Mask Maker

Wood carved masks are an integral part of many Balinese ceremonies. Particularly impressive is the Topeng where a single man plays multiple characters to tell a story, donning an array of masks and costumes for each. The totality of their immersion into their roles borders on trance, where the line between actor and character does not exist, they literally become who they are playing and it is exhilarating.

I was running late for an appointment in Tampak Siring because the afternoon rains had been relentless and there was absolutely no way to ride a motor bike through the deluge. Finally, things broke, I decided to take a different route than my usual one, you know, maybe shave a few minutes off. I passed one beautiful village after another, it felt like I was entering "The Twilight Zone." This was a land untouched by time, by nuclear meltdowns, by all modernity; I felt contentment. Then I saw this guy out in a ricefield, man I was late, but damn if it wasn't the coolest, most sublime scene.

Another Green World

Water Temple, Tampak Siring. The sound of prayers resonates through the canyon walls as water gushes out everywhere- cool.

Traditional Balinese Healer

Visiting Tjokorda Rai, traditional Balinese healer. He works by opening up pathways in your energy field and allowing things to "flow" better. He can "operate" purely by pushing on your skin. Here he enables the path from my fire chakra to flow better. All day long, after this, I would surprise friends here by randomly lifting up my shirt exposing his work!

Happy

Photo Montages at ARMA Museum, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

The five selected works on display at the Agung Rai Museum of Art in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (http://www.armamuseum.com/). I have an entire wall full of my pieces, it is very humbling and makes me quite happy, my first museum show! 

These works will be on display through January 8, 2011- go see them if you are in Bali or tell any friends going over there! If anyone has any connections in Asia I would love to see them go to another museum or gallery after this show- any ideas anyone?

All the work reflects some aspect of life in Bali, all are quite large (~40"x60"), all are framed in black wood with glass over prints. They come in signed, limited additions of seven prints. If you are interested, prices are $1600 (US) up to $1950, great for a vacation home, restaurant or hotel!

Thanks for looking, my friends rule!!!

ARMA Museum dancers

Boys learning the culture of dance at the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Sponsored by arts patron Agung Rai, all children in the community can take classes in art, dance and music at the museum free of charge, pretty amazing for parents who earn $3.50 per day.

The King of Peliatan

His royal highness of Peliatan is adored by his family and subjects- gone, but certainly not forgotten, his memory lives on and his soul goes on forever.

Cremation Tower

Surging towards the cemetery temple, throngs of white t-shirted men carry the cremation tower through the streets of downtown Peliatan. Thick with people, the streets ooze with zealots celebrating and observing. More than at any time in my life I felt vulnerable to the possibility I would be caught in a push and be trampled by the masses of people. One only had to lift their feet up, the pushing from behind propelled you further towards the cemetery; an analogy for life? All things must pass.

Royal Cremation Ceremony

Decorative costumes and finery dominate the royal cremation ceremony in Peliatan, Bali. Death is perhaps the most elaborate of rituals, particularly for royalty, with the soul beginning its journey first to the sea, then to the holy mountain.

Magic Happens

Dance ceremony, Bali, Indonesia

Bali Eyes

Temple ceremony at Camphuan temple, families proud of their young dancers, homage to the gods at the junction of the rivers. Nice to feel at home so far from home, several times local people shouted out to me "Robert, Robert!"

Bali Market

Photo Montage of why, even just going to the market in Bali can turn out to be an "extra- ordinary" experience.