Day 71: Balinese Artist at Work

We were in Bali for three days. On the second day we hired a taxi cab driver to take us round Bali. Since we were docked we knew we didn’t have to get back to the ship at any certain time. Travel tip: “Make sure your driver speaks good English.” Our driver was barely okay in his English. However, he did give us a wonderful day, in spite of the language barrier.

One of the stops we made was at an Art Cooperative (of which there are many in Bali). I really became enthralled with Balinese Art, especially the attention to detail and the use of color.

When we arrived an artist was sharpening his bamboo brushes, each with different style tips. I watched him prepare his tools, mix his color, and start to apply the color to the canvas. He first took the color he had mixed off of the palette and put it on his hand - from his hand he applied the paint to his bamboo brush, then onto the canvas. The attention to detail was mind-blowing.

We moved on to view the works in the many rooms of the coop - which seemed to go further and further back - I was amazed by everything I saw. You know art is special when you feel the energy from it as you view it. So many of the pieces transported me to different places and emotions. I could have spent hours - days in this magical place. I know they are selling their work to the many tourists who happen by - To me this was so much more inspiring then the formal settings of ‘The Met’ or ‘MoMa’ in New York City - which Donna and I are members and love to visit when we can.

Upon leaving I stopped by the artist to see how far he had progressed - you can see the last photo. This was one of those unplanned moments which I will never forget.Read more