Eden of Creativity
As Bali prepares to welcome back tourists when the time is right, the island’s legendary beauty, which has enthralled legions of artists over the years, continues to inspire and capture hearts.
As an artist and illustrator, Rik Lee is constantly on the lookout for inspiration. Luckily, his life in Bali is full of creative cues.
“The light, the scenery, the sounds, and the sights of Bali. They all feed into my work,” he says. “Every morning, I walk my dogs Indi, Tiaki, and Susu through the rice fields near my home. I can see the ocean, volcanoes, and ancient temples. I can often smell the incense from the temples. It’s very energizing.”
In many ways, Bali is the destination that has it all. Known for its immense beauty and heady blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and ancient animist culture, the little island near the geographical heart of the Indonesian archipelago attracts a consistent stream of visitors.
From surfers in search of the perfect wave to those seeking stimulation for the body and mind, the ‘Island of the Gods’ is as diverse as it is fulfilling.
Bali is famous as a base for artists — both visiting and local — with notable figures like Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, and Ida Bagus Gelgel all inextricably linked with the island. Its visual and cultural manna continues to inspire creators like Lee, who has been drawing from Bali’s artistic riches for almost a decade now.
I came for love,” he smiles, explaining how he’s made his home in Bali with Regina Octavia, his Indonesian wife. “I think that’s a positive reason for making a home somewhere.
Over the years, Lee has illustrated for diverse clients ranging from international brands to “the kid next door who wants a tattoo”. Renowned for his pencil sketches and market scribblings, Lee also uses watercolors, ink, pastels, crayons, and digital manipulation. He has exhibited his work in Melbourne, Sydney, San Francisco, and New York.
In addition to his art, Lee runs a clothing brand — Rik and Reg — alongside Octavia. With clothing collections independently designed and manufactured on the island, Lee views the brand as another way to support local businesses and showcase Bali’s artisanal traditions.
Another thing I adore about Bali is its craftsmanship,” he says. “Everywhere you look, locals are doing amazing stuff that is individualistic, handmade, and small-scale. It’s been great to support these communities through our collaborations.
Lee’s admiration of Bali’s physical beauty and richly layered culture is shared by many. Indonesia’s most popular draw for tourists, the island is one of the world’s most cherished destinations.
The global pandemic has stemmed the flow of foreign visitors for now. But it’s only a matter of time until travel restrictions ease, and Bali can again weave its magic on a wider audience.
To enable the path towards a new normal that offers visitors the highest safety protocols, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has introduced InDOnesia CARE.
The national campaign is geared towards encouraging and helping stakeholders implement cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability (CHSE) protocols. It is hoped that this emphasis on security, wellness, and comfort will help to revitalize Bali’s tourism industry when the time is right.
Tourism is an economic sector that is very dependent on the trust of domestic and international tourists. Therefore, we must gain this trust through our actions,
Sandiaga Uno, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister.
With safety and hygiene top of mind for travelers, the government is working closely with local Balinese businesses to meet present demands. When they return to Bali, visitors can expect peace of mind as they enjoy the island’s incredible beauty. Protocols include regular disinfectant procedures, safe physical distancing, and temperature checks at all relevant venues.
Before entering Bali, visitors must present a negative swab test result and provide a QR code to be verified by health officers at immigration points. Other protocols include mandatory masks and sanitizers in all transport services and the utilization of digital technology wherever possible to minimize physical contact.
“Every place, destination, or any tourism business that has passed the CHSE assessment will earn an official certification of InDOnesia CARE,” said Agustini Rahayu, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. “All this was put in place so that everyone involved — both tourists and people working in the industry — can feel safe while enjoying the beauty a thriving Bali has to offer.”
Nearly a decade after moving to Bali, the island remains firm in Lee’s heart. When he’s not working at his home studio in the beach enclave of Cemagi, he enjoys sampling the island’s array of coffee shops and world-class restaurants. His current favorite place is The Slow, a gallery-cum-bar that offers the island’s best spot to soak up Bali’s natural beauty.
“I love to escape the crowds, so we recently marked my wife’s birthday in Pupuan, a remote village in West Bali with incredible views,” he says. “But sunsets at Uluwatu [a world-famous surf spot in the island’s far south] still give me goosebumps even though I’ve seen thousands of them. As an artist and illustrator, there’s just so much stimulation. There is no better place to be.”
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