Raining fish

While in Indonesia, I was inspired by the book Kafka on the Shore, by Murakami Haruki in which falling fish foreshadow acts of violence. An old man, who has the ability to speak to cats is witness to these occurrences. 

As symbols of good luck, fish were prevalent in many of the batiks I saw in Indonesia. As a Pisces and a twin, painting fish just felt right. Gradually, I became obsessed with the idea of fish as illuminators of the wrong-doings in our world. 

A very realistic and uninspiring first attempt.

More details, symbolism and control. Definite improvement. 

The resin in Indonesian batik wax causes the deep dark red color and makes it impossible to see what is beneath. I felt as if I were painting blind. 

Indeed, the result was not at all what I was expecting or hoping for. 

But Indonesian batiks are all about multiple layers and with some time (not enough) and more than a little frustration, an image appeared from the chaos.

These are figures from the Wayang Kulit - a shadow puppet theater that is integral to Indonesia's culture and heritage. 

Only after the fact did I realize I had used the idea of falling fish before. In trying to create something completely new, I had ended right where I started from. 

batiks of Indonesia

natural batik

Batiks in Indonesia are traditionally made from natural dyes. So many colors with so few ingredients. Amazing!

A wooden OBAMA tjap. HA!!

Kecak Dance of Bali

Dances are an important part of Indonesian culture, religion and society. This batik was inspired by the Kecak dance I witnessed in Bali.

Of all the dances seen on Bali today, the Kecak dance is perhaps the most dramatic. Taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana, the dance tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka. Unlike other dances, there is no gamelan orchestra accompanying it. Instead, a troupe of over 150 bare-chested men serve as the chorus, making "chak-achak-achak" clicking sounds while swaying their bodies and waving their hands.

batik in bali

 I had an incredible opportunity to meet up with my mentor, Betsy Sterling Benjamin in Bali. What an phenomenal artist and woman!

Tjaps

They may seem limiting at first, but batik tjaps are so much more versatile than they first appear to be. I had an amazing opportunity to design my own and full took advantage of it. 

My own designs inspired by my Pisces zodiac, tiger horoscope and the symbol of Javanese royalty:

Selamat pagi Indonesia!

The studio/home of the artist couple Nia Fliam and Agus Ismoyo is the perfect balance of rustic and comfort, spiritual and academic, chaos and order. In the center of a maze of rooms, galleries and work space is a lush inner courtyard where 30 batik artists work every day. Together they make a family in the truest sense of the word.

The husband (Agus) is a descendent of royal court artisans and his wife (Nia) is an American who graduated with a degree in textile design from Pratt institute. Theirs is a story that almost has me convinced that Love does in fact exist. Nia's one year stint in Indonesia turned into a lifetime upon meeting Agus . Together, they have traveled the world creating and spreading their art, and in fact just returned from a one year Fulbright fellowship in America.

Almost everything they create is a collaboration and their love and trust of each other is shown through their art on a daily basis. Established in 1986, their batik studio (Brahma Tirta Sari) is where they explore traditional Javanese batik in contemporary ways. This will be my home for the next two months and I’m sure it will be one of most positive and inspiring forces in my life.

Here, EVERYTHING has a spirit, meaning and energy. The artwork must come from the "heart chakra" and I am asked to turn off my mind. (Not easy, let me tell you!)

I am trying my best to become a "vessel" for this creative energy. Among other things, I will be participating in rituals, talking Javanese dance lessons and going to temples to round out my spiritual attunement. This is all combined with the very academic knowledge of tradition and chemistry that Nia and Agus bring to their work.

Indonesia – what an amazing new world to explore!