Behind the scenes

Batik Books Statement

Wearing 'Stille Kracht' shirt by Verloren Woorden & Batik Tulis by Ibu Ramini, Jeruk

Time for a little update from behind the scenes. I'm writing a lot actually, but not for this blog. I'm writing for two other pages and I hope I can share more about it soon...! I made this Batik Statement inspired by last few weeks. I love diving in my books and I had to show off my new shirt I got from Koen: A 'Stille Kracht' shirt! How cool! Spotted a lady in this shirt during an event at the Rijksmuseum. I saw her outside waiting for the tram and complimented her on her so-cool-shirt. She said: "I found it online". We had such a nice talk in the tram about educating yourself on history, especially on colonial history. 

Next to writing and reading, I visited a ton of great events and exhibitions already. It is Leiden Asia Year, ModeMuze is organising great talks and the whole Museum World decided to focus on colonial history this year; Rijksmuseum, Nationaal Archief, Museum voor Volkenkunde, Fries Museum, Maritiem Museum Rotterdam and more coming. So every opportunity I have, I try to go to openings, events, lectures, talks and exhibitions. I learned so much in short time about our colonial history already and I'm very thankful this information is now (partly) available for the public!

Marco photographing one of the Batiks

Yesterday we documented 30 Batiks. Hope to make a publication later this year. First a thank you to @moaske73 & @koendewit, Thank you❣ ・・・ #repost Batiks fotograferen met @sabinebolk #batik #batikstagram #batiktulis #journeytobatik #dereisnaarbatik #takingpictures #batikJeruk #iburamini

A post shared by Sabine Bolk (@sabinebolk) on Feb 19, 2017 at 2:46am PST

I'm working on my 'journey to Batik'. Last year when I returned from Java I had to focus on my friends and family. Now I'm getting back on track getting everything I made into shape. The shape of a book and film(s). 

Marco Maas, a friend photographer, helped me to get 30 Batiks documented for the book. During this year I hope to finish my book about the Batiks I gathered during my two journey on Java, about the makers including articles by other Batik lovers. 

Sooking the Batiks before dyeing 💙Part of my 'journey to Batik' filmed documentation 💙 #journeytobatik #boomerang #dereisnaarbatik #film #batik #batikJeruk #batiktulis #iburamini #dyeing #textile #pattern #blue

A post shared by Sabine Bolk (@sabinebolk) on Feb 21, 2017 at 12:13am PST

Still from 'The journey to Batik'

During my last journey I filmed. I'm editing the first film with a leading role for Tari Batik, the Batik Dance, capturing how creativity comes to life through the hands of Batik makers.

Hope to find a nice spot to screen the film! And if you are interested in the film or know a good location to screen, please let me know!

This Friday 21 of April my blog is 8 years old, so lets celebrate! It is also Kartini day and Batik Friday, so share those 'Batik Statements' online with me! Use #BatikStatement and /or #8yearsTJTB. Thanks!