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This is Wayan.

Wayan has never heard about the digital economy or content creators, but he has one invaluable skill that puts him ahead of most creators today.

It was Sunday afternoon when I met him.

That day, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, pondering the widespread prevalence of imitation in today's world. It is frustrating to see original ideas lose their spark through constant repetition. It is like looking into a never-ending series of mirrors, each reflection further distorting the truth.

In moments of clarity, I cannot help but notice my own shadow among them, just trying to get some attention on Twitter, repeating the same platitudes everyone else already did.

I hate it, especially since I have been guilty of it on numerous occasions.

As I zipped through the streets on my scooter, the warm Bali sun cast a golden hue over the rice paddies, and the smell of incense and roasted chicken in the air tangled through my hair.

I had ventured to explore the hidden alleys near Gyanyar when my eyes caught the captivating array of stone sculptures adorning the entrance of a quaint workshop. Curiosity piqued, I parked my scooter and walked in, the chisel's rhythmic tapping guiding me.

There, amidst a forest of stone deities and intricate carvings, were two artists whose hands danced with age and skill. Their presence was one of creativity and patience; their lined faces told stories of a thousand sculptures. I could feel their strong presence without them saying a word.

I realized stonemasonry was their daily meditation.

I stood there in awe of the life that was emanating from the rock and felt an immediate reverence for these craftsmen, whose artistry was as much a part of them as the air they breathed.

“How much is this sculpture?” I asked

“1.9 million,” Wayan replied

That is roughly 110 USD.

"Wow ! "How much effort and dedication are required to do this?" I thought.

Wayan told me it only takes him a week to create one piece of that size, which I found rather astonishing considering that these are handmade.

@romanlbinder

Shoutout to @nyomansuetha amazing artist from Bali #stonemason #stonemasonery #art #artist #artistsoftiktok #culture #bali #hinduism

I started doing some research and discovered a few facts about these ancient customs.

What I found out is that in Bali, stone masonry is a sacred craft tied to religious and cultural expressions, with each piece intended for spiritual or functional purposes within the community. Balinese artisans primarily use local volcanic rock, which is not only durable but also gives Balinese architecture and sculpture their distinctive character and harmony with nature.

Literally every house is adorned with stone masonry, particularly the doors.

The intricate carvings typical of Balinese stone work reflect deep symbolic meanings, with the crafting process often involving communal efforts and traditional techniques passed through generations.

Every stone sculpture tells a unique story and spiritual truth. There were hundreds of these, indicating that this was his life’s work in one place.

Standing there among the sculptures, a subtle shift took hold of me.

The contrast between Wayan's patient craft and the instant digital world I was looking at 24/7 couldn't have been starker. It clicked that in a time when AI can mimic almost anything, the real deal—the slow, steady hand of a dedicated life—has an understated worth that no amount of speed or convenience can replace.

As I observed Wayan, another layer of understanding unfolded. It wasn't just his craft that held immeasurable value, but the man himself. His unique personality, etched into his work like signatures in stone, was his authentic personal brand.

No machine could ever replace him.

Like his sculptures, his character, presence and patience were forged over time, a testament to the irreplaceable nature of human ingenuity in a world racing towards egalitarianism, uniformity and collectivism.

I think we tend to forget that what makes the world worth living is the uniqueness and individuality each of us can offer.

I believe this to be especially true as artificial intelligence (AI) advances. In 2024, originality and authenticity will be everything.

When combined with patience, integrity, and resilience, extraordinary things happen. At least that is what I choose to believe.

Thank you for reading 🙏

See you next week!

Roman

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