BALI, ART & FRIENDSHIPS
I still remember my first trip to Bali, 25 years ago. I have some vivid memories from that trip, but the one that has stayed with me most is being mesmerised as I stood before a beautiful painting of a Garuda in a museum.
I don’t know who the artist was or which museum it was, but I remember the painting so clearly — the colours, the shading, the highlights, and the intricate detail of the wings.
This was around the time I first really started exploring my art and filling sketchbooks with drawings.
I think that painting influenced me subconsciously — even today, when I look at my own style, I see echoes of that same attention to detail, and the way I paint shading, highlights, and outlines.
Fast forward 25 years, and I returned to Bali — this time for a very different reason: to finally meet my talented friend from Argentina, Cat D’Alessandro.
We’ve been friends online for years, inspired by each other’s work and cheering each other on, always talked about meeting up someday.
Fortunately, she happened to be on my side of the world, working at Karma House tattoo studio in Ubud.
Not knowing when we’d have another chance to meet, I seized the oportunity, booked my flight, and spent 10 unforgettable days in Ubud.
The creative energy in Bali is undeniable. In just 10 days, I immersed myself in so much creativity:
✨ I spent an afternoon learning stone carving with the incredible artist @jun_thepran at his small outdoor studio among the rice fields on the outskirts of Ubud.
He is very talented and experienced, and it was inspiring to see his dedication to keeping the tradition of stone carving alive in Bali.
✨ I took part in an offering workshop, where I was warmly welcomed into the home of two local women to create offerings for their family shrine. It was a beautiful experience creating alongside them, and learning the symbolism and intention behind these meaningful offerings and healing rituals.
✨ I had an inspiring visit to the Puri Lukisan Museum, where I saw many incredible traditional artworks — including several that reminded me of the Garuda that had inspired me all those years ago.
✨ Inspired by what I’d seen, I took a Miniature Keliki traditional painting class, learning the process and techniques behind these beautiful paintings.
✨ More highlights include joining a handpan workshop, enjoying a beautiful flower bath, and attending the mesmerising Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple.
Bali is full of inspiration — but at times, it was also chaotic.
The constant energy of construction, traffic, and bustling streets reminded me how busy the world can be, but I also found moments of stillness, reflection, and creative flow.
On this trip, I felt my creative journey come full circle. The Garuda painting I’d admired as a teenager still spoke to me, and I left feeling inspired, connected, and ready to bring all of that energy into my own work.
Bali reminded me why I fell in love with art in the first place: the colours, the stories, the culture, and the people who pour themselves into creation every day.
It was an unforgettable 10 days, and I can’t wait to see how this inspiration continues to shape my art.
Bali reminded me why I fell in love with art in the first place: the colours, the stories, the culture, and the people who pour themselves into creation every day.
It was an unforgettable 10 days, and I can’t wait to see how this inspiration continues to shape my art.