Handcrafted Floral and Leafy Red Batik Pule Wood Mask - Prince Panji

Artisan Organization: Retno Pratiwi

Country: India

My name is Retno Pratiwi, and I was born in Bantul in 1994. I am the eldest of five siblings, born to my parents, both of whom are talented artists and my greatest inspiration. Growing up in a place surrounded by trees, I was naturally drawn to the craft of woodworking and batik, which my parents practiced. They helped nurture my passion for these arts, and I’ve continued to develop and expand this craft ever since. Although I was raised in a modest environment, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged creativity. Every weekend, my family would embark on small adventures — cycling to see a new river, visiting fellow artisans, or enjoying local dishes like pecel lele (catfish with sambal). These experiences broadened my world and sparked my interest in different cultures and crafts.

I attended kindergarten and elementary school right across from my house, and I am grateful for the simple joys of those years. As I grew older, I wanted to expand my horizons and gain a broader education. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into one of the best junior high schools in Bantul, despite my initial fears of competing with students from across the district. This experience further fueled my desire to seek knowledge. When it came time for high school, I applied to schools in Yogyakarta, ultimately pursuing a degree in Tourism at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Though I never formally worked in this field after graduation, I interned at the Ministry of Tourism in 2015 and the Bantul Regency Tourism Office in 2016. Despite my focus on tourism, I remained deeply connected to the arts, particularly batik and woodworking, thanks to my family’s influence. My goal is to continue my parents' legacy and share our local crafts with a broader audience.

"Cycling, traveling, and traditional games such as hide-and-seek and butterfly hunting are among my many hobbies. I am also blessed with a wonderful family. I am married to a childhood friend, and together we have two daughters. Balancing my work and family life is a challenge, but it’s a challenge I embrace with love and gratitude.

"The hardest time I faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many artisans and woodworkers in our community were forced to shut down or change professions. I fought hard to keep my workshop afloat, and thankfully, I’ve made it through stronger than before. I am grateful for the blessings and opportunities I have received. Throughout the ups and downs of running my workshop, I’ve learned the importance of patience, integrity, and perseverance. One piece of advice from my father that I hold dear is that 'honesty attracts positive energy and leads to long-term success.' This philosophy has guided me in both my personal and professional life.

"My craft always present new challenges and I find great joy in tackling these challenges, especially when a customer request something unique. I am supported by a dedicated team, including skilled artisans who specialize in batik and woodworking. Our materials are sourced primarily from local suppliers, including wood from our own garden and those of nearby neighbors. We strive to use every part of the wood, even the smallest scraps, which we repurpose into keychains or magnets. Sawdust is used as fuel for melting wax, which is an essential part of the batik process.

"The process of creating wooden batik crafts is detailed and time-consuming. First, we select and cut the wood, then carve it into the desired shape. After sanding it smooth, we apply a pencil pattern and begin the batik process. Once batiked, the piece is dyed, finished with final touches, boiled, washed, and dried. Depending on the desired finish, it may be polished to a shine or left with a natural look. Batik is a traditional craft and cultural heritage, and I am proud to preserve and pass it on to future generations. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Novica, which has helped expand the reach of our crafts, bringing them to a global audience. This platform has allowed us to share our story and our artistry with people from all around the world, for which I am deeply thankful.""