Beauty of Night Time

 Beauty of night time by Yow Jia Xin

My batik mostly is based on nature theme. When it comes to batik, the main element that I would think of is types of flora. This was the reason I have used this theme. I was trying to imagine different types of local flowers; which are hibiscus, rafflesia and ixora. In the end, I have decided to draw my own style of flower. The four flowers that I have drawn were inspired from lotus flower. It is known to be associated with purity, spiritual awakening and faithfulness. Lotus flower is considered as clean and pure contrast to the background of the dirty pond. However, the shape and colors of the flowers were not exactly the same as any flowers in reality. I drew the flowers like how I imagine with the combination also the flowers that I saw. Imagination can enhance my creativity in design. “Artist can color the sky red because they know it’s blue. Those of us who aren’t Artist must color things the way they are or people might think we are stupid.” Designer should understand that we can play around colors even though the original color of the object is not it. The colors that I put to my flowers were violet and orange color. The reason is I felt the peace and powerful when both color combined together. Based on my research, the meaning of violet is using for imagination to its fullest and also energize depression. Moreover, orange color means to increase the creativity.

For the twisted and curly roots of my flower represents that even in mud the roots can grow up towards the bright sunshine of enlightenment. As human being, we need to stay strong and keep the faith when we are having a difficult time. The roots grow upwards is representing hope. These were the reason behind when I drew this and it would be more meaningful and leaves a deeper impression to viewer. I have applied the color yellow- brownish. Brown color shown even our life is hard and full of risk, but we still can find another way to overcome it. It’s mean ‘when God closes a door, He will always leave a window’. From the phrase, no matter how hard we fight for in our life. It brings you to a better life. Other than that, there are two fishes in red color. Fish symbolized happiness and freedom. Happiness and freedom are being together. Red color can show the fish more energy. I drew the fishes swam to the top as represent the same as the curly roots which is stay strong in everything.

The background color was dark in color. It contrasts with the object. In my opinion, dark color represents the calmness. However, based on my research black color represents mystery. Life is full of mystery. We cannot predict what will happen in few second later as life is full of challenge.

Process of Batik

Step 1 The first wax is applied over the penciled-in outline of the pattern. Almost always the original cloth is white or beige.

	Step 2 The cloth is dyed in the first dye bath. In this case the first dyebath is indigo blue. The area of the cloth where the wax was applied in Step 1 will remain white.
	Step 3 Second application of wax is applied. In this case it is a dark brown color. A poorer quality of wax is used to cover larger areas of cloth. The darker color helps to differentiate it from the first wax applied. Any parts that are covered with this wax application will remain the indigo color.
	Step 4 The cloth is dyed in the second dye bath. In this case it is a navy blue. Any areas that are not covered by wax will become dark blue.
	Step 5 All the wax that has been applied thus far is removed. This is done by heating the wax and scraping it off and also by applying hot water and sponging off the remaining wax.
	Step 6 Wax is applied to the area of the fabric that the artist wishes to remain the indigo blue color.
	Step 7 Wax is applied to the area of the fabric that the artist wishes to remain white.
	Step 8 The fabric is submerged in the final dye bath. In this case it is brown. Any areas of the cloth that have not been covered with wax will become brown.
	Step 9 The finished cloth after all of the wax has been removed. Summary for batik Malaysian Batik is batik textile art of Malaysia, especially in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. Mostly, leaves and flowers are most popular motifs.  The Butterfly theme is a common exception even Malaysian batik depicting humans or animals are rare because Islam norms forbid animal images as decoration.  The Malaysian batik is also famous for its geometrical designs, such as spirals. From the outcome and process of batik, i learned something special and was a good experience for me. Batik is one of the national dress to every level of the general population, by having local designers to create new batik designs which reflect the 1Malaysia idea.  。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。 I was really enjoyed when we had a chance to experience how to make a traditional batik. I took some pictures and process when we were doing batik.   Those are the motif of batik Let's start to work!!! My classmate were drawing the outline by applying wax. This was the first step before the final outcome was done. After applied wax, we were starting to apply colors on our batik. Its were looking nice and gorgeous. I had done with my batik.