At Lakeview Hotel we had a studio to work in with, of course a magnificent view.

I felt compelled to batik, having seen and learned so much and having watched so many skilled men and women at work with their cantings.
There was little preparation, I wanted to get on with it quickly as I only had a couple of days in the studio. I sketched my versions of the traditional batik motifs I’d seen, on swatches of fabric trying not to get too precious in my approach.

After weeks of travelling, sightseeing and a busy schedule it was very therapeutic to be sitting on the floor batiking in the same way as some of the Javanese ladies I had seen. I have to say it got a bit uncomfortable after a while, but it was interesting to know how they feel when working !

The customised “Nitik” canting that Tatang got for me
worked well but I didn’t have the same control as the Indonesian ladies, it will certainly take some practice !

I hope to glean from my experiences in Indonesia and find a new way to move my own batik forward. It will be an extension to my “route ” of discovery.