Achmad Kurnia

"My spirit tells me that there's nothing we can reach easily. Hard work is the main key to success."

"Hello, I'm Achmad Kurnia. I was born in Indonesia and grew up in Borneo after my father was assigned to work there. In Borneo, I had so many friends from different ethnicities, religions, races and nations. I lived there until I graduated from high school and then studied at Gadjah Mada University where I was participated in the student exchange program to Canada. A few years later, I earned a master's degree in Sydney, Australia.

"I worked as a merchandiser until 1997, and then focused on art. When I started my own workshop, I ran out of money because I participated in an exhibition to develop what I was creating. However, my spirit tells me that there's nothing we can reach easily. Hard work is the main key to success.

After that, I lived for a while in a quiet place recalling memories about my life. Since that time, I've felt grateful to God for everything that I've gone through because it is a long process.

"In addition to art, I enjoy sports, and participate in national tennis and bowling competitions. Sports teach us to be more active, and we learn about winning and losing. I've made lots of new friends through sports.

"I learned about creating and marketing handicrafts from the ground up through trial and error. Today, some 40 artisans collaborate with me to create designs inspired by my hobbies and travels. I mostly use wood, mirrors, natural fibers and fabric in my designs, with a pressure-machine and a laser to draw some of the motifs.

"I've won several national and international awards for my work and efforts in sustainability.

"Now, thanks to Novica, I can share my designs with people around the world."