Dream Career - Emilia Tan, Young Batik Designer
She's admired by those active in this field. Opting for a career in batik, this Banting-born artist is getting much attention. What makes Emilia Tan want to continue doing batik?
What's your career now?
I'm a full-time contemporary batik designer and the publisher of myBatik magazine.
How did you venture into batik?
Few years ago, I travelled around South East Asian countries and discovered batik in my journeys. I'm interested to promote batik to more people outside Malaysia and let them get to know the art better. My style is to incorporate modern ideas into my work so it'll look contemporary and appeal to different age levels. Initially, I was fascinated by Australian aboriginal art. That time, I stayed there and during my stay, I managed to combine both Malaysian and Australian styles to produce batik pieces that look more beautiful and fresh.
Who played an important role in shaping your batik career?
I'm fortunate to have been under the guidance of two very talented and experienced batik teachers, Fatimah Chik and Samsuddin. Both of them have become the backbone of my success now.
Did you attend any formal lessons or was the talent to do batik innate?
In 2001, I studied batik at Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA). I learned many things there - batik techniques, and also fashion designing. Each piece of my work is inspired by my travels and what I've observed throughout my travels. The response for my artworks, was tremendous, hence the beginning of my career as a batik artist and designer.
Throughout your involvement in batik, do you also impart your knowledge to others interested to learn batik?
Yes. I hold classes for those interested to learn batik for a fee. Besides, I also provide batik workshops to schools apart from holding art exhibitions.
Where do you sell your artworks?
Most of my finished pieces are not sold; however, their designs are used by companies in their products. For example, Royal Selangor used my designs and incorporated them into its pewterwares. There are also companies that use my designs on boxes, souvenirs, and others.
What's the secret of your success?
I know what I want. My secret is, in whatever field you enter, you have to determine the advantages of entering the field - Is it worth the hard work, or are you enjoying what you are doing? If not, then, better think twice about your move.
What's your ideal career?
This is it. I've found what I wanted. My search for two years has finally born fruits and I am very happy to have achieved what I have achieved so far.
Besides being a batik designer, what else do you do?
I am the owner of my own company, TMS Art, and also the publisher of myBatik magazine. The magazine will be distributed early next year. It's a quarterly magazine which is free of charge.
Your latest activity?
I'll be holding a batik expo this December, that is, from 1 - 9 December @ Wisma SGM Bukit Bintang. Joining in exhibiting are Fatimah Chik and Datuk Chuah Thean Teng and his family. Datuk Chuah is 93 years old, but is still active in batik painting.
What makes you content with your career now?
I'm glad to have achieved what I have now and be a Chinese doing batik. I never expected to be what I'm now. Nevertheless, I believe luck does play a role as well.
Your active involvement in work has probably caused you not to have much time to have fun with your friends. Is this true?
If we know how to draw a line between work and life, I believe there shouldn't be any problems for me to be with my friends, A few friends and I always have tea together. It's part of our activities. Besides, I enjoy being at home and looking at my fishes. I never limit my time strictly to work. For me, that is wrong.
What is your motto in life?
"Art is an expression of your own vision and eventually you will make up your own rules. Inspiration is everywhere. My journey through the world of batik is a continuing adventure and I still find myself learning and discovering every day."