Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Datin Seri Sharifah Hishmah Shahabudin
myBatik Advisor since 2008
Technology World, 2011
With the current advance of new technology and the introduction of printed batik, batik artists are being forced to meet a challenge in the Batik Industry. The refinement of digitally printed batik is gradually replacing traditional hand-crafted batik paintings and the market for real batik is lessening. Machine-printed digital batik has improved to the point that it looks similar to- and as good as- the real thing; if this trend continues, many traditional batik artists are going to find themselves out of a job.
In the future, the only solution to this crisis that I can see is for the batik production companies, the designers and the artists themselves to focus on producing exclusive batik designs. They must improve their designs and thoroughly research market fashion trends. There will always be a market for original, one of a kind and contemporary fabrics and batik clothes. For to try and compete with the new mass-produced digitally printed designs and fabrics can only result in disaster for the traditional batik market. Exclusivity, combined with original designs, is the only way forward for hand-painted batik art. The traditional batik industry must somehow attract a young generation to this art form and must invest in artisan training programmes to ensure that this art form survives in the future. There will always be an Asian and local Malaysian market for batik clothing due to the temperate weather in this part of the world and there is still time to ensure that this ancient process, this national heritage of ours, will continue, will expand and will endure.
New Year, New Batik 2011
Happy New Year. May this Year be good for us in the batik industry.
With the current advance of new technology and the introduction of printed fabrics, batik artists are being forced to meet a challenge in the Batik
Industry. The refinement of digitally printed fabrics with batik motives. Gradually replacing traditional hand-crafted batik fabrics and the market for real batik is lessening. Machine-printed digital batik has improved to the point that it looks similar to- and as good as the Hand painted ones. If this trend continues,and the customers do not know the difference, many traditional batik artists are going to face tough competition
In the future, the only solution to this crisis that I can see is for the batik production companies, the designers and the artists themselves to focus on producing exclusive batik designs. They must improve their designs and thoroughly research market fashion trends.
There will always be a market for original, one of a kind and contemporary fabrics and batik clothes. Trying to compete with the new mass-produced digitally printed designs and fabrics can only result in disaster for the traditional batik market. Exclusivity, combined with original designs, is the only way forward for hand-painted batik art. The traditional batik industry must somehow attract a young generation to this art form and must invest in artisan training programmes to ensure that this art form survives in the future.
There will always be a market for batik clothing due to the temperate weather in the Asean region and specially in Malaysia. There is still time to ensure that this national heritage of ours, will continue, will expand and will endure.
Exclusive Batik Collection, 2010
I would like to share some of my observations made recently this Ramadan.
One of my observations is that more and more people are wearing printed textile with hand drawn batik motif. There is clearly a perception that hand drawn batik is very expensive. In actual fact, it is not so and perhaps there should be an educational campaign about this point.
To give an example, an exclusive Italian fabric is priced between RM300 to RM400 per meter. An exclusive hand drawn batik outfit is much more affordable. A good batik artist for instance, not only produces beautiful batik on fabric but also ensures that when the hand drawn batik is made into an outfit, it is as exquisite and as exclusive as originally drawn.
Fashion trends are related to many things – seasons, festivals, environment, nature – they are diverse and infinitely creative. Batik trends are no different. Batik makers should think and create beyond clothing. Home accessories for instance offer a real potential.
Malaysia’s own rich potpourri of cultures offers amazing opportunities for exciting Batik ideas. Think “Kolam Batik” for Deepavali. “Green and red and tinsel Batik” for Christmas.
As Christmas nears, an artist should study the history and colours of this festival and come out with batik gifts like napkins, tablecloths and batik gifts for home decor and personal usage as Christmas is a season of giving.
A true (Batik) artist must be ahead of others, in the front line of art and fashion, bringing creativity, innovation and change in the world of art and fashion. It is about branding. Artists must “stamp” their own identity and personality into their art, so that when people see their work, they will immediately recognise the creator.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a client who is loyal to you, please honour that relationship and always prepare to grow with them. Be consistent in providing them good service and always improve the quality of your art work as you have earned the trust and confidence of the client who believes that you will always make them look good and take care of their needs.
Malaysia is exist multi-national country and we celebrate many festivals together. An artist must be able to produce products that are related to different festivals. I am eager to see batik being accepted by different communities in their daily lives and am looking forward to see a change in the batik world!
Batik for Raya, 2010
During last Ramadhan, I witnessed significant changes in fashion trends but sadly, there wasn’t any change in batik trends. It is regrettable to mention that many people were wearing printed batik instead of hand drawn batik. With much disappointment, I feel that the batik industry needs to look deeper as to what consumers are looking for and not merely give what the batik industry can give. I honestly feel that the attraction of batik is still there but due to the lack of creativity, innovative ideas and availability, consumers are turning away from wearing hand drawn batik and opting for printed batik or other substitutes instead.
The public needs to be educated as to the difference and the quality of hand drawn batik and printed batik. I must not deny that the public always feels that hand drawn batik is very expensive; actually it is not so, as batik is hand drawn and exclusive in nature. Comparing it with Italy, an exclusive fabric is priced at RM300 to RM400 per meter but in Malaysia, an exclusive batik outfit is far cheaper and affordable.
A good batik artist must not only know how to produce a beautiful batik on the fabric, they must also ensure that when the hand drawn batik is made into an outfit, it is as beautiful as originally drawn and it would be exclusive. Otherwise it will be just like any textile that isn’t bringing much attraction and impact towards the consumers. A true artist must be ahead of others, in the front line of art and fashion, bringing creativity, innovation and change in the world of art and fashion. It is about branding. An artist must have their own identity and personality in their art, that when people see their work, they see them in the work.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a client who is loyal to you, please honour that passionate relationship and always prepare to grow with them. Be consistent in providing them good service and always improve the quality of your art work as you have earned the trust and confidence of the client who believes that you will always make them look good and take care of their needs.
Malaysia is a multi-national country and we celebrate many festivals together. An artist must be able to produce products that are related to different festivals. As Christmas nears, an artist must study the history and colours of this festival and come out with batik gifts like napkins, table clothes and affordable batik gifts for home decor and personal usage as Christmas is a season of giving.
I am eager to see batik being accepted by different communities in their daily lives and am looking forward to see a change in the batik world!
Simply en-Tjanting, 2009
I have always been attracted to fashion but I was never exposed to Batik. Looking back on the last 24 years, I am proud of the journey that Batik has made, and am excited about the path it has taken in carving a name for itself worldwide.
In 1985, my husband decided to take over a batik factory in Ulu Klang. My first reaction was “I’ve never heard of anyone making money doing batik!” All I had seen of batik was mass produced sarongs and tourist items. Persuaded by my husband to take a look at the factory, I was fascinated with the artistry and fell in love with the artwork! The delicacy of the paint strokes to the amazing end product from a mere white cloth left me in awe of this beautiful craft. Knowing nothing, I apprenticed for six months at the factory learning to use the canting, colouring with the use of the bamboo brush. What I made was so beautiful that I wanted to wear it myself! Coupled with a little experience in dress making, I started making exclusive, one of a kind outfits that I could wear to functions. Soon, family and friends who were part of KL high society were buying my designs. Tjanting Batik was born. We were one of the first to produce both men and women’s full suits. These pieces were beautiful, unique and elegant. For the first time, Batik was viewed as high end fashion, sort of a Malaysian couture line.
From that time to now, I have seen progress in the growth of the industry, fashion trends locally and internationally. However, it is important to keep up with modern time and trends and keeping it contemporary. Today, going into this industry is much simpler than before. With entrepreneurship programmes, SME loans, apprenticeship courses and more, all you need to start with is a passion for Batik. The doors to new takes in design, trends and fresh approaches are wide open. It’s time Batik enthusiasts seize these opportunities and tap into the vast potential of Batik.
So, if you have a passion for Batik, whether to design, produce, promote or simply…….to wear it, then my advice would be, take the first step. Like me, you can venture on a journey filled with new ideas, possibilities and gain knowledge in business. I am expressing my passion towards what I believe is my purpose in life and I want to share my knowledge, experiences and love for art with others. To see my apprentices and workers becoming known designers and entrepreneurs gives me a sense of pride, achievement and fulfillment.
Moving on to my 25th year (quarter of a Century!) is simply en-Tjanting!.
