Artisans

Hand-painted wood sculptures and masks - - Bali & Java - - My full name is Anak Agung Gede Bagus Ari Panji Widya Pratista -- such a long name given to me by my parents! Our Indonesian names reflect our customs and the importance we give to family heritage. According to our traditions, my names mean the following: Anak Agung implies royal lineage; Gede tells that I am the first child; Bagus literally means handsome and also indicates I am male, and Ari Panji Widya Pratistais is my real name. However, people call me Gung Gus, short for Agung Bagus. I was born and raised in Ubud, which...

Hand carved masksBali & Java "I learned to design from my father, this craft which is taught and learned from generation to generation.""I am Balinese born and was named Nyoman Naranata by my parents in the traditional baby ceremony in 1970. When I was just an elementary student, the art of woodcarving was imprinted on my everyday life. Handicrafts are becoming the main wage earner in my village. As time passes and I get older, my experiences have led me to concentrate on carved masks. I learned to design from my father; this craft is taught and learned from generation to...

Wood SculpturesBali & Java "May this year bring you all the happiness and good fortune that you have brought to my family.""This has been such a great year for me, thanks to people from many different countries. May this year bring you all the happiness and good fortune that you have brought to my family."My name is Nyoman Karsa and I was born on December 31, 1967. I learned woodcarving from my father and the senior artists of my village, for example, the famous Wayan Winten. I have worked in my own art studio and shop since 1987. "I usually carve...