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