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Joanna and Ketut Darmawan

From Canada, Joanna Witt works with her Balinese husband, Ketut Darmawan. She was born in 1966, and soon started to travel and work in Asia. She lived in Korea and Japan for several years where she taught English. In her travels around Asia, she learned jewelry making in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She often came to Bali and Ketut Darmawan was among her group of friends.

Darmawan was born in Bali in 1966 to a family of wood carvers. However, his father wanted his child to study and, despite his willingness to become a wood carver, Ketut followed the desires of his father.

When they became a couple, they also joined their desires to create and design. They decided to start their own silver workshop, an old dream for both of them. With the help of a silversmith master of Celuk, Joanna improved her skills and Ketut learned everything from zero.

Their place of residence has always been Bali, where they married and are raising their two children. Although for Joanna, cultural adaptation was quite a challenge, she appreciates her children growing up in an environment such as Bali's.

Joanna and Ketut are not only silversmiths, but also teachers, since offering jewelry courses is their other main activity. They enjoy showing their pupils the secrets of this ancient art.

They agree that, "Our main source of inspiration when creating designs is nature. We like simple, natural shapes. We are continually striving to create fresh and original designs using the simplest equipment."