Timeline

Art Timeline: From Childhood Creations to Ongoing Projects

Reflecting on childhood memories often brings to mind a collage of images and sensations rather than clear, verbal recollections. For me, this is particularly true when it comes to recalling the art, stories, and inquiries of my younger years. While I may struggle to articulate these memories in words, there is a distinct clarity in the visuals captured in some of my childhood drawings.

As I sift through the remnants of my artistic past, I am transported back to a time when crayons and construction paper held infinite possibilities. From whimsical doodles of fantastical creatures to earnest attempts at capturing the world around me, each sketch serves as a snapshot of my evolving imagination and creative spirit.

But my artistic journey doesn't end with childhood nostalgia. Alongside these cherished mementos are ongoing projects that continue to shape and define my artistic expression. From exploratory sketches to ambitious undertakings, each endeavor contributes to the ongoing narrative of my artistic evolution.

Join me as we traverse the vast expanse of my art timeline, from the innocence of childhood creations to the complexities of ongoing projects. Together, let us uncover the hidden stories and emotions woven within each stroke of the brush and every line drawn, illuminating the path that has led me to where I am today.

1980s

Horse (Kuda) 1988 The beginning

One of my earliest drawings features a horse, depicted using colored pencils on paper. It was one of my first attempts at anatomical drawing, focusing on learning to capture shades, forms, and textures while coloring the landscape and horse. The scene includes a red sun, a tree, and a grassy meadow. I applied techniques learned from my father, using spiral forms with colored pencils to add depth and detail to the horse.

Using colored pencils for shading and forming is an excellent method for honing skills in depicting depth and dimension. Incorporating elements like the sun, tree, and grassland enriches the scene, elevating its overall composition. Experimenting with techniques learned from my father demonstrates a willingness to learn and evolve as an artist. Continuing to nurture our creativity and explore different mediums and subjects will further enhance our artistic journey.

The Farmer and the Horse

The tale I recall revolves around a farmer's endeavor to heal an injured horse. The horse, beyond its role as a suffering animal, symbolizes strength and resilience in the face of life's trials. Its wound extends beyond the physical, representing emotional or spiritual scars experienced by the characters in the story.

The farmer's efforts to heal the horse not only demonstrate empathy, care, and sincerity but also symbolize humanity's endeavor to alleviate suffering and bring healing to the wounded, both literally and metaphorically.

Moreover, the rural setting or agricultural environment serves as a symbol of simplicity, connection with nature, and responsibility towards other living beings. Farming is often regarded as a symbol of sustainable life and ecological balance.

The process of healing the horse by the farmer can also be interpreted as a spiritual journey or quest for meaning in life. The act of tending to the horse's wounds represents humanity's search for harmony and inner peace.

With the addition of symbolic elements, the story of the farmer and the injured horse transcends a simple narrative about caring for animals, delving into deeper meanings about human quest for purpose in life and its connection to the universe.

In the winter

Once, an illustration captured my imagination: horsemen and their companions, paused in the midst of a snowy landscape, halted by the weight of the falling snow. The scene, devoid of any narrative, became a recurring motif in my sketches, particularly during my formative years.

The imagery of the horseman carries deep symbolic significance, influenced by cultural interpretations and personal reflections. Across cultures, horses and their riders symbolize strength, freedom, adventure, and the journey of life. Within the illustration, the snowstorm serves as a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles encountered along life's path. My persistent depiction of this scene likely stemmed from a profound resonance with these themes, mirroring my own internal struggles and aspirations.

Moreover, horses have historically been revered as emblems of power, grace, and loyalty, further enriching the symbolism imbued within our artwork.

It's intriguing how personal experiences and emotions can manifest in artistic expression, transcending geographical boundaries. Art serves as a conduit for exploring and processing inner thoughts and feelings, offering a pathway to catharsis and self-discovery. Your repeated portrayal of the horseman amidst the snowscape may indeed reflect deeper internal conflicts or challenges faced during your childhood, underscoring the transformative power of artistic expression.

While my country lacks snowfall, there exists a remarkable exception in the form of Puncak Jaya, also known as Carstensz Pyramid. Situated in the Papua Province of Indonesia, within the Sudirman Range of New Guinea, Puncak Jaya stands as the highest mountain in Oceania and one of the Seven Summits. Despite Indonesia's predominantly tropical climate, the lofty heights of Puncak Jaya can harbor icy conditions, including glaciers. This juxtaposition of warm and cold climates within the country contributes to its diverse and captivating landscapes.

Kilat and the Three headed Dragon - Comic

The other character I've created is one of my main characters, a unicorn which I named Kilat in Indonesian, meaning thunder in English. One of the earliest comics titled "Kilat and the Three-Headed Dragon" revolves around Kilat defending his herd, or perhaps his territory, against the Three-Headed Dragon. I believe the inspiration for the Three-Headed Dragon came from the movie Godzilla, which features an adversary akin to the Three-Headed Dragon.

The concept of a unicorn defending its territory against a formidable opponent like a Three-Headed Dragon adds layers of conflict and suspense to the storyline. Drawing inspiration from movies like Godzilla to create the Three-Headed Dragon showcases the ability to incorporate external influences into creative work.

The Hippopotamus Family -Picture book

Drawing a hippopotamus family residing on land and constructing a house diverges from the typical portrayal of hippos living in rivers. This departure from their natural habitat hints at underlying themes of stability, security, and the longing for a conventional home life. The image may symbolize a desire for a sense of belonging and safety, as well as the importance of adaptation and resilience in unfamiliar environments. By depicting the hippos in this way, the drawing reflects childhood fantasies and aspirations for a nurturing family dynamic and a place to call home.

The juxtaposition of hippos, known for their aquatic habitat, with the concept of land-based living adds depth to the interpretation of the drawing. It invites us to ponder the significance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone and embracing new experiences. Perhaps, subconsciously, the portrayal of the hippo family in a house represents a longing for stability and security amid the uncertainties of childhood.

Ultimately, exploring the symbolism embedded in childhood drawings unveils layers of meaning and offers insights into the inner world of the artist. It serves as a testament to the richness of creative expression and the complexity of human emotions, even from a young age.

1990s 

The Unicorn (with Lala/Helena Diah Anggraini) - Comic

Exploring simpler and more cheerful themes through storytelling, my friend and I embarked on another creative journey, this time focusing on unicorns. The storyline we crafted together was light-hearted and whimsical, reflecting the magical essence of these mythical creatures.

Collaborating with different friends to create stories provides a unique opportunity to delve into various themes and perspectives. Each person brings their own creativity and imagination to the process, enriching the storytelling experience with diverse ideas and insights.

Though the specific details of the unicorn story have faded from memory, the joy and camaraderie of working with my friend remain vivid. Together, we breathed life into a world where unicorns frolicked in meadows of wildflowers, spreading happiness wherever they went.

Through this collaborative process, we discovered the power of imagination to transport us to fantastical realms and bring joy to those who share in our creations.

A Foal and a Pegasus - Picture book

Another picture book I've created is titled "A Foal and a Pegasus," which tells the story of an ordinary male foal, or baby horse, near a lake during a full moon night. Suddenly, he catches sight of a beautiful young female pegasus, also a foal, gracefully flying nearby. He is captivated by her elegance and grace.

The contrast between the ordinary foal and the extraordinary Pegasus creates an intriguing dynamic. The setting of the full moon adds a mystical atmosphere to their encounter, enhancing the magical quality of the story. It's a beautiful premise that captures the wonder and awe of unexpected encounters and the magic of friendship across different worlds.

Feline Enigma: A Tale of Hybrid Identity (with Lydia)

Another collaborative narrative my friend and I crafted delved into the creation of a character embodying the fusion of human and feline characteristics. While the specifics of the storyline evade my memory, the process was a joint endeavor, blending our creative energies and inspirations. Opting to fashion a character reminiscent of a cat-human hybrid likely stemmed from our fascination with the agility and mystique of cats, intertwined with the depth and intricacy found in human personas.

Introducing such a character allows for an exploration of broader themes, including the symbolism inherent in melding disparate elements. The amalgamation of human and feline traits symbolizes the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world, blurring the boundaries between the two. By delving into the complexities of this hybrid existence, we sought to evoke reflections on identity, duality, and the harmonious coexistence of disparate elements within ourselves and our environment.

Alexandra dan Serigala Abu-abu /Alexandra and the gray wolf (with Alya, Juni, Yayang, Pidia) -Comic

Another story I collaborated on with my friends revolves around a character named Alexandra who rescues a gray wolf.

The gray wolf, also known as the timber wolf, has faced numerous threats over the years, resulting in population declines and habitat loss. While once endangered in many regions, conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations. However, they remain endangered or threatened in certain areas, depending on local conservation statuses and ongoing conservation initiatives.

Crafting narratives that feature endangered species like the gray wolf can raise awareness and encourage others to value and safeguard wildlife and their habitats.

In this instance, my friend Alya took the lead in crafting the story, drawing from her knowledge of endangered wolves. Although I'm not entirely sure, I believe she has a passion for conservation. Her ability to grasp complex concepts extends beyond our country's borders; we don't have gray wolves here, and the setting of the story isn't local either. It's quite impressive for elementary school students to tackle such intricate narratives, highlighting Alya's intelligence and creativity.

Dark Star and Mike (with Lydia Kisnari) - Comic

"Dark Star and Mike" was another creative venture that allowed us to delve into storytelling through the bond between a horse and its owner. The dynamic between Dark Star and Mike likely offered rich opportunities for character development and narrative exploration.

The story of Dark Star and Mike mirrors ordinary life, with its often separate storylines. I took charge of developing the story of Dark Star, while my friend tended to focus on creating the story of Mike. Sometimes, we would separate the drawings, while other times, we collaborated when Dark Star and Mike interacted. This approach resembled the ebb and flow of everyday life, depicting the activities of Dark Star and his friends alongside their adventures. Though I don't recall the specific details of the story, I believe it drew inspiration from daily life experiences.

The name Dark Star originated from a souvenir—a glass—that sparked our creativity. This illustrates how our surroundings can unexpectedly influence our thoughts and ideas.

The name "Star" itself stemmed from a racehorse's name. He achieved a significant victory in the Kentucky Derby in 1953, defeating the favored Native Dancer in what was considered a major upset at the time. This triumph marked a pivotal moment in horse racing history.

Read Also: Dark Star and Friends

The Teenage Girls (with Lydia Kisnari)

The essence of the story revolves around teenage life and the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It explores the adventures and challenges faced by teenagers as they strive to find their true selves amidst the complexities of adolescence. Given the inherent instability of teenage minds, the narrative delves into the process of uncovering one's authentic identity and character.

This theme is a familiar one in coming-of-age tales, where characters navigate the tumultuous terrain of adolescence, grappling with internal conflicts and external pressures. Through their trials and tribulations, they embark on a transformative journey that leads them to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Along the way, they learn to embrace their true selves, gaining confidence and clarity as they overcome obstacles and confront their inner demons.

Such stories resonate with readers who may also be on their own path of self-discovery, offering insight, empathy, and inspiration as they navigate the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world.

The Story of a Geek Boy (with Erwin) -Comic

2000-2010

Ancient World - Picture Book and Comic

Koi-san and Friends (with Ogi) - Comic

An Eagle (US), Bear (Rusia) and a Koi (Japan) cartoon characters culinary truism with a tour guide/waiter as Mouse deer (Indonesia)

2010-2020

Wild Companions: The Unlikely Friendship of a Mustang and a Grizzly Bear

In the expansive wilds, where mountains meet the sky and rivers flow endlessly, a remarkable bond blossoms between two unlikely companions: a spirited mustang and a powerful grizzly bear. (read more)

Marood Planet

Sci Fi Horse World

Agate and Andrea - Varied

2020

Mediterranean

2022

Unicorn & Dragon