Expatriate Lifestyle Magazine

Artist in Residence - April 2006

Nowhere is the spirit of an artist captured more poetically than in their own home. Tucked away in the unassuming beauty of the Ukay hills, the home of Jurema Walendowsky Baker is both a gallery and a retreat, a showcase of the creativity of a remarkable artist with a passion for the natural environment. The work of this Brazilian-born artist is unmistakably Malaysian. The fruits and foliage of the native Malay landscape are Jurema’s chosen medium. Nature’s found objects - the fronds of palms, the trunks of bamboo, the leaves of indigenous trees - are transformed under her creative eye and masterful hands into lasting ornaments with an aesthetic and functional beauty that belies their modest origins. Her workshop is an extension of the home - a space of ‘creative chaos’ filled with the inspiration for her work - natural raw materials sourced mostly within a 5km radius of the house. Jurema’s technique is a closely guarded secret - a meticulous process of layering lacquer that renders her pieces waterproof, heat resistant and durable - making them perfect for floral arrangements, candles, food service and even wine coolers. The pieces are embellished with specially commissioned handcrafted silver from India, Tibet, Cambodia and Indonesia.

Alongside her own designs, the works of international artists and craftspeople adorn the walls and rooms of Jurema’s home. Paintings, antiques, statuary and furniture are displayed with a curatorial skill and a profound understanding of an eclectic and global artistic culture. Jurema’s talent has afforded her noteworthy clients including Royalty and Government. A recent commission by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations has her designing corporate gifts for international dignitaries. Her work can be seen in such world-class resorts as the Datai and Andaman in Langkawi, and the Four Seasons Bali. In her native Brazil, the name ‘jurema’ denotes a sacred rainforest tree revered for its healing properties. It also describes a deity worshipped by tribal Amazonians, an entity symbolising energy derived from the elements. Jurema’s creations and her warm personality are testament to her affinity with nature and she has distinguished herself as an honour to her namesake. Jurema’s gallery is open by appointment only.

Telephone 012 661 4189 or visit www.juremacreations.com.

Julie Martin is a Malaysia-based Australian Interior Designer
SCAPE CREATIVE
Tel 012 234 0971
Email: julie@scapecreative.com