My name is IDA BAGUS KETUT DHARMA. I am an ARTIST and also a GUIDE. I also lead a rice paddy field and herb walk from Sakti Village, near Ubud, to Keliki village.
I live in a small, rural traditional village called Keliki which is located just 20 minutes drive north of Ubud. One of the five styles of traditional Balinese styles of paintings originated from my village; hence this type of paintings are simply called the Keliki style. I paint in this traditional Keliki style that is characterized by black and white detailed drawings that depict traditional village life and ceremonies. Prior to the introduction of colors by western artists who resided in Bali in the early twentieth century, all traditional Keliki paintings are done only in black Chinese ink. I learned this art from my grandfather who was a very famous Keliki artist. Being the only remaining Keliki artist in my village, I now teach this style of painting to many children from my village, hoping that a few of them will continue this traditional art form. I am fortunate that my paintings have been exhibited and sold by several major art museums and galleries in Bali, and are collected by many local and overseas art lovers. However, because I am very passionate about keeping the traditional art true and alive, I do not churn out low quality paintings every few weeks just to sell to collectors. In fact, it sometimes takes me 12 to 24 months to complete a larger sized painting. I am also a village PRIEST and I am sometimes asked to perform village ceremonies such as tooth filing and major life's events. Because I am from the Brahman (or priest and healers caste), I also learned about traditional medicinal plants and herbs from my grandfather. I live in a traditional family compound with my parents, brother and his family, and other relatives -- one big extended family! My wife, Dayu, and I have one son who is now studying in the university in Denpasar. |