Make A Scene (MAS) is a Bali-based Leaf Creation Studio, founded by Chloe Rose Quinn and Ida Bagus Gede Ari Artana. This innovative studio seamlessly merges the realms of theatre design and traditional coconut leaf weaving, creating a unique space that blends contemporary and traditional techniques. The aim is to celebrate and preserve Balinese art and culture through their artistic endeavours.

Chloe Rose Quinn, an award-winning Stage and Costume Designer from the UK, discovered inspiration in Bali's traditional weddings, ceremonies, and decorative elements during her first visit to the island. Disenchanted with the environmental impact of plastic, Styrofoam, and fabric used in the wedding  business, Chloe sought eco-friendly alternatives. Her encounter with Gus Ari and palm leaf weavers led to the establishment of Make A Scene, where contemporary design harmonises with traditional craftsmanship.

Ida Bagus Gede Ari Artana, also known as Gus Ari, initiated a Green Movement in Bali by reviving traditional Balinese Wedding Decoration methods with entirely natural materials. As a master weaver, he broadened the horizons of 3D weaving with coconut leaves, subsequently imparting his expertise to a team of weavers engaged in high-quality, large-scale projects. MAS's workshop in Mengwi stands as a testament to their dedication to community and cultural preservation. Gus Ari was born into a family deeply involved in crafting traditional decorations for religious ceremonies, instilling in him the art of weaving from an early age. Balinese religious ceremonies comprise numerous distinct elements, with the daily canang sari offering serving as a prime example. Coconut leaves hold significant cultural importance in Bali, serving as a ubiquitous material in various ceremonies and upakaras. The term "upakara" is derived from "upa" and "kara," signifying "something related to work by hand," specifically referring to the offerings or "banten" created for ceremonies. These offerings come in diverse types, featuring different materials, shapes, and purposes. Its base is intricately woven from busung, the young, rigid, yellowish leaves of the palm. Various offerings and embellishments, from the adornment of penjor bamboo poles to the circular tamiang offerings hanging on shrines, are crafted using this material. Gus Ari imparts his weaving techniques but not necessarily the cultural significance, allowing for their adaptation into different forms.

Beyond ceremonial uses, coconut leaves play a versatile role in Balinese daily life. They are employed in wrapping food, crafting baskets, and historically, served as the primary material for traditional decorations. This rich tradition caught Chloe's attention, sparking an idea to seamlessly blend these time-honoured techniques with modern concepts, birthing a novel form of art. Chloe was genuinely impressed by the prospect of merging the past with the present to create something entirely new and innovative.

In a proactive move towards self-sufficiency, MAS collaborates with local suppliers from north Bali and has recently acquired land with coconut trees. The aim is to cultivate their own source of coconut leaves, contributing to the sustainable practice of utilising natural materials. Their commitment involves allowing the coconut trees to reach their full potential before harvesting their leaves, demonstrating a dedication to both environmental responsibility and the preservation of traditional farming practices.

By cultivating their own coconut trees, MAS not only ensures a sustainable supply for their creations but also actively contributes to mitigating the environmental impact of the high demand for natural decorations. Unsustainable farming practices have become prevalent due to this demand, and MAS's approach serves as a model for responsible resource management.

Furthermore, they embraces a philosophy of reuse when possible. An example of this is seen in the turtles sculptures made for the G20 summit, which were repurposed from adornments created for a previous wedding. This commitment to sustainability, both in sourcing materials and repurposing creations, exemplifies their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and the broader community.

Our encounter with the Make a Scene team coincided with their preparations for the G20 summit, and witnessing the creation of their sculptural pieces left us utterly amazed, particularly due to their impressive size. MAS skilfully wove two colossal 30m long dragons, a 10m by 10m giant turtle sculpture, and adorned two walls  (Kura-Kura Gate) with additional turtles and various coconut leaves decorations, symbolising marine depths, fondals, and corals. The sheer scale and intricacy of these sculptures defy belief, and it's truly a marvel to behold. It's astounding to realise the level of detail and precision that goes into each piece. The sculptures, despite their monumental size, intricately incorporate numerous small elements, showcasing the team's exceptional skill in working with natural materials.

The MAS team is not only innovative in their artistic endeavours but also demonstrates adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. The inception of their jewellery line emerged as a response to the impact of COVID-19, prompting a shift in their business model due to the absence of events. Chloe's ingenious solution was to leverage the leaf weaving technique on a smaller scale, resulting in jewellery crafted from the same family of palm leaves used in their larger artworks. This shift allows for the creation of durable, long-lasting pieces that are ideal for jewellery, addressing the desire for longevity and strength in adornments.

In addition to their creative pursuits, MAS sees itself as a potential role model for both local and international businesses, advocating for conscious practices and environmental stewardship. The team hopes to inspire others to reconsider traditional methods and reconnect with nature, demonstrating that a return to the past can offer viable solutions. By showcasing contemporary designs rooted in tradition, MAS aims to challenge the perception that eco-conscious choices are limiting or outdated, particularly for the younger generation.

MAS envisions Bali as a place where the cultural appreciation of nature and the environment is elevated. They believe that by setting an example, they can influence a shift away from the pursuit of modernity and flashiness towards a more profound connection with the island's natural beauty. The team firmly asserts that nature can be synonymous with luxury, emphasising the possibility of creating diverse products, including large-scale sculptures and jewellery, using traditional and natural materials in the modern world.