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.