Journey Through Memory Lane

Journey Through Memory Lane

Hello friends,

In my earlier blog, I shared the details of my initial experiments with batik. But soon after, I found myself running short of fresh subjects or motifs to transform into batik designs. Up until then, I had primarily worked with traditional patterns—floral motifs, vines, animals, and occasionally human activities. While those themes were fascinating, I felt the urge to create something entirely different, something that reflected my personal vision. And so began a new phase of brainstorming.

 

I started sketching a variety of things—faces, horses, elephants, oxen, cows, birds, fish, and more. Initially, I found the process challenging. Nothing seemed to flow naturally. Time was also a limiting factor, as I had to balance my work and household responsibilities. Days turned into weeks, and progress felt slow.

 

But then, something shifted. There was a period at work when things were quiet, and I decided to take advantage of it. While others were taking breaks and chatting, I sat at my desk, tirelessly sketching. For over five months, I filled every free moment with drawing, using one-sided sheets of discarded paper to create motif after motif. I must have looked obsessed, but I was determined to make the most of this unexpected lull.

 

Slowly, things started to click. I could think of a subject, and for the first time, I was able to compose it effortlessly on paper. It was as if a door to my creativity had swung wide open. I could design anything in my own unique style, and the joy of this realization was indescribable. By the end of this ‘creative vacation,’ I had accumulated a substantial collection of sketches—each one a tiny motif, each one a piece of the puzzle. It felt like I was sitting on a treasure trove of ideas.

 

 

I surprised myself again and again. My creative process became like an unstoppable flow—every time I sat down to design, ideas just poured out. This habit, born during those five months, continues to this day. Whenever I start creating, it's as if the universe is full of motifs, waiting to be plucked from the air and brought to life.

 

That’s all for today.

See you in my next post!