Ubud Diary
The Art Story
My passion for art and culture developed during my childhood. Growing up on the island of Borneo I was fortunate enough to visit the traditional Chinese houses belonging to my family and our relatives.
The ethnic Chinese people who shared the same family name would congregate in these delightful and eloborate purpose-built houses. I learned to value the distinct designs and architectual elements.
I loved the indigenous tribal art of Borneo, and still do. Unfortunately, many people were afraid of this artform and it remained mostly unapprciated due to its percieved msyterious characteristics.
In 1989, at the age of 21, I travelled to Bali for the first time accompanied by my girlfriend, and a friend along with his family. It was a unforgettable experience. We journeyed by train and bus from Jakarta to Surabaya, then Banyuwangi and finally on to Bali. When we arrived in Kuta I was astounded by the abundance of art and antique shops that saturated the Kuta and Legian areas.
On our third day in Bali we ventured up to Ubud and I remember being immediately hypnotized by its beauty. Right there and then I expressed to my girlfriend (now my wife) that I would do anything to be able to retire in Ubud one day. Fast forward to present day, and now, after over 20 years of collecting Indonesian antiques, art and crafts, the time has come for me to make good my wish and to retire in the place of my dreams.
My 30 years of experience in the interior design and furniture industries has allowed me to formulate a beautiful modern lifestyle that is enriched by the aesthetic and historical values of Indonesian traditional arts and crafts. In celebration I have created Ubud Diary: a gallery and villas in Lodtunduh, Ubud, Bali.
Ubud Diary is an expression of my passion and a reflection of ‘The Art of Living’.
Welcome to Ubud Diary,
Made Ary
