Bronze Sundanese Folklore Monkey Figurine from Bali, "Lutung Kasarung"

"Being a hero for my family is my dream, and in my life time it is more valuable than money. My name is I Nyoman Adi Noviantara, and for me, hard work and commitment are words that motivate me to keep on working hard for my children's lives and offer them a better future.

"Born in a family of modest means compared to others' triggered in me a desire to work better. My father was a civil servant and my mother comes from a merchant family. Father is a hard worker who always wants his family to be happy and work with honesty and commitment, but his salary was only enough for us to eat. There were other needs that had to be fulfilled such as our Balinese customs and traditions, which required additional expenditures for ceremonies which are required. Then it became not so pretty while at the same time trying to provide for his three children.

"I am the youngest of the three, and after I was born my mother began selling and trading, just like my grandmother did. Since then, my mother told me, little by little we had additional funds to provide for the family ceremony needs. Right now I feel indebted to my mother and her business. As I understand, having this small business gave me the opportunity to study and finish my school.

"I want to make my mother happy and prove to her that her third child can help the family feel happier. I do not want mother to worry about with existing deficiencies and will strive harder to be able to make her happy all the time.

"Besides, now I have my own family and the future of my three children to take care of. It is my duty to make my children happy and proud of me. I want them to see I am working hard for them, and as best as I can. This gives me a stronger spirit to strive harder.

"Balinese and Indonesian culture is well known throughout the world, which we have preserved for thousands of years. There are stories about of ancient legends related to beliefs about the gods.

"I have an affinity toward these stories of the gods and their relationship with Bali, and together with my determination to help mother I began designing bronze and brass sculptures. Together with a team of five people we started this venture and I continue working with mother. Though our funds are limited, people in Bali as well as foreigners have been interested in our sculptures.

"Novica is an option for craftspeople like me thanks to its webpage my sculptures will be promoted and become well known to many more people around the world. This could be a great opportunity for me us as well as preserve the culture of Bali and Indonesia through my work.

"Thanks Novica customers, and may God bless and thank you for acquiring my work."