KLIB Convention 2009 Speakers

The Technique of Batik and its Education

by Rita Trefois
Batik Artist and lecturer
Belgium

Thinking ‘business’ is essential to produce a variety of items:

• mass production in the low-cost range (accessories, furnishing…)
• high standing and exclusive style (fashion, art, …)

For both categories quality should be a must and technique and style should be typical Malaysian.

1. The design
   Refined patterns related to Malaysian traditions will attract the eye of the foreigner. To make a business something outstanding and unique is needed, different from what is done in the in the West or in other Asian countries
2. Technique
   A simple technique by building up a design in different layers of colour and wax can offer interesting results but more sophisticated techniques can be used for the high range batik. Why not use the ‘transparency’ technique where the wax is eliminated once or more times during the process.

Why not using discharge techniques that gives more intriguing results than the logical process from light to dark.

These are a few examples of possibilities to integrate more finesse, elegance and originality in Malaysian Batik.

At this very moment, during this KLIB, many guests specialised and working in the field of batik could introduce some specific techniques to local educators.

Those guests are invited from all over the world and are offering their experiences. Out of all this potential added to the local traditions, Malaysia can distillate a specific style that please the world. A possibility for Malaysian designers to build up an international reputation.