SIS Art & Technology exhibition

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Aside from sitting in front of my macbook  checking emails and downloading fonts all day, as an artist and designer it’s always a thrill being asked to speak in front of an audience as part of your job. Last Monday I was honoured to speak at the opening night of the 2015 Southern Independent Schools Arts & Technology Exhibition. Just after the 2NE1 SS15 Collection had ended, Sharon, the executive secretary of SIS, called me and requested a speech that covered my road to year 12, as well as the success I’ve had after year 12. Reuniting with my 2012 Top Arts artwork behind me brought back memories of high school, it almost felt like yesterday but actually it was almost 5 years ago since I graduated year 12!

The final year of high school was when I promised myself I wanted to create the best artworks I’ve ever done. I didn’t want to leave with just an ATAR score, I wanted to leave high school with a memory I could take with me forever, and that is what my Top Arts artwork “Go Forth and Prosper” did. I have a framed copy in my room but the original art piece was acquired by my high school, Nazareth College. The piece lead me to an interview on a radio show, an article in the local newspaper, recognition from Goldman Sachs and has made its way into people’s homes. Here’s one of them!

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Zart Art sponsored the SIS event and they gave me some unique supplies from Japan. I have no idea what this Aquash pen does but I seriously can’t wait to try it. ZIG Kurekate pens are my favorite and I mainly use them in my artworks.

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Speaking to representatives and students of 16 schools last Monday hopefully inspired them to strive to be the best in their chosen profession. I’m glad I could inspire the parents too!

Design had evolved naturally, as a passion and a lifestyle beginning at an early age when I made trips back to the motherland, Indonesia, I experienced the surroundings and the lifestyle that was vastly different from what I was used to. I found myself passing by villages where children made their own toys with whatever was left around them; scrap metal, bits of cloth, banana leaves, and even cigarette butts. Despite this, the children were happy and proud with anything they created.

This image struck me and forever inspires me to contribute my skills to places that need it the most. Design helps me make decisions, while art helps me take risks. Both areas reward me with opportunities to create something impactful and everlasting!