The
Balinese sculpture with natural media - wood, stone, bone, horn, deadwood, and
even gnarled tree roots. Nowadays, souvenir-caliber wood carving is churned out
and successful creations are mass produced. Any visitor to Bali is likely to be
exposed to wood carving in all forms, be it the traditional ornate carved
doors, the carved figures of gods, or the countless carved items in craft
shops.
Wood
carving is a craft practiced all over Bali. Open your ears to the tapping sound
of the carver's mallet and you would know that there is one around. It would be
taxing to separate traditional and foreign influences.
However, Balinese are intense observers of the outside world, effortlessly incorporating and adapting foreign themes into their work. For quality wood carving, head to Tegallalang, Pujung, and Sebatu, which is north of Ubud. It is a great area to meet woodcarvers; it is best to take note of the artist's name and visit him at the workshop to negotiate a better price.
However, Balinese are intense observers of the outside world, effortlessly incorporating and adapting foreign themes into their work. For quality wood carving, head to Tegallalang, Pujung, and Sebatu, which is north of Ubud. It is a great area to meet woodcarvers; it is best to take note of the artist's name and visit him at the workshop to negotiate a better price.
Bali is a perfect place for
western artists to study their crafts. There are wood carving lessons in which
you can learn to carve your own mask in about three weeks.
