Designer Iwan takes off with new line of tableware

Designer Iwan takes off with new line of tableware

Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Batik designer Iwan Tirta holds up a copy of last Saturday's
edition of this newspaper, his attention focused on a profile of
Clint Eastwood.

It's not the American's acting prowess that has won his
admiration, but his ability to develop his craft and also seek
new artistic forums.

"This is what I mean about always moving forward," said the 68
year old at his studio in his home in Central Jakarta.

While Eastwood went from "spaghetti" westerns to the days of
"Dirty Harry" and eventually made his mark as an Oscar-award
winning director, Iwan has undergone his own transformation in
holding to his life motto of "reinventing" himself to face new
challenges and keep his mind active.

"For me, being a designer has been a logical process -- you
start with one thing, then you move on to related fields. It's
not just to create, but also to market oneself, like Madonna has
done. Unfortunately, very few designers here think about the need
to do that."

A graduate in law from Yale University who spent several years
at the United Nations in New York City, he entered into batik
design in the 1970s, leading to worldwide recognition of his
talent as well as appreciation for the ancient art of batik-
making.

With a keen intelligence and sharp wit, he has been a jack of
many trades and a master of most of them, from the author of a
definitive exploration of batik to amateur bodybuilder. A famed
raconteur, he is equipped with the essential info on pop culture
icons, such as the aforementioned Mrs. Ritchie, but can also
wickedly cut down to size some of the country's leading figures
for their failings.

It has not been an entirely smooth road, however, and he has
faced a couple of personal setbacks in recent years, including a
financial wrangle that nearly led to him losing his beloved
house.

Now that the matter has been settled, he is bouncing back. As
well as the ongoing process of documenting his designs so that
generations to come can learn from his legacy, he introduced a
line of tableware this week, featuring batik motifs on ceramics.

In blue and white, the voluptuous motifs characteristic of
coastal batik -- very different from the more staid designs of
Central Java's kraton, or royal court -- are featured on a range
of porcelain, including plates, tureens, cups, salt and pepper
shakers and coffee pots.

The ceramic ware is themed "The Flight of the Phoenix", and
it's impossible not to see the tale of the mythical bird rising
from the ashes as an apt metaphor for the designer's own reversal
of fortune in recent years.

Of course, it's not lost on Iwan ("the phoenix somewhat
mirrors my own life experience"). But he also points to the
historical "full circle" that is shown by the creation of the
tableware.

"In a way, it's a logical progression, because batik motifs,
which were so influenced by Chinese porcelain brought in through
coastal towns, are now being featured on my tableware," he said.

There are plans to eventually introduce a line of the
tableware in red and white, and perhaps to expand the designs to
include ikat and other woven fabric motifs.

Iwan said his cooperation with the Kedaung Group was also
intended to wean well-heeled Indonesians off their "West is best"
view.

"We never stop to think how really rich we are as a culture.
We are kind of blinkered to foreign products. Yes, quality has
always been a problem (for local products), but this tableware
can go anywhere, and be served with anything," he said.

The debut of the tableware coincided with Iwan receiving the
Putra Bangsa 2003 award from Bank Bumiputera. Given to "native"
sons and daughters who have excelled in their field, past winners
include musician Elfa Secioria, fashion designer Carmanita and
choreographer Bagong Kussudiardjo.

"We selected Iwan Tirta because he is representative of our
citizens who have consistently strived for the highest
achievements, and in doing so motivated others to bring positive
recognition of the country around the world," said the bank's
business development division vice president, Ferial Fahmi.

Although his designs have been worn by dignitaries and
celebrities, and he has received his share of international
awards, Iwan said it was recognition from home that counted most.

"The greatest recognition is that which comes from one's own
people. If we're not respected by our compatriots, well, what is
there to say."

With the new line of tableware, as in his fashion design days,
Iwan is once again setting the path for others to follow. While
it's a mostly thankless job, with those who follow freed from the
problems that come with taking those initial steps into the great
unknown, Iwan is magnanimous about his role.

"I'm happy that a lot of people will follow me. The
trailblazer doesn't become rich, it's the followers who get that.
But it brings its own personal satisfaction in being the first."

An open house of the tableware, sold at discounted prices, is
being held at Iwan Tirta's studio, Jl. Panarukan No. 25, Menteng,
Central Jakarta, on Sunday.