanegara

"I was born in a Balinese village and silver jewelry has been part of my life since I was little. My parents and most people in my neighborhood are silversmiths. When I was still in elementary school, I already knew how to make simple jewelry.

"'If you make something, don't use only your hands but also all of your heart. This way everything you make will have spirit in it,' my parents said. This is really true. When I compare the pieces that are made with all of my heart, they are much nicer than those crafted only to finish the item. They look similar but are different.

"My favorite activity is to combine the skill I have with the beauty of Balinese tradition and nature – like dance, carvings, beaches and landscapes – to create silver jewelry. I love something simple, comfortable and good to look at.

"I graduated with a four-year bachelor's degree majoring in information systems. Apart from study, I really want to reach success in life, especially in silver jewelry, because I want to continue the family tradition and also be able to support my youngest brother's education. He is still in secondary school and I want him to get a better education than I did."