Welcome Home
Clara Kathleen
See it On Campus: Level 1
Welcome Home a book that represents the 5 main islands of Indonesia; Sumatra, Jawa, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua. It is meant to be a way to help preserve and commemorate the diverse cultures in Indonesia.
A total of 11 etching prints, not including 2 designs I ended up not using, are made in the process of this book. These prints would work on its own, however, they also can work as spreads. Which is the format I chose. Although all illustrations show different aspects of each culture, one thing I try to always incorporate is the traditional textile known as Batik in every Island.
Content
Sumatra
To the left are two prints representing the Island Sumatra. On the right is the Sumatran tiger, and the left shows a traditional attire women would wear in West Sumatra (Baju Bundo Kanduang). In bottom corners, I added the infamous Corpse Lilly also known as Rafflesia arnoldii.
The Batik patterns I chose to incorporate my illustrations are from Gorga Simeol-meol and Awan Larat.
Jawa
The two prints on the right represent the island Jawa. On the left is the Javanese Eagle, and the left shows a traditional attire men would wear in Central Java (Beskap). There are also elements of temples (Candi Borobudur) and shadow puppets (Wayang) that accompanies the character.
The Batik patterns I chose to incorporate my illustrations are from Megamendung and Sekar Jati.
Kalimantan
The two prints on the left represent the island Kalimantan. Whale sharks surround the image as an homage to not only East Kalimantan, but to Batik patterns called Hiu Taliyasan. Hanging to one of their backs is a character with a traditional attire from West Kalimantan (King Baba)
They are accompanied by other patterns such as Runtun Penyu and Tenkawang Ampiek.
Sulawesi
The two prints on the right represent the island Sulawesi. Known for their oceanic tourism, I tried creating a different composition. I decided to let the aquatic animals Sulawesi is known for, mainly tuna and sea turtles such as penyu hijau.
The Batik patterns I chose, Rumah Mamuju, are actually inspired by the traditional houses Sulawesi. They are paired with with some subtle incorporation of the pattern Cengkeh.
Papua
Last but not least, are my prints for Papua. On the right, is the animal I’ve chosen, the Bird of Paradise. Coincidentally it is also one of the Batik patterns I chose for this piece called Burung Cendrawasih the other being Tifa and Sentani.
To the left is the character wearing a traditional attire from West Papua, it is called Baju Kurung.
Format
I’ve chosen an accordion fold to bind my book. The reason I chose the format is so I can show both the monochrome and coloured prints in a way where a reader can start at whichever side they choose once they see my book. Creating an endless loop.
