Handcrafted 100% Silk Floral Batik Scarf from Indonesia - Hibiscus Garden

Artisan Organization: Ahmad Saleh

Country:

"I was born and moved to Cirebon when I was a kid, and I come from a family of skilled batik artists. I am the third generation to continue this family legacy, though it has not always been smooth sailing. Times were difficult and we were almost broke. I had to work at another batik workshop to cover my school costs, as well as that of my two little sisters.

"I learned a lot from my father. He brought me up to work hard, be honest, and always be ready to help anyone who needs it. I learned the art of batik from my grandfather, my father, and the other artists that worked with them. Now I am more focused on designing and on the administrative aspects of the workshop.

"My closest friends know me as a friendly, cheerful, and a smart worker. They believe I never get sad and always face difficulties with a smile, but actually when I was working to pay for school, it was a very heavy time in my life, a real struggle.

"Once on my way to school I got mistakenly arrested by the police. I went to school in the afternoon but decided to go in the morning to buy some tapes, and I was wearing my school uniform. Unfortunately, just as I had finally gotten my tapes, there was a police raid and they took us the police station because they thought I was skipping school! No matter how much I explained my situation, they still took me away… they even carried me away! Finally my parents came down and I was released. Though it wasn't funny at the time, now I can look back on this with a smile.

"I get my inspiration from the nature that surrounds me, from combining tradition with modern life, and from studying batik art from other regions, especially Pekalongan.

"Hopefully by working together with Novica, I will be able to show the world the uniqueness of Ciberon's batik art. I hope you all like it too, as much as I do." "