 Indonesia has been in the news over the past few years, primarily through news reports on terrorist attacks in Bali and Jakarta. However, the vast majority of the population is peaceful, democratic, and not fanatic in their religious practice. (Indonesia is the world’s largest Islamic country). In addition, Mother Nature has not been kind to her. The world’s eyes and hearts tuned into Indonesia as the Tsunami of December 2004 claimed over 150,000 lives and this year, as a major earthquake in central Java devastated the region. Both Aceh and Java are places I have lived and traveled and my heart broke beyond belief from each of tragedies.
Since my initial visit in 1988, I have maintained a strong connection to this country I happily call my second home. Even with the recent chaotic times, my husband and I still go back to Bali and Java regularly with our young son, enjoying each and every visit.
My love affair began with Indonesia in 1988, after discovering it on a whimsical side trip while in Australia. I ended up spending the next six years living and working there, with annual visits back to the United States. In Bali I worked at Udyana University, with a small Non-Government Organization (NGO) on issues of sustainable development and tourism. In 1991 I moved to Yogyakarta, Java in order to pursue my painting, and to study with batik master Victor Sarjono in Indonesia’s batik center. On a visit back to the East Coast in 1993 I serendipitously met my husband and fell in love, and then moved permanently to Philadelphia in 1994.
In order to keep Indonesia present in my daily life, I have created a lifestyle that allows me to take frequent trips back to the country. These trips, my painting, the teaching and shows – all allow me to keep the spirit of Indonesia current and alive. Indonesia and I have a lifelong love affair, much like the very nature of batik, which is a building up of layers and layers of flowing wax and experiences, creating a beautiful dynamic work of art.
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