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Putra Suteja

"I was born in 1975 in Gianyar, where I was given my Balinese name, Made Putra Suteja. Our village has fostered the art of woodcarving for many years. I started to learn the art from my parents while I was still in elementary school. My grandfather was a famous carver in his time, and received several awards for dedicating his life to the art world.

"I don't want to limit my work to certain themes only. Religion, mythology, daily life, and nature are inspirational to me, as well as my own cultural history. I carve with several different materials, including suar, sono, hibiscus, and crocodile woods, as well as coconut shells.

"In 2005, the best year of my life to that date, I married a Balinese woman named Putu Sri Ekawati, and was also introduced to Novica. I enjoy working with Novica because my work reaches people outside of Bali, and I feel respected as an artist. I appreciate the fact that Novica promotes Balinese artists on an international level."