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Gusti Ayu Damayanti

Gusti Ayu Damayanti was born in Bali on 29th September 1968. Her father's family wove lontar articles, so she learnt to weave natural fibers from a very young age. By the time she was nine years old, Gusti was weaving pieces all on her own. "My four sisters performed the Kecak dance, so I would always go with them and sell my creations after their performance," she says with a hint of nostalgia.

"For me it was fun seeing my sisters dancing and the audience's reactions. I also felt proud to see that tourists liked the articles that I had woven on my own.

"When I was 10 years old we moved to a house on my village's main street, and I would stand outside selling my products. Many people walked up and down that street. Soon, if I wasn't outside, people would come knocking on my door asking for my products. Once I realized people liked my designs and my products, I decided to dedicate my self to this art form.

"I am now married and I have two sons Eka and Khrisna. My husband has nothing to do with this, and I have to honestly say, I don't think this type of weaving is really suited for men. For example, my own two brothers did not pursue weaving, whereas all my sisters did.

"I enjoy creating new designs, and I welcome client's suggestions. Some of my designs originated from client's ideas. I always do my best, and this gives me the strength to go on. This kind of work is not always easy, sometimes it gives you joy and satisfaction, often sadness. Overall, I am very proud of myself. Especially now that I have joined Novica's team."