Jewels are palaces of Lite fragments of足earth Born Stars
Zoëin Total Concept Jewels & Designs Lo c a l St u d i o — J l D u y u n g G G . 1, 13 S a n u r B a l i I n d o n e s i a Office Telephone 62-361-289-420 • Office Fax 62-361-281-971 • Shunyata Telephone 62-361-282-588
Celebrating a quarter century of Creations and Design
What they are saying “Sacred Geometry is the foundation of their jewelry designs and symbols are drawn from all the different traditions the world has to offer. Each precious piece endeavors to express three symbolic levels—the common, the educated and the spiritual—with careful selection of each stone to reflect meaning and value...The design and creative process is not a brief one. Each conscientious step reflects a careful and significant thought process. According to Shunyata “Every moment is inspired by the wealth, rhythm and miraculous spectrum of creation.” —Space Magazine April 2001 by Yvonne Seow “When is a piece of jewelry more than a piece of jewelry? Perhaps when it is made by Us Creations, a small reclusive design company. Since its beginnings, almost 15 years ago Us had built an international reputation for its distinctive one-of-a-kind works that draw from a variety of sources, from ancient Greek and Egyptian to traditional Indian and Balinese cultures. A process that Us hopes will lend each piece—particularly its jewelry —a presence that surpasses mere ornamentation and instead suggests elemental and creative processes of the kind that in the past, imbued such work with a mystical even religious significance”. —B International Magazine July 2000 by John Millichap “Ever set your eyes on something so lovely, so beautiful and so exquisite that it literally took your breath away? And when you laid your hands on it, you felt a strange glow of warmth in your heart that this item was meant to be yours, and yours alone? Believe it or not, I went through this whirl of emotions when I donned on a ruby apple heart pendant and matching bracelet.” —The Art of Synergy and on line article by Janalin Tan & Alfred Tan “The pieces are indeed, exquisite, produced using carving and granulation techniques from ancient Egypt, India and Greece...Lustrous 22-carat carved gold necklaces, bracelets and rings range from simple South Sea pearls with diamonds to a torc necklace made of solid emerald crystal to brilliant aquamarines and imperial topaz with hand carved golden settings featuring dragons, rice shots and lion claws” —Sunday Morning Post Hong Kong May 14 2000 by Sharon Leece
Contents at a Glance
Press Clippings ...............................................................3 Introducing Zoëin Jewels................................................6 Photo of Shunyata at his Bali studio.............................8 A little about Shunyata ..................................................9 Notable Testimonials ....................................................11 Articles in English Press .............................................12 Articles in Foreign Press ..............................................23 Sample of a Zoëin Symbol Certificate........................50
Copyright All rights reserved. All images and writing herein may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form (unless released for public press as permitted by Sections 107 and 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law), without written permission from the publishers and author. WIth the exception of pre-published works all the material contained in the Zoëin Media Disk was compiled, written and developed by Shunyata. © Shunyata 2004
Introducing Zoëin Zoëin Jewels celebrate the wonders of nature in bold and creative forms of art that take today’s progressive individual to a whole new level of enjoyment.
• In a world where value itself has become a commodity, the stylish magnetism and independent spirit of Zoein Jewels is in a class of its own. With its unrivaled approach to design Zoein Jewels opens a deeper dimension that redefines the luxury of adornment. • Coupled with masterful craftsmanship of the finest materials Zoein Jewels blend substance with style to deliver a sensuous experience of wholeness for connoisseurs of the zest and meaning of life. • Zoein offers a fresh approach to the experience of exclusivity. With courage and vision Zoein’s range of jewelry and works of art inspire a sense of the joy, celebration and refinement. • Jewelry is not nearly as mystical today as it was in yesteryears, when it filled a very deep purpose in peoples lives. Even under the glare of contemporary consumerism, Zoëin revitalizes the mystery of jewelry through energetic originality and supportive documentation. • Symbolism underlies our very experience of life. The sacred dimensions underlying a Masque, a Hindu Temple, a Cathedral, a Synagog are also found in the shape and form of the human body. They appear though out the natural world and are imbued in each and every Zoëin creation. • Zoein’s founding designer, Shunyata has penned several hundred pages to expose the meaning behind the designs and their symbolic themes. Zoëin Jewels and works of art go far beyond the common place to offer people greater significance, purpose and value. • The name Zoëin (pronounced colloquially as ‘Zone’) is an ancient Greek term that means — “life Divine” or in other words, that which — “does not perish”.
“Individual lives (Bios) are strung on the golden cord of the soul (Zoë), like pearls on a string”. •The ‘noble’ metal Gold, like Zoe ,remains untarnished and endures. Golden Jewels are thus, the naturally able to enliven the immutable truths of this awesome universe. • Through a distinctive blend of color, form and lustre Zoein creates artistic treasures, that like wisdom, resolve apparent contradiction and bring people closer to the mysterious beauty of which all things are a part. • Always seeking to give more and add extra value to its patrons, many of the treasures created by Zoëin come with a ‘Certificate’ that not only describes the materials and gems used, but goes further, to explain the history, symbolism and depth that is implicitly present in the design.
“When you buy a Zoëin Creation you are making an investment not just in the work of art but in your empowerment and mastery.” • Zoein Creations have been collected by Madonna, Jerry Hall, Lord Colin Glenconner, President Megawati of Indonesia, the Queen of Malaysia and long list of others. Zoeins Creations are not only for the rich and famous but for every one to enjoy. • Zoein has been exhibited in the National Museum of Malaysia and debuted in Oliver Stone’s film, the “New Age”. Its creations were also showcased on both CNBC’s “Over Asia” and CNN’s “Inside Asia”. • Some of the publications that have featured Zoein include: USA’s Town and Country and Interview magazines: • Hong Kong’s Harper’s Bazaar, Eve and Be magazines as well as the “Sunday Morning Post”; • Singapore’s Tatler, Peak, East and Solitare magazines; • Indonesia’s Dewi, Her World, Jewelry, Island Life, Sartika, Tamasya, the Jakarta Tatler, Peak and Female magazines. • Zoein has exhibited in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Delhi, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Sydney and Bali.
A little about Shunyata Shunyata is an American national who has lived in Bali for over two decades. He has since adopted the Indonesian custom of going by only one name. “Shunyata is an unusual name for an American but given his travels and intimacy with diverse cultures, it is perfectly understandable. Shunyata is Sanskrit for ‘evidence of nothing’, in Africa it is the ‘lion king’ and in old Javanese it means the ‘real thing’.” He has been variously described by the press as “a master jeweller, enfant terrible, philosopher, writer and photographer; Bali‘s charismatic wild child.” Since an early age Shunyata’s studied the arts and design and has become proficient across a number of mediums. He studied sacred geometry in architecture with Robert Lawlor, John Mitchell and Alain Danielou, all of which are distinguished in their fields. He speaks a number of languages including Balinese. He has studied Hinduism in depth and understands the intricacies of Balinese spatial layout and religious symbolism, on which he has written numerous articles. Shunyata has written books on subjects as varied as the philosophy of design, the formation of the Sanskrit language and children’s bedtime stories.
He has used his expertise to design buildings from nightclubs in America to temples in Asia. He is a regular lecturer in major cities around the world on various aspects of design. His most recent treatise is titled ‘the Philosophy behind Design’. Shunyata’s quest for adventure prompted him to leave home very young. He entered the entertainment world and as a young entrepreneur designed, opened and operated night clubs in the States. In his early twenties he was on Europe’s catwalks modeling for the likes of levi’s and Versace. After three years in the high energy world of fashion he found himself searching for something more than super f icial beauty. He returned to his roots and began writing, teaching and once again designing. When he relocated to Bali Shunyata f ound e d Us Cr e at ions w it h a n apprentice. After her departure in the spring of 2001 Shunyata opened Zoëin International Inc. Shunyata has developed an approach to design that he calls “symbolic integrity”. “Each and every activity that I partake in is linked to the same essential core of universal significance.” When not on tour Shunyata’s creations are showcased at the Zoëin Sanur Studio.
Bali Indonesia (Dec. 2003 Profile in the Bali Advisor Publication) creates a piece of jewelry? “My jewels are the end result of an elaborate, creative process. First comes the idea, the inspiration. This often forms around a theme as determined by cyclic influences. For example, if the New Moon occurs in an air sign like Gemini and its correlative Full Moon in a fire sign like Sagittarius, then I would see to design pieces that are thematically representative of the air and or fire element”.
In the back lanes of Sanur, within a stone’s throw of the Bali Hyatt, is the studio of Shunyata, a brilliant and passionate maker of jewelry. Seventeen ago, when this tall pony-tailed American first arrived in Bali he began fashioning malas or prayer beads, mandalas, incense holders, holy water urns and other objets d’art for temples. Perhaps appropriately, these meditative accessories led to golden jewels with a purpose. But his love of beautiful objects began much earlier than his arrival on Bali, having been involved in art and design since he was a young boy. Shunyata was a restless kid. He left home at a tender and never looked back. By the ripe old age of 20 he was designing and operating night clubs in Houston Texas. His early success was fueled by the great pleasure he took in contributing to the joy of others. His close affiliation with some of the most successful people in the entertainment industry made it clear that he did not want his life to resemble theirs. He changed his life radically and became a fashion model in Paris during which time he began writing poetry and prose. “I guess my whole life has been quite unusual but I am most grateful for the mentors I’ve had”, one a student of Matisse with whom he studied sacred geometry and ancient architecture. Under the brand name of Zoëin, an ancient Greek term meaning “that which does not die or fade away”, Shunyata has designed more than 3000 unique pieces, or what he calls “golden treasures”. He produces about 200 “treasures” a year, some taking up to a year to complete. Prices range from $450 to $75,000. I began by asking him what is the process by which he
Besides gold, emeralds, ruby and sapphire, he works with many other precious stones, including some really rare and hard to find materials such as vibrant purple sugalite, hand carved fossil ivory from the glaciers in Alaska, as well as jade, pearls and amber. “Gemstones form over millions and billions of years. Our lives are but a blink when compared to such immense periods of time”. As Shunyata explains: “The gems and materials are also vital to the initial concept and design. One could not make bread if the possibility was not already present in the flour. A gemstone, fossil or gold itself has a unique signature in the epic of creation and it is this prime innateness that we must listen for and develop an understanding of. Each stone has setting, and it is this ideal that I seek to express”. “Nature’s plan was what produced the gem, gave it color, hardness and shape. This plan is as well present when the stone comes to be set. The orbits of the planets are in perfect attunement, the beak of a mocking bird is specially suited to fit in the deep cup of a trumpeted flower. It is this perfection of nature that I seek to mirror in my work. Jewelry is not only a craft but the perfect medium to enliven the golden truths of this awesome universe”. Shunyata got his deep interest and commitment to astrology as a child and learned a great deal from the work of Dane Rudyar. Astrology like life and design is all about cycles and relational positions”. “My clients are all successful people and appreciate the extra care that I take to make my pieces the absolute best they can be. My clients include stars, scholars, priests, presidents and executives. Jerry Hall was pictured in Cosmopolitan wearing my pieces. Most of my clients like their anonymity, but my good friend Hari Dharsono a famous designer who does Haute Couture for royals around the world, wouldn’t mind the mention. My clients are stimulated by a treasure hunt in every sense of the phrase and they indeed find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow”. Copyright © 2003 Al Hickey
Notable Testimonials The Jewels that Shunyata creates are distinct and truly Haute Couture. They are made of the best quality materials and examples of extraordinary craftsmanship. His work is exclusive, lavishly presented and each piece is unique. It is time for you to introduce your creations to those who really deserve to have Haute Bijoux. For me you are a gifted artist. When you create something it is contemporary and elegant with an ethnic dimension.
Indonesia’s Preeminent Haute Couture designer—Harry Darsono
His great charm, brilliance and enigmatic presence has made meeting Shunyata an unforgettable experience. Shunyata helps to move the world towards a greater appreciation of its natural beauty.
India’s Woman of The Decade—Princess Shahnaz Husain
I bought the Diamond Arrow Ring from Zoein in the spring of 2002 and I adore it. Besides looking great on my hand I actually feel different when I wear it. In fact my life has taken a turn for the better since I bought it. While I can’t say that the ring is the only factor involved in this positive transition. I can say that I feel confident, free of negativity and peaceful when I wear it. It is truly a special piece that I will always treasure.
House Wife—Flora McClellan - Indonesia
The inspiration and creative passion that transmits the blinding beauty of each exquisite piece will take your breath away. You feel the empowerment, devotion and love of the piece that picks you. Shunyata is a true inspirational, passionate, spiritual designer of Jewels. Every Goddess should know him.
Interior Designer—Darla Lexington - Houston Texas
Yak Magazine November/December 2005)
Indonesian Tattler Magazine September 2003 “The ancient sages realized that all life and phenomena is energy. Science has only come to accept this in the last century. Do jewels have power? What is power? But the ability to exert influence. Just because power can not be scene does not mean that it does not exist. Gravity is invisible. Radio waves, microwaves and galactic beams are bouncing around us an through us all the time yet we don’t see them. They are beyond the scope of our senses. Radiation is another form of invisible energy that is directly emitted by the min-
eral world of which gems are arguably the highest expression. In fact in an interrelated world of energetic movement all things can’t help but to influence and exert power over one another. So the question of whether jewels have power is a deft one. It would an exceptional oddity that goes against all knowledge if we were to say they didn’t. So all life and phenomena is interlinked by invisible lines of power. And these power lines, form an underlying, invisible basis for each and every jewel that I design.”
Excerpt from Shunyata’s “Power of Jewels’ lecture 2004
Solitare(Asia Pacific Edition) September-October 2006
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ment is inspired.” The garlands are strung on auspicious dates such as the New and Full Moon, Solstice and Equinox. When you purchased a Zoëin creations, you get not only a piece of jewellery but a talisman of power that mean something more. It is an investment in not just the jewel but in your empowerment and mastery. You can also commission a Zoëin ‘Symbolic Certificate’ that describes the materials and gems used and explains the symbolic theme inherent in the design itself. During the period of ‘Us’, Shunyata’s design were featured in ‘New Age’, an Oliver Stone film. They have also appeared in numerous prestigious publications. In March 1999, his work was showcased by ’Over Asia’, a CNBC program and in June 2000, by ‘Inside Asia’, a CNN program. His work has appeared at exhibitions in London, Paris, New York, Los
Angeles, Delhi, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Sydney and Bali. To view some of Shunyata’s creations, please have a look at his web site: www.zoeinjewels.com which will give you a very good idea of what spectacular items he produces but you really have to see the jewellery at first hand to experience the magic. The Zoëin studio in Sanur, Bali, is at Jalan Duyung, Gang 1/13, close to the Bali Hyatt Hotel. For an appointment to view, you can telephone (0361) 289 420. Readers in Jakarta will have an opportunity to see the magic of Shunyata at an exhibition entitled ‘Divine Jewels’ to be held in the Bimasena Club at the Darmawangsa from 26 September to 5 October this year; open 9 am until 8 PM. In the afternoon of 27 September, Shunyata will be giving a lecture on ‘The Power of Jewels’ . From Garuda Garuda ininflight Magazine September 2003 From flight Magazine September 2004
Shunyata with President Megawati at the Bali Beach hotel 2003
Solitare Magazine October/November 2003
World Jewelry Review April 2004
Peak Magazine August 2004
Serpentine Majesty Garland
Ploy — A Thai Publication
Indonesia’s Femina Persona September 2003
Indonesia’s Devi Cosmopolitan April 2003
Indonesia’s Jewelry Magazine October 2003
Prodo Magazine March 2005
Zoëin Ruby Ring
This Ring is part of a suite that includes matching earrings. This is the first Zoëin signet ring. The strokes of a golden Z are etched in a crescent moon. The letter Z represent the power and illumination of lightning. Zoëin translates from ancient Greek as “that which does not die” or “that which cannot be destroyed”. In some ways it is similar to the word soul. A vibrant red 12.5ct. Burmese Ruby is set in this hand carved, 22k. Gold ring. It was hand crafted by Zoëin master jeweler Slamet Mamiek between the New Moon in Cancer (July 10, 2002) and the Crescent Moon in Taurus (Aug. 1, 2002). At size 60 this ring will comfortably fit on the hand of most men. A Zoëin Symbol Certificate has not yet been written. However one can be ordered with an additional ten percent charge. Z1786
“In the beginning no-thing moveth, consciousness remained an immense and calm sea, an ‘original unity’. Intelligence, the seed of creation formed and like a dream, germinated in the soil of mind. Heated by the desire for difference, rhythm set in and the embryo of self solidified. Time unfolded and divided space. Aided by intelligence, mind evolved out of pure consciousness and became like a mirror, reflecting the ‘totality’ from which it came.” (Shunyata, Somewhere in Time) The ancient sages, the Pythagoreans and initiates of sacred geometry, studied the language of creation, as it lay written in the pure forms underlying the obvious appearance of things. Underneath the simple elegance of this ring is a matrix of interlacing circles of varying magnitudes. (Figure 1) The circle is a symbol of the heavens and the irrational nature of the omniscient principle. It is the primordial threshold where spirit becomes matter. The numeric series and the forms that underlie it, unfold within the cosmic sphere, upon a scale of ref lective division. A circle or Disc and a cross cultural emblem of the sun. To the Chinese it represented the state of celestial perfection. The circle is in fact a flattened sphere. All stratus of biological life from cells to planets assume a spherical shape. In this way the sphere does Figure 1
This sketch shows how the lightning Z is formed by the intersecting lines of interlaced circles differing magnitudes . The circles in red are larger than the black ones.
indeed represent that which is whole, divine and in some sense perfect. The Discus of Vishnu, known as ‘Beauteous-Sight’ represents the {universal} Mind, the limitless power which invents and destroys all the spheres and forms of the universe, the nature of which is to revolve.” (Hindu Figure 2 Polytheism pg 155) While indeed this design is infused with circles of power, the way that these circles converge is also most significant. The shape formed by their convergence is known as the Vesica Piscis. (Figure 2) The Vesica Piscis is the seed of all form. It is the geometric Holy Grail, from which all polygons emerge. (Figure 3) It is as well the symbol of convergence between the permanent realm of the ideal and the temporal realm of the actual. Figure 3
In this image nine Circles conjoin to form seven Vesica’s. Fom these each polygon can be charted up to the twelve sided dodecahedron which in its self is a symbol of the cosmos and the twelve constellations. Each polygon is formed soley by points of interesection without the add of measure.
To quote from John Michell’s, “City of Revelation” the Vesica Piscis is: “...the simplest and most informative geometric symbol, being the orifice formed of two interpenetrating circles, the centre of each lying on the circumference of the other: this is the womb from which are generated all the numbers and ratios of the Temple.”
Being that the Vesica resembles a fish, whose eye becomes apparent with the construction of a Golden Mean rectangle (See Figure 2) an odd correlation is established with biological theory which generally concludes that organic life was originally conceived in the waters. The Vesica, a symbol in common use in ancient Egypt, was adopted by the early Christians who in accord with past tradition attributed it to the astrological constellation of Pisces. Another odd correlation is uncovered when we consider that a northern district of ancient Egypt, mysteriously left out of the network of its nomes (townships), was represented hieroglyphically by an rectangle:” which is either empty or filled with water or fish...” This Hieroglyph also denotes “the Square of Pegasus... There are in the sky four stars which are at a distance of about 15° from each other and mark a square with sides that run according to celestial meridians or parallels;... The Square of Pegasus (which is in the sign of Pisces) was considered the starting point in the mapping of the sky.” P. Tompkins “Great Pyramid” PG 297.
A double Vesica Piscis, formed by the union of four circles, (Figure 3) displays the coordinates by which a square can be drawn. The root 3 rectangle, enclosing the Vesica, can be divided into 3 equal parts. (Figure 4). Geometrically the ‘Golden Mean’ rectangle is the form from which the spiral germinates (Figure 5). It is also considered to be one of the most stable forms, as attested by its numerous applications in the construction of homes, tables and cars. The Golden Mean, like all proportions, is formed by ratios—
Figure 4
Figure 5
“a ratio is a comparison of two different sizes, quantities, qualities or ideas... A proportion, however, is more complex, for it is a relationship of equivalency between two ratios... It represents a level of intelligence more subtle and more profound than the direct response to a simple difference which is a ratio.” Lawlor
The gnomonic spiral (Figure 5) symbolizes the phenomena of growth; it is in some ways similar to an unending line, in that its two ends hurl themselves in opposite directions towards infinity, one ever diminishing and the other ever expanding. “The spiral is constantly approaching these two incomprehensible aspects of the ultimate reality, and therefore symbolizes a universe moving toward the perfect singularity from which it arose”. (Lawlor)
The Zoëin Ruby ring is infused with much more meaning than I could ever hope to express. Not only is the Zoëin ‘Z’ derived from the Golden Mean Vesica, but each line and shape of the whole ring is formed around varying degrees of gold that is at once wisdom and matter. (Figure 6) Figure 6 © Shunyata 2004