I can find a $500 decent bag without brand for my Mom.

She doesn’t care about Hermes anyway. My girlfriend told me in the car in Jakarta the other day. We felt quiet in the car after a lunch with Mangga Dua topic our mutual friend likes. Mangga Dua in north Jakarta is a wholesale market for anything fake and original-fake from watches, glasses frames, shoes, and of course ladies handbags. Heard the market is the biggest in Southeast Asia that people come by from many places in Asia to shop for merchandise. The stock comes in many classes (read: qualities) from the most expensive known as original-fake (details are very close to the original) to the cheapo quality that even non-experts' eyes can spot.

Those original-fake handbags, say, are not cheap! Surprisingly. Said an original-fake croco Hermes may fetch as much as $500 that of course heavenly cheaper than the original that is worth $20,000. Other original-fake from ‘fairly low-key’ brand like the popular Le Pliage may be worth already a quarter the original so not much difference for… a fake. I learned the fact from a single discussion we had over lunch. My friend asked me how much I paid for my Le Pliage. Oh! Yours is real? Put it on the table I want to see… I gasped. I didn’t think long when answered but what else could I say? I only carry real things in life so if you spot me with Hermes bag, you better sniff around who’s ‘behind me.’

Anyway, the fact has made my friend and I feel sort of sad that our friend is so keen of fake things. We both respect the original creator of anything. My friend is an art collector that has met many artists in her adventurous shopping for art. While I can call myself an artist. Though simple, I don’t like the thought that one may copy my necklace style. I can be choked when I spot even similar style. It’s natural feeling of a creator. We all create things with heart, inspiration, and creative urge that no one can explain how those become embedded in our work.

So I was just shocked when a friend sent me a link about a repro-painting producer in Thailand. At first I thought about a digital reproduction of well-known artists like Renoir and Bottero's work that we can buy at $15 in bookshops or souvenir shops. It’s not! An original-fake paintings! As in real canvas with real paints. The producer employs some 30 artists to make maestro's painting copies to meet orders from Europe and other parts of the world. I was chilled reading the article. What is this? Making money out of other people’s work?

I remember my art connoisseur friend in Jakarta once posted status on his Facebook about he feels sad because his fellow artists earn from making copy. He continued, if they can make good copy, they have hope to develop their own style to become real artists themselves, not become a good ‘photocopy machine.’ For one, he cares about his fellow artists. For other reason, I could sense he’s just tired of dealing with fake paintings he has to deal as part of his business running his own auction house. He can say not nice thing about the idea of reproducing. Like me, we are artists in our ways.

Can’t we make a difference by being a good consumer? GAP spends a lot of fund for making sure their products are not produced by child labors. I know that for sure because a good girlfriend once worked for GAP and she was in the law department. So it never comes into my mind to buy cheapo fake-o GAP clothing in the market for a quarter price of the original. I respect fair trade and its cost to make change in the world even I have to pay more for my respect. If I cannot afford, I don't mind buying anything within my scale as long as… it’s original!

It’s sickening, right?

An original painting I spotted in an Indian restaurant in Makati City, Manila.

I had short mornings the past three days…

…since I had to leave home early. I started to enjoy my new rhythm although I barely had enough time to have slower pace in the morning. I need to be more active by starting early, that’s what I tell myself.

I spent a day with art friends yesterday. Two friends from the art group in Jakarta came over so three of us – ex members – joined them meeting wife of a well known painter in Ubud, Mary. I set up the appointment that she was so kind to share her time with us. An independent English lady that has been living in Ubud 20 years.

I have been listening to her love story with the painter at least three times now but I must say that I never have enough. There’s always something sweet about their ‘short’ relationship – 3 years dating plus 14 years marriage before he passed away. She shared her love and the life of Aziz in Neka Museum where some of his masterpieces are kept. You can ask me to see his paintings a thousand times and I would never say no. One of the greatest art pieces.

Then Mary insisted to also visit my great grandfather’s masterpieces that are kept in the other pavilion. My friend was… What? They looked at me and asked why I never shared the fact with them. That was not the first time I heard a complaint. I told them that I have lived with his image almost all my life, I don’t feel ‘special’ about it. I need people to tell me how special he is to poke me. No, actually I’m aware that he is a maestro and I never stop admiring and being proud of him. I might not have expressed my proud well.

We continue our visit to Seniwati Gallery Mary organizes. She talked about the story behind some stunning works by women artists. I admire Mary for what she does for Balinese women and women artists in general. Not just that, she also established a foundation to help Balinese with cleft. We visited a quite spacious shop selling second-hand stuffs (mostly clothing) donated by people to raise fund for the foundation. Said the shop is doing well. I feel small again.

We visited a contemporary art gallery and an artist studio before enjoying sunset in my friend’s house. It’s always enriching to see how artists with great works live. My friend whispered in my ears what a studio for an artist with big canvases. I nudged my artist friend reminded that she has nice studio but hardly had time to do something. She smiled naughtily. Later she took us a tour of her artworks and studio at home. What a way to end a series of visiting artists! She is a real artist.

Sunset was great. Being with good friends was even greater. It’s warming. We ended the day ten hours since we met up. I really enjoyed my day.

Mary and Aziz’s artworks.

Today I learned about…

…listening. It was still early that I usually didn’t like to listen to music. Morning in Ubud is always nice quiet with the sound of birds, roosters, and rain. I altered my morning ritual a bit the past few days that makes me having more time in bedroom-cum-studio before going out. Cleaning has taken lots of my precious time in the morning, I don’t want it anymore. It’s a nice change, I enjoyed.

What about listening? I remembered I had audio books in iTunes copied from a friend's. I often wondered how it feels reading through listening. So here I was… ready to free my mind to learn something from an audio book Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham while ironing.

Nice voice, clear articulation. I enjoyed. But wait a minute! Like having someone talking to me, I could not ignore! Meaning, I'm supposed not to just hear the voice but to listen as well! Thing that I thought it's easy and automatic turns out to be challenging – quite an experience. I ended up half listening and half paying attention to my ironing. Later when I did stretching, I even let my mind drifting away. When I was emailing, I didn’t follow what Buckingham said anymore.

That’s when I learned that listening to an audio book actually is like reading. It needs an undivided attention. Or maybe it’s just me? I could not imagine listening in car while driving. Would it be possible? I should not try. It got me thinking. When is the best time to listen? No more skipping pages.

It’s purnama. Yahoo News said it’s going to be the biggest and brightest full moon of 2009. It will appear about 14 percent bigger in our sky and 30 percent brighter than some other full moons during 2009, according to NASA. I really hope the sky clears up since it’s raining on and off all day. I could see thick gray cloud in the sky.

My evening was great. My Swiss friends and I attended an art exhibition opening in a gallery owned by a German. I met the artists for the first time in my great-grand-uncle’s exhibition opening at Museum Neka two years ago. These guys somehow had made their way into my heart. I just liked them. They call themselves 3 Brothers + 1. They are three brothers that have been suffering from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, an incurable disease of the bone structure, plus one brother (the youngest) was born without disability.

I met them several times in different art events around Ubud. I always spent time to talk with them about their work and art scene in Ubud and Bali. They are nice persons – soft and funny! And this evening they told the German that I’m a painting collector. Auch! I was so embarrassed.

They paint naïve style with strong emotion in it – like Frida Kahlo’s. It’s nice to look at but it’s too 'heavy' to put in living room. I don’t have say about the style, they lead not easy life with their physical condition. They barely have arms! In the end of the exhibition tour, my friend and I decided to buy Dali style paintings that look good in pairs. They look good together as panel but each has strong character as well so we agreed to take one each. Good we didn’t choose same painting, like with sister, we just knew what other like. I’m happy to have found a good size of surrealism painting in Ubud. And I am more than happy to support them.

It was raining hard when we moved to a nice restaurant nearby and when we went home. It was so hard that the water pouring like water fall from gutters. I had no chance to enjoy the first full moon day of 2009 but my artist friends have brightened up my day.

The sweet talented brothers waiting for their exhibition to open.

If These Walls Could Talk

I got up with the notion Nothing to lose in mind. A family issue has stirred me to the notion. And more of other things. When I asked myself, hey I don’t have anything to worry. I have nothing to lose. Life is so good in my part. If not, then it's yours, it’s not my problem. Be selfish is one of tips on Mental Clutter article I read in a blog (I could not find).

My friend also reminded me that we are responsible for our own feelings. I told her that I had believed in that since long time. I had stopped blaming others and a situation if I didn’t feel happy. She thought I’m lucky to be able to do that since she thought she is a doom thinker since she was born. She has to battle a lot to fight it. Well, I am too still fighting up to now but at least it’s easier for me after realized that it’s me in the control seat.

What a day of ‘doing nothing’… A friend commented me a luxury girl. Again, when phone calls cannot be counted as working. Fine. I went banking, grocery shopping, and got facial treatment. Then was on phone long time. I don’t like talking on phone but making an important decision needs a good communication. That’s what I did.

So I laughed when an artist I’ve known more than six years told me that he didn’t mingle a lot the past years since he liked to ruminate on his work at home. He also continued his like for fishing that made him away from home for days. I met him at the opening of his first solo exhibition since we worked together five years ago (or more?).

And later his wife ‘complained’ that she often talked to a wall. I laughed a lot because she told it as if she didn’t know that she is married to an artist. It seems the kids follow their father so the wife had prepared herself to face three walls in the house.

I feel so good to be among artists again. I longed for the feeling. I’m proud to see my artist friend blooming. I considered his painting high quality. I promised him a better exposure in Jakarta. He is really good! His paintings were deep and intricate. Indescribable.

It got me thinking to return to art business. I don’t have gut, that’s all. Like when I thought about my other artist friend who is more senior and has same good even better quality paintings but hardly ever had a show. Knowing him for years, I know what he lacks for.

Picture of the e-brochure of the exhibition.

I Love Trash

It was still early when I stood by the busy street waiting for my friend to pick me up. Said the traffic was shocking. We made it on time in WTC where my friend had an hour volunteer job at her organization’s monthly bazaar. It’s amazing that they hold such bazaar every month whilst in Jakarta we saw such size of bazaar at least twice a year only. So I was ‘lucky’ to have a chance to experience one here.

It’s another bazaar. I walked while chanting a mantra I don’t need, I don’t need. I browsed the stalls quickly, just checked out what’s available and favorite in Manila. What struck me is Filipinos enjoy any kinds of bags: large pouches, tote bags with many compartments for baby stuffs or other purposes, handbags made of ethnic clothes from India and local, collapsible synthetic bags, and also bags made of waste polyethylene containers.

The latter had attracted my attention because it reminded me of our friend’s creation back in Jakarta. Well, she moved back to Manila a few years ago so I wonder if she had a finger in similar business here. This business is special because it involves communities that do garbage collecting, cleaning, then making the material into something. Hat off!

Then, I saw many stalls sold similar stuffs only designs that differed from one to another. I started to wonder. I checked out my friend what’s the tale behind the mysterious ample bags made of waste. The tale is… our friend introduced the idea of utilizing waste in Manila but then the business had grown uncontrollably. As the business grew, they stopped braiding waste strips but fresh strips from… printing shops! Yes, brand new waste strips! I was so disappointed learning about the fact that ruined what I had appreciated before. Of course, our friend pulled out of the business because of the difference in idea. No more concept of reuse and recycle!

Walked around together, my friend showed me other waste that had been turned into home wares. Digital print signboard! I adored. I’d already liked braided newspaper for boxes and place mats but digital print signboard as material is new to me. But… wait a minute? Is this for real? Now I know that I need a good research before admiring an eco product. It seems the new belief of using more eco stuffs has been commercially abused.

So I learned. I could say I don’t need because nice things I saw could be categorized into two: I could get it in Indonesia and I could make it myself. I care about cutting back on consumption and finding worth in all the stuffs I had acquired. It’s in my vocabulary now to refuse extra packaging especially those made of non-degradable materials. In the end of four-hour window-shopping, I got many good ideas. That’s enough for me. Nothing is wasted.

Picture of name-tags made of waste polyethylene.

The Challenge of the Day

I got up early but had nothing particular to do. It came to me suddenly the thought that every day has challenges that I could not turn away. It’s there, it’s unpredictable, and it’s for me to face. Well, I was a bit nervous about my presentation but I don’t think that’s the main issue. I had realized that presenting something I know well – especially before others who know less :-) – is fun. Actually, I was not too excited being in this group because my past group is unbeatable solid and has been way more advanced in the art knowledge. Anyway, I had no ‘assumption’.

I left house very early as I was nervous that I hadn’t tried the projector I got this morning from the Chairwoman’s house (I had made her got up at 6:00!). But the girl who prepared the projector didn’t give me the right socket converter so I found out later that I could not use it. Maybe, it meant to be like that because in the end the eleven ladies were just happy to sit closely and watch the photos from my 13” screen. It turned out very clearly with my partner fixed a dark bedcover to stop the sunlight.

My partner did well with her presentation and I did well with my 61 photos too. We were clever to give the audience things to talk about. So we were kind of moderating the discussion. So naughty. But I must agree with my partner that I have done a very good job in the discussion. Me too was amazed how I got all those pictures. It must be my interest that has made me taking all those pictures from numerous exhibitions I attended. Nice to know that gigas of files become handy when I need.

I forgot my challenge with traffic and projector in the morning when we had sit-in lunch with home-cooking meals by the host, my partner. It was fabulous. And before too long, I have made new friends. No more challenge to be in a new group anymore. It scares me always although hardly stops me (a lady I know very well pulls out because of the same reason).

So I’m happy that I finally have passed the challenge of the year in the art group and of today’s. Now I have to get myself ready to face another challenge in a farewell party I have to attend this evening. This one doesn't burden me at all. I like to show up while enjoying different atmosphere. Another good friend leaves.

Photo of Redy Rahardian’s work, picture of my body today, stiff.

The Asymmetrical Brain

So, can I say you have an asymmetrical brain? A friend asked after learning how asymmetrical I was today. Oh yes, oh yess.. very much so. We had a good laugh but I know that she could not agree more. Somehow I know that I could not walk into the room without being caught and observed from head to toe. I was just too 'strange' with my contemporary Indonesian outfit and big asymmetrical necklace I wore.

Have been on-off for days about going to the Heritage coffee morning today, I made it finally. Well, with Iwan Tirta – the well-known batik designer – talked before us, I would like to experience again. This is my second to see him talking about his passion, batik and Javanese court dance. He looked frail but no one would miss his sharpness in delivering his views on anything. Later I found out from the organizer that actually he ‘forgot’ to talk about symbolism in batik, the supposed to be the main theme of his talk. But who noticed that? We were all entertained by his charm, smartness, and sharpness. It was a lovely talk with show of nice batik cloths he creates.

The event was held in an Indonesian fusion restaurant inside a new hip ‘supermarket’ for the best Indonesian crafts – the real upmarket shop with only the best and unique choice. I had never been before. It didn’t call me but now… Ehm. The lady who is behind this gorgeous work took us a tour of the shop. I know her long time and she embarrassed me when she said I should have done the job. I would love to actually. I was surprised too when I realized that I know almost all the consignors. We are in the same league.

It was fun to admire my own culture. It sparks my love for Indonesia more. With the ladies who were admiring my batik walking close to me, I could not help but showing more the beauty of Indonesia. A lady didn’t even ‘let’ me admiring shibori technique because it doesn’t sound like Indonesia. I laughed. It’s universal art! But I appreciate her reaction, very much. Before the tour ended in another nice Indonesian restaurant, she (what she called) harassed me. She made me standing still and started to ask detail questions about what I wore and how I got anything attached on my body (my top, bag, batik, sandals). Finally, she concluded that I should do more than necklace.

We had nice lunch. It was a feast with all Indonesian menu from starter to dessert. We had a nice exchange about Indonesia. And before we were off, the lady from the shop said that she would contact me about…. my necklace! I am walking in the sky. My asymmetrical brain works.

Photo of Awan Simatupang’s house.

The Art Attack

My art partner and I were supposed to meet to discuss about our presentation yesterday. But we just talked on the phone. We laughed knowing that we were both still in the process of composing. We kept pushing each other to do the presentation. Well, we have agreed to divide into two parts though. She presents the overview of contemporary installation and sculpture; I present the overview of contemporary Indonesian sculptors.

Yesterday I organized 61 photos from my collection and website search in the morning but had to kick myself hard to write up the highlight of the 16 artists. I was so slow and unmotivated. It was in the afternoon when I got hit by the reality that I cannot run from this and the sooner I finish the assignment, the sooner I can enjoy my time. No such joy in procrastination.

Actually I know about myself. Once I’m in the midst of doing something, I can hardly stop myself. And I did not stop till 21:00, my sleeping time. Yes, my dilemma. With 4:00 o’clock up rhythm I cannot stay up till late, but then at 2:00 I’m already awake because I have had my four hours sleep. It’s a circle that I need to break. I can do better if I can steal a short nap in the afternoon (that I cannot do) so can prolong my waking hours in the evening.

Anyway, I slept with happy feeling. I had done 95% of my work. I polished and added this morning that I forgot to initiate decluttering. I just changed the wall decoration while waiting for water to boil. Yes, I broke my 12 years old electric kettle when I soaked it in water for major cleaning yesterday. I covered the switch but forgot the socket. I tried to dry but it seemed dangerous still.

I’m happy now. I had shared my art paper with my partner so she can have a look. And I didn’t need to go out of house! Why? My socket has dried that I don’t need to buy a new kettle. I prefer to stay home to study more and start a new research. Another paper is waiting, I just got the assignment this morning. What an attack!

So, after days with art attack, I found out that: I love art so much that I hardly ever get tired of studying and researching it, persons who work in the art world are healthy persons because they do what they like to doing and they are able to make their art materialized (imagine how they do artwork for public space in such scale), and… Mac is a great computer for writing and doing research in the internet at the same time. In general, I feel super after shelving my assignment. A new challenge has been in queue.

Photo of Pintor Sirait’s works, one of my favorite artists.

Casual Business

Saturday, August 18

Wow.. I had a very good sleep after days of not so deep sleep. It was really good. I started to work because I could not check email and else – wireless connection is still depressing. I was productive. I almost finished another article to be translated in English. Good I enjoy the topic that I found it easy to write.

I sent text message to Gill asking her plan to go to Ubud. I ran into her in Warung Made’s restroom the other day. It is a small world. So it’s good that we could meet up in Ubud today. She came with her friend – an Indian blood, raised in Malaysia, lives part timely in Jakarta – Renu. Yes, she’s the reason Gill came to Amir’s painting auction in Balai Banjar Ubud today. Renu eyed for two paintings by Krijono. It surprised me that Krijono still has fans especially because he is not productive anymore. His golden year was in 1990s when he is already a heavy alcoholic. I own one huge of his and one with charcoal so I know a bit of his life history. Ten years ago I already have the feeling he is not going to be ‘long’ while his work is stunning. It’s unique. He has ‘signature’ that hard for others to copy otherwise we would just know that it’s Krijono's style. No other.

So five of us from different parts of the world but tied together in such a complicated connection. I know Gill, I know Mary, Mary knows Gill, Renu knows Gill, Mary knows Anna, Anna is my neighbor (2 minutes walk from Ubud House). What a small world! Again, I heard about being a good person is a top priority knowing the world is getting smaller that nowhere we can hide. There’s always a link that finds us somewhere. Renu and I giggled. We feel blessed that we lead a good clean life. So far :-)

The auction was a bit quiet in Session 1. Renu’s two paintings were in the first Session. Bidding in an auction is like gambling. The sensation is there when you don’t know if you can get what you want, and all in minutes count, less than 3 minutes. Renu was a bit stressed a minute before her painting up. I could feel the competition when she had to go thru four levels up before Amir locked her bid. She got the first Krijono a bit higher than I expected. I pushed her to go for the second which I like better. She hesitated but raised her paddle anyway. I held my breath. I wanted the painting for myself. The second one was short because her competitor gave in shortly. I was happy for Renu for she got a good deal of the two Krijonos. Very good.

We had lunch at Lamak and were a bit late for the second session. Only Mary who eyed a Murniasih painting. She kind of collects Murni’s painting because she is woman (Mary set up a woman artist gallery in Ubud), her work is unique and revolutionary, and she had passed away in such productive age – 40. Gill hadn’t decided on anything by then. She kept changing paintings she wants until suddenly she raised hands for Han Snel’s woodblock-print which is very nice. I handed her Renu’s paddle. She’s frozen while bidding. I could feel her tense but I had no idea how deep she wants the painting. She didn’t mention about liking the painting before. She got the painting of course. I had pushed her to give in at $20 extra to make Amir closes the bid. Her eyes sparkled. I am happy, she said. Wow, I don’t bid but I’m truly happy for everybody. I know how if feels to acquire a quality painting. They all got very nice valuable painting although the auction called "art-fordable auction".

Everybody was happy walking out Balai Banjar five hours later. Anna and Gill had no plan to bid but ended up with a painting. Good I could hold myself although I really liked a painting about Balinese boy dancer. No. I’m not going to shop.

I walked to Dragonfly to get free wireless connection. Just buy a drink and you can sit there for ever. Dragonfly is located in a nice spot. The tables outside are also equipped with two electrical outlets so more than half of the guests are with laptops and actually working for hours with the cost of a cup of coffee – if you have heart to do so :-) Well, I need faster connection to upgrade my two browsers to ensure better connection at home using low signal. It’s cheaper at the same time. I had bubur injin to close my day.

Night was still young when I called Ana, the driver, who was still watching volley-ball match 15 minutes from Ubud. What a life! He likes sport very much and I realize more that in Bali we can actually combine work and pleasure “at the same time”. Amir, Ana, Gill, Mary, Renu, Pade, and the rest of Ubud-ian including myself. Business is going normally but pleasure always comes on top.

By the way, finally, I had decided the day I return to Jakarta. I hadn’t held a ticket…

Photo of my stuffs at Dragonfly.

My Ice Cream

Summer is coming. Enjoy my blog page in new fresh green to welcoming the season of relaxing under sun :-)

I went through my files in computer before making back-up into my new hard disk drive. I was surprised; actually I don’t have many to save. Only photos of two years that I really care, the rest are not so important. I have uploaded some important files to Yahoo. So? Not many to move! Of 100 GB, I only used 5 GB today. Great. Sigit is right. What would you do with over 100 GB storage? Yea, I have nothing :-)

I didn’t have plan for the day but I knew I had to go out. I finished tassel and book-thong I made last night and was ready to go. I almost missed F. Widayanto’s exhibition at Galeri Nasional, glad I spotted the news early today. I had missed his exhibition some years ago.

He always had good presentation of his artwork. I like the way he worked on the details: the details of the statue, the pedestal, the surroundings, the background, the total concept, the description,… Aaarghh… I wish I had such comprehensive view to present a good art. He is one of the bests.

And the statue itself, super! I like his charcoal sketch, very fine, and after he turns it into 3-dimension artwork, it becomes super! He is very good in anatomy although he intentionally ‘exaggerates’ some parts of body. I love to see the male body with muscle but still ‘soft’ and feminine in line with the theme about metro-sexual men. The title of the exhibition is Narcissus Narcissus.

I felt fresh after long time not attending art events in Jakarta. Mid year is quiet because many people have left for summer holiday. I extended my joy, I dropped by Jalan Surabaya – the antique market – before home. Like eating ice cream, Jalan Surabaya never fails me. It gives me extra happiness and I know I’m not alone. I could see twinkle in everyone’s eyes – both the buyers and sellers.

I meant to buy one bottle for my tassel display in Pallava but ended up getting three plain colored-bottles. I was looking for a bronze strainer for my fork mobile idea when I spotted Benny! My dear creative friend. We had a good laugh that we ended up meeting there without setting a date. It’s perfect. I dragged him to help me bargaining. I want some Javanese vintage hair ornaments. I selected some eight pieces. And more, I managed to bargain a really nice old scale with wooden table completed with the weight-set in wooden box. And of course I got the heavy bronze strainer plus a cake spatula. If I had more cash in wallet, I would also go for a nice Timor bangle. I shall return soon. No mercy!

I got home all tired, sweaty and dusty. A long shower was really nice. What a nice day with ice cream!

Photo of – …ugh I forgot the title – a statue by F. Widayanto, my favorite.

Wear Your Own Shoes

I don’t remember the last time we visited an artist or gallery in Jakarta as part of the art group activity. It had been long, even long before Bali trip last May. So it’s nice that Vivi organized a visit to Studio Hanafi today. Every one who’s leaving soon tried to maximize their limited time to see more arty people and artworks, and “the last girls standing” like Peng, Jean, and I get the benefit. Of course.

The studio looked different than of two years ago when we visited. It still looked modern but more neat and tidy. Hanafi prepared the house – like a green house because of the glass wall – for display room. And he built a tubular building behind the main building for private space. I always like the seating area by the pond with fish (before it had goose).

I felt a bit embarrassed that Hanafi’s wife still remembered ‘my profile’. She asked about business in Jakarta and Bali and all sorts. Aaarghh.. And even she remembered my hair that she thought I looked like a young adult now. Hm. Hanafi was also nice as ever. We often met in the past although I believe he doesn’t remember my name. That’s alright.

As a prominent artist, Hanafi faces plagiarism. His long time issue. He painted shoes as theme when we visited two years ago. He made 300 resin shoes for installation to fight plagiarism. His message is… wear your own shoes. To be inspired by other artist is fine, according to him, but to create something that never created is more important. Be original!

I care about him. Abstract is easy to copy and for those who don’t have the eye to see quality, any crafty abstract can be considered artistic enough. Often Hanafi felt frustrated and went out his well known style but I must say his work with object is as good. A qualified artist like him should not be worried about his work. He could always succeed.

Hanafi speaks a little English so I had to translate from time to time. I understand the other seven ladies, then, had short attention span because of the language although I had tried to translate all of his messages. He appreciated our regular visits, in his view, to have more witness is more important than the art sales because the witness carries the art for ever. I was surprised that today the ladies were not active like usual. I failed to convey his message to get feedback from the ladies about his go-international work. Yes, it was a hot day.

We looked around his studio and saw his collection for a show in a museum in Barcelona next month. Being in and out Barcelona the past five years, he managed to get his artwork exhibited in a museum for three months after selling his work in little shops, then galleries. He is good.

I was badly shaken in Peng’s car on the way back. The driver drove in such speed to arrive at the lunch place before Friday pray started. Good that we had a good lunch. I had Alaskan salmon and strawberry lassi. Yum. We also had a long chat after lunch about the time is coming to be a grandmother. Actually they were talking about ten year span :-) Anyway, I cannot wear their shoes.

Photo of Hanafi in his display room.

Nice End

Thursday, May 3

It was a beautiful morning with bright sun. I slept very well and felt energized in the morning. No rush, all fine, so smooth. I had ‘proper’ breakfast because I managed my time well with internet and packing. I started the day very well.

Our program sounds promising in the last day. I was quite happy to end the tour with meeting nice energetic persons. It started with Antonio Blanco Museum. Initially I was not too excited about it after visiting the museum at least three times but of course it’s different this time because Mario – Blanco’s son – took us a tour.

I saw him several times in the premises when he’s doing his art project but only yesterday I learned about what’s in his mind about his father. He is a painter himself. We could feel that he is ‘struggling’ under father’s shadow to be himself but of course he would never come to the level where his father gets a very well recognition as ‘Balinese’ and artist. He paints very well though and it’s good that his object is different that of father did.

I talked to him while waiting for the ladies to finish tour in second floor. I have done the tour several times so I preferred to talk to him. I was interested in how the family keeps track of the painting especially the important ones. Blanco liked to buy his paintings back from collectors to put in museum. He is very ‘dedicated’ to his museum. Obviously he is a lucky man to be able to collect his own painting while keeping good living during his life. Mario said that one painting could ‘feed’ the family for a year or two so Blanco ‘affords’ to collect his own painting. Interesting.

I also asked how Mario, as son, deals with painting forge. It’s interesting to know that Mario knows his father’s stroke well although he hardly came close to father at work (his father preferred to be quiet and alone when painting). He knows that a painting “doesn’t call him”. It’s tough to be the only person to ‘endorse’ the original painting. Painting market in SE Asia involves a huge amount of money that people have to see him to make sure they don’t keep fake one. He is doing well in this case I could see. He is very proud of his father work therefore he would not ‘make money’ by endorsing fake painting for the sake of earning extra. He has more than enough to have a good life.

We talked more about his life as boy and later as the only son who has to look after his father’s wealth and how he raises his kids as the next Blanco generation. Unique family and lucky family to be given such talent.

The next visit was not interesting at all. The artist learned to paint from Arie Smit, the maestro, but then he ‘copies’ his style. His work is not bad but the idea is not fresh and original. I’m not impressed.

I took some of the ladies to my favorite bookshop in the opposite gallery. Of course we had no time but Vive managed to buy a nice old postcard books and I bought a book about Balinese characters. Nice.

Our next visit was Balinese painter – Kasta – who does traditional Balinese painting in modern way. It looks like Putu Bedil’s in different hues. I very much like his style. I have to keep my liking though after learning the price of my favorite one – USD 30,000. I believe he doesn’t make the price. His art is good.

Sumio was the next. Japanese, my favorite artist. He doesn’t like to be labeled as ‘furniture maker’ or ‘sculptor’, he does many so he prefers to be called ‘artist’. He used to make ‘useful art’ like fancy chairs with arty details, bench, table,… I’m lucky to have one long bench of his – I bought three years ago after my first visit – because he doesn’t want to make furniture anymore. He feels that people don’t appreciate furni-art as they appreciate art installation. I understand his way of thinking although actually I very much admire his bench in my house as a piece of art. I love to caress and admire the work. It’s Chiko bench now though but that doesn’t mean that I appreciate it less :-)

Sumio is ‘original’ as person. He invited us to enter his world. He kept his 80s music blasting quite loudly, he moved around in his own bubble, sometimes he stopped and talked to us, or stopped to eat choco bean from a jar,… I liked to see him feeling shy and awkward having 8 ladies (Susa joined from Canggu) invading his bubble. Authentic.

We felt refreshed after meeting Sumio. It’s always nice to meet artist and his works in his studio. We are not so lucky this trip because many Balinese artists we visited showing his house more than his studio and works. They must have thought that these ladies like to see ‘clean’ place. Often we felt disappointed because they said that their work is in studio which is far from where we were. A culture we learned this trip. Now we know what we should tell an artist to prepare when we visit, we want to see their work and the studio as well.

We had fabulous lunch at Warung Enak. It’s perfect that we had chance to eat there. We ordered many many dishes and shared. It was a good food, good place, good value,… Lindy is good. She had collected kitty before the trip so we didn’t have to share every time we eat and we were happy to still have kitty to the last lunch together after all luxury meals and wine we had during the trip.

Peng and I were baked in sun in car during the trip. Sun was shining very brightly. Take-away coffee helped a bit to keep us awake. The next artist we visited, Duatmika, was the same. He showed only 4 paintings in his nice house. He kept the rest in his studio near Ubud aaargghhh… So disappointing. The ladies moved slower and had lost attention by then. It was too hot and not interesting.

We stopped by a place I call ‘temple accessory shop’. Lindy spotted when we passed. Of course we could not keep the shopping short. We shopped like shopaholic including me, frequent Bali visitor. It shocked me that the price is very reasonable. We had even smaller space in car now with boxes and huge plastic bags.

And I liked the highlight of the trip, Mangu Putra. It’s a very nice closing. Fab! He is a well-known artist with over USD 20,000 worth work. His studio is simple and modern. Another shy artist with cheerful wife as manager, perfect combination. We interviewed him slowly how he creates his work. It’s a real challenge to make an artist speaks about his artwork. He paints landscape and realism in big canvas. Different.

We had good coffee and Balinese snack in their Zen garden. I enjoyed sitting in an open air looking at nice house and good art. Very inspiring. It’s a perfect place to say goodbye to Vive and Moni who had to leave a day early. We stayed longer to chat with Mangu and wife – actually we didn't want to leave, too cozy :-)

It’s almost dark when we checked in a hotel in Legian. We were all tired that we could not decide where to go for dinner. We chose La Lucciola by Legian beach after long discussion. It’s a hot place that we had to wait in lounge half an hour to get a seat. Jean and Peng were not well; the rest were just tired and longed for bed. I slept directly. No more energy left.

Mau Pulaaang..

I slept short as I had predicted. I don’t like the bed, the smell, the velvety blanket, and the blower for the air-con above my head. It was terrible that I had to put my Bali sarong around shoulders and head to cover all. So hard to sleep that I could only manage to stay in light sleep for 3.5 hours. I stayed in bed for an hour before decided to start my computer around 5:00. Internet was not working last night because of weak signal in the room and I was too tired to try in balcony.

I got out balcony around 6:00 after the sky lightened a bit. Moni was still sleeping very tight (I envied). Internet worked that I could check email and blog-post. I was so happy that I ran out of time to prepare myself. We had to get together at lobby at 7:45! What a morning with running around room to prepare and tidy my mess. I swallowed my boiled egg and a slice of bread with honey that came very late. I had to have something because the program would be tight.

We visited Kenyem that I had met three years ago. He kept similar style, nice but a bit boring, more craft than a real work (ehm sorry to say). I enjoyed his garden while listening to him talking about his new work. The ladies were busy taking out his paintings from the stack. Vive eyed some of his works.

Our next visit was Sadu, Kenyem’s childhood friends, in the opposite road. He is a very shy man. His studio is behind the main house in front, next to a small pig farm. The smell oh so nice… His work is simple and original but he was too shy to set price for his work. Well, he’s an upcoming artist. His price is rising by time. Vive was interested in at least two paintings that he was still thinking if he would sell. He’s not so enthusiastic about the possibility of selling paintings to the ladies. Strange but… I understand the way he’s thinking.

Djirna, uncle of Kenyem, was next. We had to wait for him to arrive for half an hour. So boring that we planned to run to a gallery next door to get a good coffee. He was a very well known painter that sold paintings like hot cakes. His time is over. It’s not easy to work in the art world where mood has a big role in determining the quality of the work. Apparently his mood is not good the last few years. His last pieces show aggressiveness, anxiety, anger,… He looked serene though but we could see that he’s close to explode.

We had a quick glance at Neka Museum because only Lindy who'd never been. We sat in canteen near the parking lot while waiting for her to finish her tour. We were happy to be able to have lunch before visiting Sika Gallery. We walked to Indus restaurant from the gallery. It was hot but fun to feel the real Bali sun. We changed tomorrow’s arrangement in dining table. We moved to Legian! So nice to be able to escape from this hotel. Ya, we plan to have fun in Legian after sessions tomorrow. Great!

We almost fell asleep at Sika Gallery. Peng said that everyone had crossed eyes. I was lazy yes. Sooo lazy to move. Pak Sika enjoyed talking about his experience that was actually fun to listen especially in fresh hours. Ladies had started to scatter around the big gallery searching for fun. It was bad.

The next visit was sister and brother that have Walter Spies style. They are sooo good, especially the sister – Galuh, that she’s able to build a very nice house from selling all of her paintings in an exhibition in Koln two years ago. Her work is super fine with details and subtle color. Wiranata, the brother, is okay too but it seems that Galuh is the star. Nice meeting them. It opens our horizon to see other style of Balinese paintings. Not traditional, nor modern.

Now we begged for coffee break. The ladies were in bad shape and we still had half an hour to the next appointment. We went to Nomad restaurant and waited for long for our order. We ran a bit late for the last appointment of today, Mary Northmore, the wife of the late well-known Abdul Aziz.

Mary is energetic as ever and it’s always fun to listen to her story about how she established the women’s artist gallery in Ubud. She is British and has lived in Ubud long time. Her effort to promote women artists is amazing. I admire her dedication and commitment to make things happen in the land far away from her origin. She is beautiful.

I ran out of battery after the last stop. I preferred to stay in hotel with Jean while others go back to some artists to shop! I could not sleep but I long for my time alone. I need to pack my stuff properly too because we are leaving early and checking out tomorrow.

I felt like mau pulaaang…

Photo of Kenyem’s garden.

Three in a Day

Tuesday, May 1

So this is the day, finally, after long months of planning. We, seven girls from the art group, travel in Bali together to meet artists. I was not really excited about the choice of artists we are going to see because I have visited like 70% of them three years ago. I had tried to suggest some new names but all were not included so it’s okay. Here I am to see them again…

Chusin, the first artist to visit, still remembered me. He is Chinese living in Bali the past 20 years. He has very fine realism style. His works is very smooth, photograph like. He is not productive in the sense that one painting is finished in two months. His works are collected by overseas collector so not many in Indonesia market. It’s the theme that makes it hard to show in Indonesia. Nudity. As an artist, he feels that many Indonesian artists feel caged in creativity since public put artists paint nudity object (not necessarily pornographic) in a very hard situation nowadays.

Chusin is a soft and sweet man, doesn’t speak much English, so I had to make sure everyone got the gist of his philosophy. He has a new bigger studio ready in a few months. It would be nice to see his big canvas painting in a new place because his house has limited space. The ladies were surprised to see his neat studio, paints free floor. He likes to start clean every day. He is organized we could see. His next exhibition would be in China and Washington next year.

We had lunch where Nien used to have lunch with family. It’s a nice place. I only had two lumpias. It was hot and humid that I could not eat more. I longed for mango lassi more.

The next artist was Winkler – a Swedish married to a Chinese Indonesian – who has lived in Bali 10 years. When I first saw him, I was surprised. He is young and looked very much like faces in his paintings. It’s common that artists have its own face in their works. His style reminds us of Botero's work – bloated bodies but Balinese. His style has Mexican feeling more than Balinese although the object is obviously Balinese (the fruits are imaginary sometimes).

His studio is also in the house – second floor – with Swedish style feeling. All white and bright. We were not allowed to take photos of his recent work as he is preparing the work for exhibition next year. He needs 20 big paintings that takes him a month for a painting and he is not painting simultaneously. He needs 20 months to finish then. That makes life as artists are tough because they have to create some small or less ‘passionate’ ones to sell while finishing the big project. I always like Winkler’s work that many finds it hard to appreciate because of its deconstructive bodies.

I was mesmerized when he told us his love story. He marries his pen-pal back to teenage years. They corresponded for 11 years before meeting for the first time in Srilanka 11 years ago. They dated a few months before decided Bali as their base. Successful long distance relationship always touches me. Amazing that two persons could stay well connected although separated by seas especially in their time where they could only correspond through fax! Forget about chatting or Skype :-)

I’m happy to have met them. The wife has visited PLV and likes it. We promised to keep in touch for business. She works for a wealthy businesswoman in Singapore. And in the end, she likes my necklace too!

Our last visit was Sutjipto – his house is on the way to Ubud. He is Buddhist and collects many Buddha statues. He has serene look, so fresh and calm. His work has a lot of messages – heavy ones – although his realism style is very smooth. I liked to talk with him, he had many issues in his heads. He is going to move to Ubud soon and was happy to know that I visited Ubud often. Glad to have met him..

I took the ladies through shortcut road to Ubud – many rice fields and lovely Bali villages. Lindy said that she felt different when entering Ubud this time. She doesn’t really like Ubud as far as she remembered. I guess she looks at Ubud differently now :-)

After long haggling about rooming, I welcomed Moni to share a room with me. She was with the Heritage but she moved to Hong Kong last year. It happened that she is around Bali for business that she could join us this trip. It’s so nice to have her, like when we went to Yogya.

We got the room late because of the lousy administration. I don’t like the hotel at all. It has steep stairs going down to rooms in ravine and the room is ugh. I like old wood but not in sleeping and bath areas. Uh yak. And I burned my hand because I turned wrong faucet – I turned off the cold water first. It happened because… they fixed the faucets in different order. Aaah..

Dinner at Lamak was nice. It’s another art tour for us. I showed them the funky restrooms done by well-known metal sculptor, Pintor. It’s a nice place with nice atmosphere, perfect for tired body. Nice food, nice friends, nice chat…

Warm Arty Day

My Jakarta life is back. I have started doing household chores since last night: laundry, cleaning, tidying,.. I had short morning but productive because I started quite early. I even had yoga before 7:00 which I rarely did. It was so good. I did it hard plus weight lifting. I feel that I didn’t do enough in Bali. My body had warned me, it was aching and stiff.

I wore my sarong the Indian way to an art talk by PED. We planned the talk last week when we visited a private museum. PED has extensive knowledge about Indian paintings. He was posted in India before moved to Indonesia five years ago. And it’s his birthday too. We sang birthday song in Indonesian, then English. He cut chocolate fudge cake; two other nice cakes also looked inviting. The nine ladies had all three rich cakes. I thought I could not have lunch. I felt full…

We had to start the talk immediately because PED had to be in office at 11:00. So little time. He started the talk about different style of Indian paintings. He showed us some paintings from his collection. The couple has promoted at least two unknown Indian painters. One they met when they looked for help in flooded area in India. PED recalled the day he met the artist. He was painting in front of his small house where wife, kids, in laws, rooster, and dog lived. That was his life but PED thinks he was the happiest person he ever met because he does what he likes to do. Painting is not his main job, he works in factory. PED managed to bring his painting to the world. Now his works have been exhibited in London, New York, and Paris.

The other painter is an art teacher. It’s same poor artist living in one small house with all. He liked to paint on cigarette or match box before PED asked him to paint in bigger format. His painting was super too. I loved the theme – dark skinned Indian wearing traditional accessories – very India and very Hindu.

SUS and PED thought about selling some of their collection because they will not be able to take home all. We were uh and ah because they have nice collection of many interesting arts. Lots of little art with history they brought from India and countries they visited. SUS has an art shop in her country but still they have to get rid some of their possession.

PED said that living as diplomat is not easy because they live in two worlds. It shows on the way they decorate the residence. They put art from their country and Indonesia in formal area in front and art of their interest in their private area in the back which is mostly from India and Indonesia. PED will retire after Indonesia post and enter a big house in his country but not as big as his residence now. Their Kamoro (Papua) sculpture collection will be donated to a museum in his country. They don’t have place for the collection but would like to be able to see it anytime. What an idea to donate to a museum!!

But who can stop one from talking about things (s)he is fond of? Once we pass the warm-up stage, we can talk on and on. When PED ended the talk, it was already 12:30. We were all happy though. It was a really nice talk. It's so nice of him to spare his time to share his knowledge with us. He should do more with larger audience. I guess he would do again when he ‘let go’ part of his collection before leaves Indonesia :-)

PEN and I had light lunch later. We talked about lousy auction in an auctioneer. I could not believe that people could do things unprofessionally. What a pity because actually the concept is good, only the conduct is messy. This is part of the challenge to do business. Looking around is not enough without an open mind to learn.

My arty day was not over after the long morning. NIE and JEA have their artworks displayed in an exhibition for charity. The exhibition was opened by their ambassador. It’s annual event involving 16 artists from some countries.

The house where the art are displayed was already full when I came. I met many friends, old and new, also friend artists who have their works displayed. I meet friends I don’t meet every day in such occasion. I laughed a lot, friends bring different point of art views, that a nice thing to share. Some works are really brilliant that initiated us to discuss more about the concept. An Indonesian senior artist pick lesbian-theme for his latest work. He created bronze sculptures and paintings with two nude ladies. It's interesting, it ignited naughty comments.

I was a bit headache and laughing made it worse. It seemed that I didn’t have enough liquid, I realized later. I was among the latest to go out. I made my way out silently because everyone I know was still busy with friends. It was a nice arty day!

Photo of birthday PED.

Fake Getaway

SUS had come up with this great idea since three weeks ago. She organized a tour of private art museum owned by a travel-business tycoon in West Jakarta. It’s available for 26 persons and members of the art group got priority to get seats. It was reasonably expensive for lunch plus talk on South East Asian art by an expert from a well-known auctioneer.

PEN and I got a ride from PEG who lives near PEN’s house. Traffic was good that we got the place less than half an hour. Three of us were busy uh and ah when entering the compound. It’s a very luxurious compound where houses look like palace. Huge and wow! We were busy looking at our right and left to enjoy the fenceless houses that don’t exist in our areas.

Some ladies had arrived at the museum when we got there. The entrance is small; it leads to a long swimming pool that looked so inviting. The building is minimalist like villas in Bali. It’s definitely Bali atmosphere except the two apartment towers as ‘backdrop’. It looks odd and disturbs the whole beauty if we don’t keep our eyes at low level (see the photo).

Anyway, it’s good to see friends I didn’t see often. SUS and PED looked good. PED looked easy among 23 ladies as he was the only male around. I chatted and decided to start an easy tour by myself. JEA was with me to do the first level and later NIE joined to finish three levels. They are both artists so it’s nice to learn about paintings from technical side. As artists, they analyzed the paintings from many sides; the technique, the object angle, the good/bad sides,..

Today the museum displayed paintings for the auction, it’s like preview, and the lady who took us around talking about general mechanism to select arts from market to be put in an auction. Again I learn about the reason why not many good paintings around anymore lately. It’s about being too commercial that makes the quality goes down. Artists enjoy catering walk-in buyers that induce them to work for quantity, not for quality. If a gallery promotes them; they have to work for quality. That’s time consuming (inspiration and technique factors). Who don’t want instant money?

The other thing about art I learn today is artist's style. I always have questions about the issue in mind. Keeping a style over years is good; it shows consistency and its progress could be ‘measured’ but… Who wants to see same thing over years? Meanwhile.. keep changing style, we call it being creative, is not a great idea either. Many would think that the artist hasn’t decided yet her/his style because the artworks keep changing style. To keep artworks with a bit of continuing element over a length of time is not easy either. So complicated. To have boring, or no-style artworks??

As I had predicted, lunch was started after the talk. I was a bit starving, it’s good that PEN shared me biscuits before we left. I didn’t expect who were going to sit next to me but my new friend MIA asked me to sit by her. Hm. And when EDI took the other side, HEL in opposite, it became perfect.

MIA asked a lot about me; what I do, what else I do, what I’m going to do,.. She liked my blu tail (she’s not alone) and thought that I’m Indonesian in different package. Yesterday Tin’s friend thought I’m a Malaysian. It seemed that wearing batik didn’t really help me to look like a genuine Indonesian :-)

Food was super good. We had a huge slice of quiche that tasted perfect but I was careful not to finish because it must be starter. Salmon for the main course was super! The spinach and potato that went with the soft salmon were aaargghh.. Again, I was very careful because dessert must be good. It’s chocolate fudge a la mode. Skip dinner, plus an hour swimming before dark, that’s what the ladies told me.

It was a very nice afternoon. We planned our next week program while walking out. PED has agreed to talk about Indian art earlier but hasn’t decided on the day. SUS pushed him to do on Wednesday but I had a better idea as PED’s birthday is on Thursday. He could not promise SUS a free Wednesday but liked my idea to have a talk on his birthday. Yay! Now I look forward to listening to PED's talk on his birthday if he manages to free himself from busy life as ambassador.

Forgetful

Last night was strange. I got my mind blank, totally empty. I felt like zombie. I looked blankly at calendar realizing that this coming Monday is public holiday. The girls had talked during lunch about Nyepi in Bali but it seemed that the info didn’t get me well.

I don’t have plan for the long weekend but way too late now. I have promised Tin to hang out with her since two months ago. She comes from Washington late tomorrow and we will meet up on Sunday onwards till she leaves for Bali on Thursday. Holiday Monday should not be a big deal for me. I don’t work, any day is holiday.

Another scary thing was.. I didn’t remember that I have watched the movie I watched last night. I start watching DVD again almost every evening. Last night I chose Sweet November with Reeves and Theron. Watched the early scene, somehow I knew that I had watched but no clue what’s about. I went on.. and still no clue till end of the movie! The scenes looked familiar but I had nothing in mind about the story and how would be the end! That’s bad. A real forgetful girl!

Another hit before sleep was.. I was startled to realize that today is only Friday and I have art-group meeting at Galeri Nasional. I thought today was Saturday. I had planned my Saturday. Tell me what’s wrong with me?

Nothing is wrong. I arrived at Galeri Nasional at 10:15. No one was there. PEN laughed a lot.. You are not Indonesian. You should be jam karet (late)!! Ya ya ya.. Four other ladies came at the same time a bit later after I finished enjoying Yang Shaobin exhibition.

It’s a nice painting exhibition. He is Chinese and has unique style – blurry like out-of-focus picture. It’s fine blurry that we feel something is wrong with our eyes. The longer we see it, the strange it feels. Not super but uniquely nice for an autodidact. It’s been long I don’t see nice exhibition. I liked this one.

I was surprised to enter empty parking at PI mall. I thought I was lucky but it’s only 11:20.. of course. We had early lunch at BZ – a nice mirrored wall restaurant. We laughed a lot as we felt awkward looking at our face while eating :-)

Bali art trip plan is almost done. LDY and PEN are the organizers. How many ladies would go? Five and a half: two organizers, two group leaders, and SUS who will join on–off. The rest are scattered in many cities in the world. We don’t mind to have a small group, even better :-)

It was nice to spend two hours with six chatty ladies. I forgot that I’d been forgetful 24 hours before..

Painting of Milosevic by Yang Shaobin.

No Fix

It’s always. When I have long morning, I run late for the day. I had nothing to do so I fixed staff’s phone in their bedroom that have been jammed the past few days. I checked the line cord, the handset, the program,.. I got no clue so I went online. But no such online help, only standard check. Make sure both the line cord and the handset cord are plugged in; substitute, check, repair,.. Ugh. I wasted my time.

I could not go with RIT then. I ran out of time that I had to drive myself – which was very fine because I needed time with myself. I had a long talk with AM last night and again she helped me to take inventory of my life. It made me thinking the rest of the evening and this morning. I tried to put every item in proportion. She could be right but I also have argument to be right. I wrote her long email just now. I’m lucky to have her in my life. We both need two heads :-)

We had first art group meeting. How many ladies could make? F o u r. January is almost over but many ladies are still away. German RIT happened to be around. It was nice to see her again like she never moved. She escapes Germany winter by traveling east for three months. Very clever.

We viewed a British artist’s exhibition who works with photos. He ‘touched’ photo (not directly but over a transferred image) with oil painting. All photos are about building construction that look ‘busy’ with scaffolds, piles of material, and small people. Innovative, fresh, I liked it. Only. It’s boring to see many similar artworks. He didn’t explore colors although he’s good in exploring hue in an artwork. Nothing is perfect. It’s the idea that counts.

We had very early lunch, seven of us, KAT joined later. We went to our favorite organic restaurant with all non-something ingredients that makes us healthy without enjoying good taste :-) Salads, laksa, cranberry and Hawaiian fried rice,… were super. Tasty good. But when it comes to healthy drink? I was fine but some ladies had a good laugh at the funny taste. KAT was unlucky with her organic black coffee that she fixed with soy coffee but it only made her laughed out loud. It didn’t do any better. Glad that I don’t take taste seriously, I’m just okay with any strange taste so I enjoyed my soy latte (that NIE had to make funny face). Anyway, we really enjoyed our lunch and chat. As usual.

Please check out what the restaurant offers in photo above :-)

When it’s time..

I checked Technorati and bestest blog blog more often the past few days. I’m eager to find a nice blog I can like. It is hard. Many are unique and fun but they don’t attract me to check every day. Last night, almost midnight, I was sleepy but out of the blue I signed up Technorati. Now I’m curious what would happen to my blog after being exposed more.

Nice morning that I preferred to get up an hour later. I felt like… tired? I looked around my bedroom, I didn’t have choice but to work on it. I’d been out the whole two weeks that I didn’t tidy well. I checked email and blog first before started digging up closets.

I took out all jeans I have and tried them one by one. I thought I have gained two kilos the other day but the past two days it stays at one kilo less :-) I was surprised to realize that I was actually two sizes larger before. The jeans looked big. There were some with one size up but still too loose. I giggled a lot when I tried a ten-year old jeans I keep for ‘standard’, it’s loose now ha ha. No standard anymore. I am beyond.

I ended up storing about eight larger jeans and had to enjoy the rest three of my size now. I was thinking to alter the larger ones, I like to have variety because they are in different colors and textures. Uh more homework to do.

For six hours I enjoyed time in bedroom. Recollecting memories thru old wardrobe. It had been some times I didn’t mop my bedroom myself. It’s a nice feeling. Really. Half exercising, half having a good time. I spent the last one hour ironing towels – small and big. I even ate the ugliest frog in bathroom. Now I’m happy to have swallowed at least two of three ugly frogs in bedroom. I still owe other department, my other ugly frog, but I can do later ;-)

And I didn’t let my mind resting. I talked to CNZ who left for hajj this afternoon. Happy holidays is not the right greeting for her but she is going to spend new year and 51st birthday in this trip. I felt like hugging her. And as my TV works well in bedroom, I watched – or better say – listened to TV the whole time. I learned about polygamy in Canada. Larry King interviewed a man with 20 wives and 80 children. It was an interesting and hot topic in Indonesia these days after a popular cleric confessed that he has wife number two. It becomes a national issue now, government starts to consider law to rule such case. Hm.. I also learned about happiness that makes us healthy in BBC. Very true. I’m interested in laughter yoga that has been practiced in many countries. What a way to laugh for no reason :- )

I attended an art exhibition opening this evening. It had its own time that I finally enjoyed the beauty of GA’s uncle artwork – tapestry. I know this family over 30 years but never actually saw the whole range of BA’s work. I saw one in Singapore Art Museum. He is one of the rare Indonesian who works in this kind of art.

He uses many kinds of fibre: paper, plastic, rafia, branches, tree trunks, thread, grass, rope, wood fiber, plants, and many others. All are put together nicely and.. neatly. Very neat. His latest style is adopting Indonesian motifs into the work. So interesting to see Yogya and Pekalongan batik in different form and texture. I like the variety in stitches, knot, macramé technique, embroidery,.. very creative clever. He is clever in designing and his craft-women are clever in translating his design. A nice collaboration.

Every thing has its own time. Technorati and decluttering. Also time that I forgot.. to insert SD card back into my digicam after downloading this afternoon. I missed the chance to record nice artworks and here I use picture of BA taken from Galeri Lontar webpage :-)

Visit-icide

I had regular morning, even more: I blog-posted – unusual, loaded a batch of laundry, and had nice breakfast with self-made smoothies. I kept thinking about going to the pesticide factory. I studied the map and talked to my staff-cum-driver. My life depended on him. If he had time, I could go. And he had.

I ran to prepare self in a flash. It was less than two hours from the time I was supposed to be. I felt okay to be late, I was late to decide. Good that I could find my long sleeved linen blouse and long pants. We were asked to wear well-covered clothing and shoes. No toes were allowed to show.

The organizer and the leader called me in the morning. They were nice that they cared about me. Glad that I had decided to go. I took it easy. I brought my weapons: drinks in cold storage, cookies, and book. I was ready for the worst to happen.

I was happy to go. I sat in the very back of the car reading! That didn’t happen often that I could read in car without getting dizzy. I rely on my driver, he is good compares to other drivers I often went with. And lucky that we got there in 40 minutes. The traffic was super. That’s cool.

I was the first ha ha. An aged Australian lady came later. She thought that I am from South America. Portuguese? She’s confused. I am Indonesian, Madam. Later the leader was ‘half-speechless’ knowing that I’m Indonesian. I belong to no race I guess.

Of twelve ladies, I only knew SUM and YUK – both are Japanese. The rest were new to me. It’s not easy to remember the faces. I don’t know why these ladies looked all similar to me. ‘Bigger’ and blond. They are from UK and Australia. One nice lady is Korean but U.S. citizen. Nice mix.

The company we visited does not really fit with the idea of “how Jakarta works” because it has nothing to do with the metropolitan. We had the opportunity to visit because the organizer’s husband is the GM of the company. Good then.

The company is one of 19 factories around the world producing herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide. It also produces plant seeds. Of course, they claim their –cides safe and environmentally friendly. To work with Indonesian farmers is a big challenge because the farmers are prone to over use the –cides. It’s simple thought that "more is better". The company has hundreds of instructor around the country to help farmers apply the right amount in the right way. Interesting.

We giggled a lot when we had to wear white lab jacket, helmet, and glasses before entering the factory. We played E.R. We went into the factory to see how they store and pack the product. It’s interesting to know that they still use labors to work on the packing. They said that in Indonesia they have to employ many labors. Fair.

They also took us to see the garden in the back of the factory. They have small football field and fruit trees. Fruit trees help them to show people that their soil is not poison contaminated. They also supply water for the community by having water-tap in front of the factory to be used by local in certain hours in the morning and before dark. They really care about how they maintain the environment. 40% of the land is used for greens.

ETY, the site manager, also showed us how fast their security worked by intentionally breaking the emergency exit. Too bad that the security only came after three minutes later -- which was late. She was a bit 'furious'. I liked her. She has a good grip of the factory although she is a woman and still young. Very nice.

They served lunch in the company canteen. Very nice Indonesian lunch. I enjoyed it very much. Three hours passed nicely. I experienced new thing and got new friends too.


DS (shown in photo with her Madonna), my well known sculptor friend, opened her joint-exhibition with Chinese artists in Galeri Nasional. It's a big event before end of the year. Only important events exhibited in the gallery. Some of my art-group friends were there. I also met my good childhood girlfriend, GA. It was hilarious.

The exhibition was spectacular. Many nice sculptures; unique, different, fresh, especially of the Chinese artists. We laughed a lot dreaming to have lots of money to buy the ones we like (because so many). And funny; it happened that SIM and NIE always checked the price of artwork that had been sold (all copies). There was one (and only) copy priced about USD8,500 but SIM didn't like the fat ankle. We discussed about the what-should-be-like but with abstract nothing comes totally nice.

This exhibition is nice to be enjoyed without too many people around. This evening we were too busy to say hello to the same people from the same art community. Many many people came. It's always nice to view the artwork with the artist around. The artist gives 'life' to the artwork.

Below is photo of YM with her spectacular installation.