Cartoon workshop draws out children's talent, imagination<\/p>\n
Susi Andrini, Contributor, Ubud, Bali<\/p>\n
Amid the serious panel discussions held at the recent Ubud
\nWriters and Readers Festival 2005 was a cartoon workshop for
\nchildren hosted at the Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center.<\/p>\n
\"Welcome to the joyous world of cartoons,\" exclaimed Jango
\nParamartha, founder of Bali-based Bog Bog cartoon magazine and
\nchairman of the Indonesian Cartoonists Association.<\/p>\n
The workshop opened with a screening of the famous Spanish
\nanimation Dora.<\/p>\n
The cartoon melted the ice, and the awkwardness and stiffness
\ntransformed into a relaxed, jolly atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Around 30 children of between six and 12 years old were
\nengrossed in the two-hour workshop on how to draw cartoons.<\/p>\n
\"The first important rule is that there is no rule. Cartoons
\nknow no rules. You don't have to worry about the figures you are
\ndrawing. You can freely express what is in your mind, in your
\nimagination, and create a character that you think is your
\n'trademark',\" Jango explained to the young cartoon enthusiasts.<\/p>\n
\"Drawing cartoons can encourage children's self-
\nconfidence. ...Usually, children are too worried about themselves
\nto apply their hands on paper or canvas, knowing they have no
\ndrawing skills,\" he explained on the side.<\/p>\n
He continued, \"Actually, it's teachers and parents who often
\n`kill' their children's interests in drawing by applying strict
\nrules. (For example) At most local kindergartens and elementary
\nschools, children are required to draw 'standard' pieces -- two
\ngreen mountains with a sunrise in the middle and yellow rice
\nfields.\"<\/p>\n
Further, in many drawing and coloring competitions, children
\nare forced to follow adults' instructions.<\/p>\n
As the workshop started, the eager children were told to draw
\nany character they wanted on a piece of paper. Some drew
\ntraditional figures, while others recreated famous Japanese anime
\ncharacters.<\/p>\n
\"That's okay. There are no limitations in cartoons. What is
\nmost important is to increase (the children's) passion to express
\ntheir imagination,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"In cartoons, people's faces could be round or even square
\nwith oversized teeth. You can also draw a cute character with a
\nbeautiful face,\" Jango told the curious participants.<\/p>\n
The children were also taught how to create a story based on
\ntheir cartoon characters.<\/p>\n
\"The best cartoon will be published in Bog Bog magazine and
\nwill get a special prize,\" Jango promised the children.<\/p>\n
Another cartoonist, Putu Ebo, taught the children how to start
\ndrawing cartoons. Putu drew eyes, ears, noses and lips, and also
\ndrew a happy face.<\/p>\n
A cartoon is an art form, but it is also a communication tool,
\nPutu underlined. \"To become a good cartoonist, however, one has
\nto learn the basic drawing techniques, human anatomy, perspective
\nand proportion,\" he explained.<\/p>\n
\"If you want to become a famous cartoonist like Walt Disney,
\nyou have to create distinct characters that really show your
\noriginality. Don't hesitate to keep drawing and drawing,\" Putu
\nsuggested.<\/p>\n
Nita Noor, director of Saraswati Foundation for the Arts,
\nwhich sponsored the workshop, hoped that the event would provide
\na starting point for children to hone their artistic skills.<\/p>\n
\"The festival's objective was to involve younger participants,
\nand introduce them to the literary and art worlds as early as
\npossible,\" Nita said.<\/p>\n
The workshop ended with a screening of the 10-minute Bog Bog
\ncartoon, featuring Bog Bog, whose name means liar in Balinese.<\/p>\n
Six-year-old Natalia showed her \"masterpiece\", saying, \"I love
\ndrawing ... I really like being here with a lot of new friends
\nand teachers.\"<\/p>\n
Gusti Ayu Dwi Septya Putri, 9, was also very happy about the
\nworkshop. \"But it was too short,\" he commented.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cartoon-workshop-draws-out-childrens-talent-imagination-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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