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Wayan Rendah

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Wayan Rendah

Wood sculptures in Bali and Java

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 been featured in Home Maker's magazine.

I was born in Bali on June 17, 1973. I'm 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 unique 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 working with you, I have been able to continue to express my ideas and to support my family, and my work can be seen outside Bali. I'm 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 all of you who see my work enjoy it, as it gives me great pleasure when one of my statues inspires somebody — for this is the foundation of my work.

Times were so hard before I knew about you. 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 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 sculptures we're working on for you. Two or three times a week, I visit your offices to deliver our finished sculptures and to get paid for what has sold. It feels as though your office is my own office, yet I don't have to pay for you, or your 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.

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Microcredit Financing

Enabling Education

Covering Basic Needs

Profound Impact

Caring for Children

380 items by Wayan Rendah

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

404

Lindsey

Verified Reviewer

02/18/2021

"Cobra snake"

I am in awe of all animals and the cobra statuette is beautiful.

Purchased Item:

Cobra, Hand Carved Wood Snake Sculpture

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Diana

From Elk Grove/California/USA

Verified Reviewer

02/17/2021

"Beautiful, inspiring statue"

I am not a Buddhist, but I need some someone to remind me to relax and breathe. This beautiful statue sits near me as I work and does just that. The wood grain and carving is gorgeous and the Buddhas expression is perfect.

Purchased Item:

Serenity Buddha, Hand Crafted Balinese Suar Wood Buddha Meditation Statuette

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Elinor

Verified Reviewer

02/14/2021

"Beautiful"

It was so beautifully gift wrapped with a lovely message from the company. It felt like it was delivered with love.

Purchased Item:

Kissing You, Hand Carved Suar Wood Romantic Statuette from Bali

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Stephanie

Verified Reviewer

02/11/2021

"Stunning Piece of Art"

I just received my gorgeous wooden Buddha on Coral statue and it is simply stunning! The attention to detail is amazing. It is a solid, sturdy and very impressive piece of art! It came lovingly wrapped and arrived in perfect condition. I am absolutely thrilled with my purchase!

Tags By Stephanie

Gorgeous Beautifully Crafted

Best Uses

Displayed on top of cabinet

Purchased Item:

Buddha on Coral, Wood statuette

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KAREN

Verified Reviewer

02/08/2021

"Lovely"

Very beautiful piece of art!

Purchased Item:

Crested Owl, Fair Trade Wood Bird Sculpture

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Bender

From Colorado

Verified Reviewer

02/05/2021

"Exquisite Work of Art"

Excellent detailed workmanship resulting from the obvious love the artist has for his craft. A stunningly beautiful display piece that immediately grabs your attention. It is even more intriguing than can be seen in the photographs. And a great value! Similar pieces sell for over three times the cost from other sources. I am thrilled to have this as part of my home. The piece came more quickly than I expected and was exceedingly well packed. You may think it would be some what delicate, but it is much more sturdy than it may seem from pictures.

Best Uses

A Wall Hanging Display Piece

Purchased Item:

Proud Ganesha, Hand Carved Balinese Suar Wood Mask of Ganesha

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