Techniques of Producing Batik Design by 'Chanting'

One of many techniques in producing making Batik design is by using a tool called 'CHANTING'.  By incorporating natural resources, such designs are produced more creatively.  In this regard, local youths are encouraged to identify potential opportunities in Brunei Darussalam to develop the demand for Batik as a high-value and world-known product in the future.

The Embassy of Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport had organized ' The Batik Workshop With Natural Dyes ' held here for the first time. According to the embassy's Counsellor, the workshop was well received by the participants and he hoped that it will provide more ideas as well as expanding Brunei's economy through creative field. Deny Tri Basuki added, the nation has great potential in further developing its economy especially in terms of blending natural colours for textile materials.

Deny Tri Basuki also observed that Brunei Darussalam have vast areas of rain forests with its rich flora, hence they believed economic potential in this field can be achieved. This was evident with their recent discovery of yellow-coloured sap found inside a small tree branch which can be used as  a natural Batik dye, all in once proved that Brunei's natural resources are indeed possess the said potential for natural dyes in textile manufacturing industry. He further explained that the workshop explores the idea of integrating natural dyes in Batik textiles without using chemical colours is made possible.

The two-day programme was conducted by a professional expert from Indonesia to guide the participants on how to learn to produce a good Batik design as a valuable product by using only natural colours extracted from plants found abundantly in the country. Workshop instructor and researcher, Venny Afwany Alamsyah provided an insight on producing great Batik designs using Chanting technique which is actually one of the tools used in creating Indonesian Batik. She went on to say that participants got the chance to know and learn all about the whole process of making Batik as well as explored possible ways to make good use of the nation's natural resources for natural dyes.

It is hoped that the sharing of information to make good quality batik as reflected in this workshop, local community and youths will be able to give new input in expanding creative arts in Brunei Darussalam.

source :

http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13732%3Atechniques-of-producing-batik-design-by-chanting&Itemid=80

Learning to Make Batik From Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Master Craftsman

A TOTAL of 32 Year 11 students from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School, accompanied by their teachers, made an educational visit to Desamas Batik factory yesterday, where they were given an opportunity to produce their own Batik.

At Desamas Batik, they met local batik master craftsman, Brunei's batik designer, Haji Zainal Abidin bin Hj Ibrahim who taught the students how to utilise heated candles to wax their drawings, using a toolset called “canting”. Before “chanting”, the students designed their “motif” (artistic drawings) on the four-metre long fabric using pencil.

The group also learnt about Haji Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim’s research on using natural ingredients such as local plants as opposed to synthetic ingredients for the batik.

According to one of the teachers, Rose, the practical trip was very relevant for their Art as well as English classes. Concerning their Art classes, the trip gave the students a chance to practice and experience the making of batik as well as meeting the master craftsman.

It also provided an opportunity for their English classes where the school’s English Department had recorded an interview with Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim for their English listening practices.

“I like to do this kind of things with the students, because it gives them something that is more real and practical. It also gives them confidence in what they can do and the batik they produced will be valued.”

Rose added that the students have already started doing their batik design at school, thus their trip to Batik Desamas was a valuable experience. She stressed that it is important for the students to explore what is happening in Brunei rather than relying mostly on stocked recordings at the school.

In an interview, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim was delighted to host the workshop for the students at Batik Desamas. He believed that the batik making will not only enhance the creativity of the students but can also teach valuable lessons such as teamwork and coordination.

Brunei Students waxing Batik’s motive at Batik Desamas

Although the programme with students yesterday involved the usage of synthetic ingredients, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim believed that with the introduction of natural colours in the making of batik, more people will be attracted to purchase batik for its natural appeal.

He also emphasised that batik is a good medium to promote local identities through its motif or pattern designs.

Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim is also providing a workshop on how to use natural resources for making batik at the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam today (August 28) and tomorrow. He hoped that through the workshop, more people will be aware of the beauty of batik’s natural colours.

According to Rose, the top three students will be invited to attend the workshop. The students were selected by the school’s Art Department, based on their mid-year examination results and also how far they have progressed in preparing for their respective portfolios on batik.

Apart from making batik for local gowns, Batik Desamas is also trying to make batik for Kimono and other foreign traditional clothing. In his upcoming trip for an exhibition in Korea, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim will use natural colouring to demonstrate the process of making batik.

source :

http://borneobulletin.brunei-online.com.bn/?p=110722