Wayan Rendah The artistry of Wayan Rendah has been featured in numerous periodicals, including Sunset magazine. "It gives me great pleasure when one of my statues inspires somebody," the artist says. Wayan Rendah's work has also been featured in Home Maker's magazine and in Keepers of the Arts, a beautiful hardcover book available through Novica. "I was born in Bali on June 17, 1973. I am the oldest of seven children, in a family consisting of four brothers and three sisters. I started to learn to sculpt at the age of eight when I was still in primary school, learning from my father how to carve traditional statues from wood. Balinese woodcarving touches me very deeply. I have learned a variety of arts in Bali, such as gamelan dance, but carving a piece of wood gives me an incomparable sensation. "At first, I sold my statues to the sellers in the art market and at small shops. After I finished school, I studied with Wayan Purna so as to have a stronger foundation to build upon, because even at a young age I knew that what I wanted was to be able to create the ideas I had in my head. But to do this I needed more experience, and the tools and material I needed were beyond my financial reach. "My ideas were unconventional at the time - developing abstract figures inspired by the form and texture of the piece of wood I had selected, combining traditional themes with modern poses and more sensual shapes. "As time went by I was able to bring out my ideas by selecting different types of wood and concentrating on the themes that could satisfy my creative desires. Exploring the abstract world refreshes my mind in creating new carvings. The mind and inspiration are two amazing things that encourage me to create special works of art. Wood has certain special characteristics that I would sacrifice if I worked with another medium like stone, which is not easily broken and produces very specific effects. "I am married to a beautiful woman who helps me arrange my works to be exhibited in my small place and find new sources of inspiration. "Since joining Novica, I have been able to continue to express my ideas and to support my family, and my work can be seen outside Bali. I am very grateful for this, because this is my strongest desire: to be able to create and share the ideas I have and support my family. I hope that the people who see my work enjoy it, as it gives me great pleasure when one of my statues inspires somebody - for this the foundation of my work. "Times were so hard before I joined Novica. I couldn't afford to pay the hospital for my wife giving birth to our daughter. I had to give up my motorbike, the only thing we had left, to pay the hospital and take my wife and daughter back home. "God answered my prayer, and here I am now living happily with my wife, a daughter, and a son. Regular income from Novica means so much to the life of my family, and the lives of other carvers in our village - I am now working with 20 carvers! We started with nothing. Now we have savings, and are building houses. "My place is full of statues we're working on for Novica customers. Two or three times per week I visit Novica to deliver our finished sculptures, and to get paid for what has sold. It feels as though the Novica office is my own office, yet I don't have to pay for Novica, or Novica's employees, or any packaging or shipping expenses. I just get 24 hours of promotion every day, internationally. "This is funny story that once happened to me. I had finished a statue and a tourist wanted to buy it, but after close inspection I noticed one finger was missing from its hand. I was mortified; I gave back the money for it and said I was sorry but that the statue was not for sale. I still have it as a reminder."

	Customer Reviews
		I just received the wood carving "Unwind". It is beautiful beyond my expectations. Thank you for such a lovely creation. - C W, New Jersey, USA PLEASE CONVEY THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO WAYAN RENDAH IN BALI. DEAR WAYAN I HAVE A NUMBER OF YOUR SCULPTURES IN MY HOME INCLUDING "THE MOON GODESS", "THE COBRA" IN ADDITION TO OTHERS THAT I GAVE OUT AS GIFTS LAST XMAS. WE ALL APPRECIATE THE GREAT WELL-DEFINED DETAIL,THAT YOU AND YOUR CO-ARTISANS INCORPORATE IN YOUR SCULPTURES. BRAVO,,,,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND SUCCESS. LDG ANCASTER, ONTARIO, CANADA - LUCIEN I received the sculpture "Bathing at a River" this morning. This is an absolutely stunning piece of work. Wayan has managed to capture and translate truly sensual beauty into this carving. I will most certainly be back for more. - john udale, Mold/Clwyd/United Kingdon I was so overwhelmed by the beauty and workmanship of my "Gentle Lord Ganesha". I have never seen such beautifully detailed artwork in any wood carving. - JOYCE ROBINSON, Chesterfield, VA. USA Just received the Newlyweds wood carving, it is lovely. I plan to give it to my cousin as a wedding present and I think they will love it, who wouldn't want a hand carved sculpture from Bali in their house. I would have no problem recommending this item to others, and if this is an example of the quality of the work then I am sure this is only one of many lovely items the artist produces. - Graeme Brown, Austin, TX, USA My desire of ancient saga and myth from old world has led me to Wayan Rendah's beautiful art works. I purchased Goddess Sri and goddess Ratna to add my collection of Bali saga statuettes and I am very pleased about the artist's skillful hand. Thank you Mr Wayan Rendah - Aline K, Ca, US My wife is currently pregnant with our first child and I wanted to surprise her with a special gift. Wayan Rendah's "Pregnant Grace" proved to be that very special gift. thank you - Ricardo L, San Diego Today my "Mother Owl" carved statue arrived in perfect condition. She is absolutely beautiful and even more impressive is the overall fine workmanship. She is a wonderful addition to our home office credenza, and I can't wait for our grandchildren to see her! Kudos to the artist! - Valery Wilson, Orlando, Fl. USA I have your wonderful flute player craving in our bedroom. It brings a soothing exotic feel to the room. - Dane Young, Canada I received my Upside Down Kissing sculpture and am totally in awe of the beauty of it. I am a new admirer of Wayan Rendah and definitely will be ordering more of her works of art. Novica has made it possible for me to obtain what I thought was unobtainable; beautiful artwork from artist that I would have never known of. - J Faulkner, San Leandro, CA,USA The arrival of Wayan Rendah's "Owl Couple" took my breath away! His feeling for his natural subjects, his attention to detail and his artistic craftsmanship combine to make him one of my favorite carvers. I am simply awed by the perfection of these owls, and I will certainly save my dollars until I can add to my collection of his work. This one, incidentally, is my twelfth carving by the estimable Wayan Rendah! - Harold Warren, Charlotte, NC, USA Dear Wayan, SMILING GODDESS......WOW ! Prettier than poppies in a field of corn ! I'm astonished by the beauty & quality of your work ! -Simply the Best ! My Best Wishes, - Andrew Graham, NE England I received the statue "sensuality" yesterday. It is a wonderful work of art. Thanks, Wayan for sharing your wonderful talent with the rest of the world. - monica mendelsohn I’ve just received my “Mary and Jesus” statuette. The craftsmanship is remarkable and the design very beautiful. I thank Wayan Rendah for this excellent piece. - Maria R.V., NJ USA This artist has an obvious passion for his craft! Excellent work! Very talented individual, and has been added to my "favorite artists" listing. Thank you for sharing your imagination with us. - chris watts, ottawa ontario canada