The Bali Art Scene

June 13, 2014 at 1:47 am  •  Posted in Art, Bali, Inspiration by

When pressed to answer the question as to the #1 reason why I love Bali so much, it would have to be the arts. Villages on the island developed years ago centered around the various art disciplines. And since people rarely move more than a few houses from where they were born, you can find multi-generational families of stone carvers, painters, basket weavers, textile designers, silver smiths….you name it!

I was once told that the island of Bali has more artists per capita than any other place in the world. I have never seen the statistics to back up that statement, but as we explore the island, I believe it must be true.  Quite often, the question asked of one Balinese to another is not “are you an artist?” but rather “what is your art?”

Inspired by the locals,  we have all thrown ourselves into the art scene here, taking various classes such as silversmithing and wood carving in an attempt to learn from the masters of the trade. The classes produce interesting works of art, but more importantly, they serve as an exclamation point highlighting the true talent of the local craftsmen who work their magic in such a detailed and elegant way.

Not only does Bali have oodles of native artists, but the island itself also attracts people from around the globe to come and create! Step into any shop and you will meet other craftspeople who have come from Europe, North America, Africa and remote places in Indonesia to make a living doing art that they love.

I want to come back in a few years and spend some time profiling some of the artists here but until then I hope some of the photos will entice a few of you to jump on a plane and experience this place firsthand :)

Carved stone at the Campuhan Temple which is currently being renovated so you can watch the artists at work....so cool!

Carved stone at the Campuhan Temple which is currently being renovated so you can watch the artists at work….so cool!

 

Traditional carved wood is extremely ornate but this artist has started digging up old stumps with the roots and turning them into modern art pieces!

Traditional carved wood in Bali is extremely ornate but this artist has started digging up old stumps with the roots and turning them into modern art pieces!

 

Street art is so cool and both a reflection of traditional art as well as a spin on western styles.

Street art is so cool and both a reflection of traditional art as well as a spin on western styles.

 

Daily offerings on every street curb are so beautiful with a combination of flowers, incense and food offered to the gods.

Daily offerings on every street curb are so beautiful with a combination of flowers, incense and food offered to the gods.

Lisa

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5 Comments

  1. stanpavlovsky / July 8, 2014 at 7:01 pm /

    So awesome! What an experience.

    • Lisa / July 8, 2014 at 7:44 pm /

      Thanks Stan! We are t-minus 1 week to being back in the USA so I am psyched to catch up with you! Hope you are enjoying the summer :)

  2. K.A. / July 9, 2014 at 10:18 pm /

    I am so glad you are a great photographer! You capture everything that I couldn’t when we were there. What an amazing place with incredible artists. Can’t wait to go back. Bali 2022!

  3. Vanessa Greaves / July 10, 2014 at 3:11 pm /

    Even the street art is amazing. I hope you keep up your silversmithing and wood carving and all when you get back. I’ll teach you how to do pysanki, too, if you’d like. (Waxed and dyed eggs.)

    • Lisa / July 11, 2014 at 6:11 am /

      Sounds awesome Vanessa! I would love to learn pysanki and also get a list from you of the best restaurants in Seattle since I feel I need to expand my repetoire after seeing all your Instagram photos of delicious food over the last year :)

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