Wayan Rendah

Wayan Rendah wood sculptures

Wayan Rendah's work has been featured in Homemaker'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."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace ID

Wayan Rendah's work has been featured in Homemaker'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."

Bali and Java Artisan Empowerment Hub

Come with us on a journey to the magical Indonesian islands of Bali & Java, where artistry is a way of life, and soothing tropical vibes ease away all stress and tension. These lands are famous for intricate wood carvings, divine silversmith work, and Batik designs that transport you to another time.

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Maker Badge Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker Badge Job Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker Badge Moving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker Badge Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Wayan Rendah has received 8 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $2850 and the most recent for $5000. Proceeds were used to invest in a bulk purchase of raw wood for his carvings.

Maker Badge Enabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker Badge Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker Badge Covering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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Alternate image for Romantic Wood Sculpture Eternity of Love

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Romantic Wood Sculpture 'Eternity of Love'

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Dan Absolutely gorgeous and very well-crafted to the smallest detail and finish. It makes a lovely wedding gift.

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Alternate image for Hand Crafted Romantic Wood Sculpture Endless Love

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Hand Crafted Romantic Wood Sculpture 'Endless Love'

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Charlanne Great craftsmanship and it was gift wrapped so beautifully. My son loved it.

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Alternate image for Hand Carved Wood Catchall Welcoming Hands

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Hand Carved Wood Catchall 'Welcoming Hands'

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Wendy I bought this for my sister and she absolutely loves it. She asked me to tell you this. Thank you for the fast service.

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Alternate image for Wood Sculpture of Ganesha on a Lotus Flower from Bali Wonderful Ganesha

$419.99

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Wood Sculpture of Ganesha on a Lotus Flower from Bali 'Wonderful Ganesha'

$419.99

272 Reviews for

October 12, 2025

J Jan B

I have never seen anything that is more beautiful then this "Hand". You are so talented and the crafting is so excellent. Thank you for making my month with the beautiful Hand!

Wayan Rendah

Wayan Rendah

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