Suzila Batik Draw Inspiration From Marine Life

By Sakini Mohd Said PULAU TIOMAN (Johor, Malaysia), Aug 6 (Bernama) -- As a child, Suhaidi Mahadi had an almost compulsive need to draw. Whether at home or on the bus, the Tioman-born lad would spend every available opportunity sketching something. Suhaidi, then 11, would even bring his drawing block with him every time he left the house, along with his pencils and colouring tools. "That was what my childhood was like. Drawing keeps me to myself, but my deep interest has allowed me to obtain an A in the Arts subject during SPM", he said to Bernama. Today, the 27-year-old is still drawing but no longer on drawing blocks. His beautiful artwork can now be seen on high quality batik products, as he is one of the few very successful batik entrepreneurs on Tioman Island. UNIQUE MOTIFS Suhaidi, from Kampung Genting in Tioman produces batik products that are one of a kind. It is for this reason that many tourists are attracted to his products. Many local batik entrepreneurs prefer to work with patterns inspired by plants or modern designs that revolve around geometrical or abstract ones. But for Suhaidi, who has been in the business for four years, he draws inspiration from aquatic life on the seabed instead. Besides giving a unique edge to his designs, it also focuses on the importance of guarding the nation’s aquatic treasures. "I was born and raised on this island that was once recognised as among the 10 most beautiful islands in the world, so I am especially attached to its marine life. "I do not want for our corals and other marine life to become threatened. That is why my drawings, since young, have always centred around them", said Suhaidi, who markets his products under the brand name Suzila Batik. He hoped that his work would serve as a platform to increase awareness and appreciation of the island’s aquatic life. It was also for the benefit of the future generation, he said. APPRECIATED Suhaidi’s creativity, beautiful designs and public awareness campaign did not go unnoticed. Braveheart-Adventura Enterprise, a water recreation company based in Sungai Besi recently commissioned him to produce 15 batik wall art designs for their corporate social responsibility programme, "Save Our Oceans". The company, drawn to his designs that highlight marine life, distributed the commissioned artwork during the "World Oceans Day", last June, among international representatives involved in the campaign, including those from Germany, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Indonesia. This indirectly introduced and promoted to them the uniqueness of Malaysian batik designs, while also helping Suhaidi expand his market. Suhaidi said foreign tourists tended to really appreciate batik products. One of the tourists to the island was so impressed with the quality of his work that he even wrote about it. "The writer published an article on Suzila Batik in a German magazine, after visiting it. "As a result, a month after his visit, many German tourists visited my shop", he said. WILLING TO SHARE Those placing orders from Suhaidi do not only request wall art designs but scarves, souvenirs and pareo skirts as well. Unlike other batik entrepreneurs who focus more on producing batik cloth and kaftan dresses, Suhaidi’s products revolve around "batik tourism", featuring more beachwear. This is because there is high demand for such products, whether from local or overseas tourists, as Tioman Island is one of the nation’s top tourist destinations. Records show that 230,000 tourists visited the island last year. The wide marketing prospects have also opened up another business opportunity for Suhaidi. Several international schools have requested that he teach its students the art of batik making. "This is the third year that I am accepting students, and this year I am teaching nearly 2,000 students. They would come here to learn the art over a period of three days. HELP FROM MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFT Suhaidi’s commitment and determination in his batik business has attracted the attention of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, which helped him build a workshop for batik production. Suhaidi had previously worked from inside his home. The development allowed for more organisation in his business, leading to better profits. "I do not actually have much experience in batik-making. However, Malaysian Handicraft has helped me a lot by providing courses, consultation services and even promoting my business up to this day. "So for me, the youths on the island need not seek job opportunities elsewhere. Take the chance to become a handicraft entrepreneur because tourists love such products", he said. -- BERNAMA