Part I: The Birth of an Idea

It’s September 2024, and as I reflect on the journey so far, it’s hard to believe how much has evolved since the start of this year. Back in February, while I was in Ubud, Bali, I noticed something missing. Bali’s silver industry is thriving, but where was the jewelry that captured the essence of the island’s mythical figures? It was that realization that sparked the idea for The Mythical Figures of Bali™.

I’ve always been drawn to Bali’s rich cultural heritage. The intricate carvings, the graceful performances, the mythology deeply embedded in the island’s soul. I wanted to bring that to life in a way people could wear, touch, and connect with—through jewelry. That’s when I decided to use my design skills and the resources of PT IMAGINIF Design Indonesia to create something unique.

The first step was research. For two intense months, I immersed myself in Bali’s mythology, gathering images, stories, and cultural insights. I turned to friends and locals to guide me. Ngurah Gde Putra, a longtime friend from Nomad Restaurant in Ubud, and Putra and Tris from Suparsa Homestay helped me verify that I was on the right path, providing local expertise. Together, we honed in on five key figures that would represent The Mythical Figures of Bali™: Barong, Dewi Sri, Drawapala, Hanoman, and Lion.

After completing the research, I needed to turn these mythical characters into something real. I reached out to a Colombian firm, known for their 3D character designs for video games. It was a perfect fit—they could take my vision and bring it into the digital world. For two months, we worked on creating detailed 3D models, ensuring each figure stayed true to its mythological roots while being adapted into wearable art.

Now, in September 2024, I’m standing on the brink of bringing this idea into reality. The digital models are done, the research is solid, and I’ve already begun the process of turning these designs into physical prototypes. But this is just the beginning—there’s still so much more to come. More to follow in Part II...