Zakaria (left) showing visitors how to use colours and brushes to create batik paintings at Kampung Kraftangan in Kota Baru. — Bernama
Batik painting at Kampung Kraftangan in Kota Baru, Kelantan, preserves a cultural legacy and has become a form of therapy for visitors.
Batik artist Zakaria Jusoh, of Kampung Jambu, said the activity not only helped visitors translate their creativity into batik paintings, but could also be therapeutic.
Zakaria, who had been running the craft activity using canting hand-drawn techniques for the past four years, said it had become a favourite among both local and foreign visitors.
“The desired batik pattern will be painted on a white cloth using hot wax,” he told Bernama.
“The white cloth, cut to the appropriate size, is stretched over a wooden frame.
“Among the patterns are floral and fauna motifs, as well as village or traditional house elements.
“I take about three to five minutes to produce each pattern,” he said.
Zakaria, who studied at the National Craft Institute in 1996, said he would begin by explaining to clients about the three primary colours of red, yellow and blue, and how to use the brushes.
“Each customer is charged RM10 per batik painting design.
“The time required to finish the painting depends on their speed and efficiency.
“If they are interested in colouring, they can finish the activity in less than 30 minutes,” he said.
