The Southeast Asian artisanal craft batik is spotlighted in back-to-back public workshops which aim to create and promote indigenous Filipino textiles and rekindle the ancient Philippine weaving heritage, on July 7 and 14.
Both sessions guide the participants how to utilize batik as a new method of image-making and its incorporation in the contemporary creative industry. It provides opportunities for material exploration apart from the conventional wax and the tjanting method, which utilizes a pen-like tool to apply hot wax.
The first session allows the registrants to build jewelry out of classic motifs such as the curvilinear okir designs. It covers discussions on the universal history of jewelry, its purpose and its relevance today.
The second day teaches attendees to modify the traditional batik-made fabrics into pastel-colored contemporary designs and patterns inspired by Philippine flora and fauna. The class delves on the history and creative process of the craft as well as the modified materials necessary for innovating it.
Hosted by the Design Foundation and Arts and Culture Cluster of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the workshops are facilitated by jewelry-sculpture artist and art educator Minnette “Ming” Ong-Moya, who teaches foundational courses at the Benilde School of Design and Arts.
Through her wearable art brand Kathang Kamay, the visual artist pioneered using copper, resin and fiberglass for jewelry endeavors. Her ventures have been featured in Joey Concepcion’s Go Negosyo book, “50 Inspiring Stories of Young Entrepreneurs.”
Classes will be held on Zoom, July 7 and 14, 3-5 p.m. Register on forms.gle/3h1aRqFiSLYXE4aZ7.