JP/10/MAGIC

Do-it-yourself modeling clay, good for health

Magic clay: stimulates brain activity

Susanna Tjokro Contributor Jakarta

Many believe art plays an important role in our lives with many scientific reports citing its benefits. Art, it is reported, can reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, build self-awareness, help people to feel good about themselves and so on.

One may enter into a blissful state when one is painting, playing the piano or doing other creative activities -- including working with clay. What really counts is the creative process, the result is a bonus.

Modeling clay is good for people of all ages including children. Children can make anything their wish by playing with clay, as long as they let their imagination run wild. More notably, creativity produces feelings of accomplishment.

Ten-year-old Janice Jap, a student of elementary school SD KPS 11, says modeling clay is not as complicated as it seems as she stressed, "You will see how easy it is and how much fun working with clay can be once you start working with it".

"Modeling clay improves my creative skills. Also, modeling clay is a new thing here and it's always interesting to learn something new."

Another student even believes that the beautiful clay works she has produced can be sold.

"You can even sell your artwork," said Ajeng Puspita Sari (15), a student of the Jakarta International School, Cilandak.

"The techniques are simple. It's easy -- anybody can do it. Sculpting clay improves our creative skills. It's a useful hobby said another modeling clay student Hanylyn, 25.

"Sculpting clay is fun, reduces stress, increases self-esteem and I like showing my clay sculptures to my friends," said Sekar Paramitha Hardjono (18), a student of the faculty of industrial technology at Trisakti University.

"I am taking the course, as my hobby is making handicrafts," said Sri Rahayu (67) who has to drive for about one hour, from her house in the Roxy area in Central Jakarta to Jl. Rasuna Said in Kuningan area, South Jakarta, just to attend the course.

These people are students of the modeling clay course held by Anion Enterprise. Today, the group has agents in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Batam, Makassar, Bali, Semarang, Tangerang and Pekanbaru.

One of the teachers is highly-respected clay modeling instructor Kim Jee Sook.

She started working in the modeling clay field in 1995. She has written three books, entitled Accessory Art Clay as well as Relief Art Clay in Korean, and Magic Clay in English. An instruction manual, written in Indonesian, based on her book is priced at Rp 10,000.

The course is open to participants of all ages but for children especially, sculpting clay can help activate their muscles.

This art enhances fine motor skills and sensory functions. The varied sizes, textures and colors help develop their basic designing skills, as well as self-discovery adding to their sensory stimulation.

Sensory experience helps focus attention, triggers memories, brings out ideas and also influences emotions. It also improves a child's creative skills. In this case, the physical act itself is what is important, not the product.

"Sculpting clay promotes a higher IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient), because the activity deals with both children's intelligence and emotions. They will think and feel of what they are creating or making."

"It also helps children to balance both brain hemispheres. In addition, modeling clay stimulates brain activity. The kids will have so much fun. Beyond learning art skills, children will find that they gain confidence in themselves", said Mitta Raharto Sumantri of Anion Enterprise.

The company started importing Korean Aladdin magic polymer clay in October 2000. There are six basic colors, red, yellow, white, blue, black and green, which are sold here.

One can combine some colors to come up with a new hue. A pack (one color) of 30 grams of Aladdin clay costs Rp 11,000. Magic clay doesn't stain your hands and unlike some other polymer clay; you don't even have to bake it. It's very easy to use and spraying some water on it can soften hardened clay. Polymer clay is not hazardous at all with ordinary use. However, it should not be eaten.

In many countries, such as Korea, Japan and the U.S, polymer clay has been used widely in art clay. It's not real clay, but polymer clay is fine particles of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) suspended in plasticizer with filler, colorants and other additives, making the non-toxic stuff as supple as clay.

If you like giving personalized gifts to your family and friends, modeling clay fits the bill. You can make various kinds of gifts from clay, be it key chains, fancy fridge magnets, hair clips, cute figurines and so on.

For kids, they can create their favorite cartoon characters from clay -- Batman, Superman, Bart Simpson or Pokemon.

A sculpture of Spiderman can put a smile on the face of any fan of the superhero. Whether you're a serious artist or just in it for fun, Aladdin magic clay will bring out the artist in you.

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For further information about modeling clay contact:

Mitta Raharto Sumantri on (021) 726 1427 or

Anion Enterprise Graha Surya Internusa Building, 10th floor, Suite 1002 Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Tel: (021) 252 4426