Working in Bali

Handicraft buyers come to Bali from all over the world. Designers flock to the island as well. They are drawn by the sympathetic environment as much as by the skill of the craftsmen. Bali seems to nurture creativity. It is a setting in which the seeds of one’s imagination germinate with the same careless abandon as those of the lush vegetation. Many of the cottage industries produce work for foreign designers but the creative process is almost always a collaboration in which the influence of the Balinese craftsmen is readily apparent in the finished product.

Balinese culture contributes to the island’s appeal to foreign artists, but the cultural differences also pose unique challenges for designers who choose to work there. Production deadlines often go unheeded or even unnoticed. Smiths may disappear suddenly for weeks at a time during important ceremonies and entire workshops might be shut down for ritual cleansing if there is a suspicion of foul play through black magic. Up to 25% of an average work day is spent on religious or social obligations such as preparing offerings or participating in village projects. Over time this can wreck havoc with a “Western” employment schedule. In short, the very qualities that make Bali so appealing can cause tremendous misunderstandings and anxiety if Western designers don’t realign their behavior and expectations.

The first challenge is to let go of the “time is money” attitude. In Bali, a project will be finished when it’s done and not before. The second challenge involves body posture, tone of voice and attitude. Any display of irritation, tension, anger or aggression is counterproductive. The Balinese will become instantly “malu”, shy or ashamed. They will clam up and nothing will get accomplished. American designers in Bali learn these lessons quickly. It takes a special personality to successfully adapt to such different circumstances and maintain the ability to function competitively in the home market where customers expect orders to be delivered promptly and often at short notice.