Striking Pieces From The Humble Palm

New Straits Times: Kuala Lumpur — May 24, 2003

– By Sofianni Subki

Jazz up your living room with palm leaves that have been transformed into unique works of art. Using leaves and other natural materials found here, artist Jurema W. Baker has created decorative and functional pieces for the house. Functional ones come in various forms including napkin holders, fruit bowls, flower trays and serving trays.

Baker, originally from Brazil, has lived in various parts of Asia for over 15 years. She has lived here for 13 years on and off. A big fan of all things Asian, she studied Oriental art at the University of London, specializing in Islamic and Chinese art.

But the thing that draws her most to this region is its flora and fauna. That she is a nature lover is clearly reflected in her art. Even her first name Jurema refers to a sacred tree found in the Amazonian jungle.

One day, while staying at a friend’s house in Kuala Lumpur, she came across a dead palm frond in the garden. Struck by its beauty, she decided to take it home, much to her friend’s horror.
“She couldn’t understand what I saw in it,” recalls Baker with a laugh. “She saw it as rubbish but I was thinking what a nice fruit bowl it could turn out to be, once I figured out how to do it, of course.”

While most of us wouldn’t have the willpower or the patience to develop an entirely new artistic process, Baker found the tedious trial-and-error experience quite enjoyable. After eight months, she came up with the Jurema method, which is a laborious manual process.

After palm leaves or natural materials have been dried, they are cleaned and sand paper is used to smoothen them and remove some of their natural oils.

“It’s important to get rid of the oil, otherwise the leaves cannot absorb the ingredients in the treating process,” explains Baker.

The pieces are then cut into desired shapes and moulds are used to achieve the form suitable for their eventual purpose. Once shaped, the leaves are treated to stop them from chipping, thus making them durable.

The next step is the lacquering process, which is especially time-consuming. Eight layers of special varnish are applied. Every layer takes about 24 hours to dry and in between, sand paper is used to smooth out imperfections. Finally, a coat of beeswax is used to enhance the finishing as well as for protection.

Baker’s collection of leaves was recently launched at the Badan Warisan Malaysia. It has been a success with the expatriate community in KL.

What about the locals then? “It’s funny you should ask that,” says Baker. “Some time ago, when I was arranging my pieces for an exhibit at a mall, a man approached me and said: ‘This is so beautiful, it’s good that you use raw materials that are found here.’

“With such support, it would be easy to promote my pieces in Malaysia,” she adds. Her unique decorative leaves have been equally well-received in London, England, the only other city where her collection has been displayed.

An expert in antique restoration and the art of lacquering, baker has been commissioned to restore antiques for prominent private collectors and government officials in Malaysia, England and South America. She has written various articles on her areas of specialisation.
Back in her homeland, she has opened two successful galleries specialising in Oriental arts.