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Wayan Gandung

"My name is Wayan Gandung, and I was born in 1965. I started to learn woodcarving when I was just six years old, together with other children. When I was young, I never thought that one day I would be a sculptor.

"As a child, I never thought it possible to become an artist. I come from a farming family and it was hard to find time to learn or to buy materials. I was lucky to have my father, for he was able to carve and he taught me how to carve. During this time it was hard to focus seriously on carving, because we had to look after our two cows and also work in the rice fields. Times were hard then, but I had a strong support from my parents. Since 1995, carving has become the main sustenance for my family.

"I enjoy working with Novica because my work can reach people outside Bali and this makes me feel respected as an artist. Also, I like the fact that Novica wishes to promote Balinese artists on an international level."