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Made Mudana and Ketut Suastawa

We are saddened by the news of Made Mudana's passing on February 9th, 2010. He generously shared his artistry with the world. He proudly taught his son, Ketut Suastawa, just like his father taught him. Now Ketut Suastawa will preserve this wonderful family legacy.

"Om Swastitastu! (a Balinese greeting that means may you be safe and happy)! My name is Made Mudana. I am from a community of artists from Ubud, where East and West meet in peace and harmony. I spend my life carving horses, I just love it very much. When I see a log, an image has already installed itself in my mind. Then, I carve out the parts not needed.

"My father taught me how to carve when I was just ten years old - I had no formal training in art at that time. In Bali, traditions and culture pass on from generation to generation. We learn and play together with peers. The elders teach and guide us patiently.

"Everything goes on naturally with the freedom of art. However, each of us has individual talent that grows in its distinct way. Artwork is very different when made without machinery. I have to follow the grain and shape of the wood, print the figure in, and take it out piece by piece. The form appears gradually until it becomes the desired one. I now work with five artists who are my students and family."