Ahhh ... it's been a few days since I've returned home from a beautiful, soulful trip to Bali. To be honest, I hadn't expected to be moved so much by this beautiful little country! Yet with all the travels I've experienced worldwide in my life, the city of Ubud has truly captured my heart and soul like no other.

My week in Ubud, Bali was the first time I'd been on an extended trip since my son was born 5 years ago. I used the time to soak up all the incredible Art + Culture + Spirituality of the place ... and I have returned with a broader heart and incredible inspiration for future Artworks to come.

Below are some of the inspiring offerings I came across during my travels ...

BALINESE ART SCENE

What I loved most about the Balinese Art is how much it is a part of the natural and cultural landscape. There are literally Art galleries every three to four shops along and the street art was no exception. Walking along I saw large murals nestled amongst overgrown and abandoned buildings and popping out during rainforest walks and roadside spaces. The Indonesian culture expressed in Artistic form was an unexpected, delicious treat for me. So cool!

FLORAL OFFERINGS

The Spiritual feeling in Ubud is palpable. Literally the front of every home, business and temple showcase beautiful offerings of flowers, incense and treats for the Gods, celebrating gratitude and good luck for the day ahead. During my stay I learned how to create offerings and watch out for them as I walked, careful not to step on them.

BALINESE STATUES

Every few metres there are amazing statues, stones and carvings to be found depicting Life, Spirituality and Culture in Bali.

The stonemasons of Bali have to seen to be believed - These guys work fast! The first day I arrived there were a handful of sculptors beginning work on a large wall piece and by the end of my stay, the wall sculpture was almost complete.

I particularly enjoyed spotting inconspicuous carvings amongst nature, as well as welcoming carvings at business entrances, bridges and even on roundabouts.

BALINESE LANDSCAPE

During this trip I got to tick a huge item off bucket-list - exploring the beautiful rice paddies. I could have trekked them for hours, just soaking up the beautiful greenery and sounds of trickling water as the springs irrigated the cleverly designed working rice farms.

Even in the middle of Winter in Bali, the weather is warm, humid and the landscape lush and vibrant. Bali quenched my insatiable thirst for flowers, moss, vines, mountains and waterfalls and I wasn't disappointed by the views almost everywhere I looked.

I can truly say I found it so much easier to be present and supported by the culture and lifestyle of this beautiful country. I feel changed by the combined Art + Culture + Spirituality of Bali and have returned with a broader heart and incredible inspiration for future Artworks to come.