Kuala Lumpur - MOST people are familiar with traditional Malaysian handicraft, but few know the actual processes that go into creating these nifty works of art.
During the State Batik and Weaving Promotion 2008 (Promosi Batik dan Tenun Peringkat Negeri 2008) held at the Queensbay Mall recently, the public were given a first hand view of production of various items such as batik, rattan baskets, ceramic ware and embroidered fabric by 39 handicraft entrepreneurs.
Organised by the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage, the four-day promotion had the dual objective of promoting Malaysian handicraft products, especially those from the Pearl of the Orient, to local consumers as well as highlighting the unique beauty of Malaysian handicraft to foreigners, who can then purchase them as souvenirs to take home.
“Besides encouraging the use of handicraft products in everyday life, it is also hoped this event will bring our unique craft to the eyes of the world,” said Sharipah Nazirah Syed Mohammad, a designer with the Handicraft Development Body, Penang Branch.
A fourth-generation ceramic pottery maker, Shamsudin Abdul Majid said that it would take years of learning and experience to acquire the necessary skills to produce a high quality product.
“Besides that, you need to have an interest in it and practise every day to sharpen your skill,” he added.
Entrepreneur Zulkifli Mohd Isa said he always had an affinity for art, and after learning the basics during his previous job at a batik factory, decided to set up his own batik business.
According to Zulkifli, making batik isn‘t hard as there are only five stages in production. A piece of fabric is first laid out, and design outlines are sketched with molten resin and candle. The wax forms a barrier that contains the dye within designated areas. Once that is done, the individual areas are painted and a silicate wash is then applied to seal in the colours. Finally, the whole piece of fabric is washed in boiling water, which melts away the wax leaving white borders to contrast the bright colours.
“Nowadays, we need to customise the use of batik to keep up with modern trends. Traditionally, batik is worn as a form of clothing, but now it can be used as curtains, tablecloths and even on furniture. Hopefully, this will spur people‘s interest in batik and keep this tradition alive,” Zulkifli added.
Khairiyah Ghazali, who runs an embroidery business with her husband, said it took her three months to learn all the techniques and necessary skills. She prefers doing it by hand, as embroidered fabrics made by machine lack the finesse and detail.
“It‘s something unique which caught my interest since I was little. The colours are vivid and the designs are up to your imagination,” she said.
The promotion also high-lighted other traditional crafts such as weaving rattan baskets and food covers, woodcarving and lantern making, There was also an Interactive Corner, where members of the public were able to try their hand at batik painting. Story and photos by JEREMY TAN
Source:
http://thestar.com.my (December 9, 2008)