2 Day Indonesian Batik + Indigo | August 9 & 10, 2025

This is a 2 session in-person workshop.

DATES/TIMES

Saturday and Sunday,  August 9 & 10, 2025, 10am - 6pm

LEVEL

Open to beginners and those who have dyed before and are interested in learning more.

MATERIALS (provided but not included in fee - see note below)

ADDITIONAL FEE. All materials will be provided. Please bring $50 cash to be paid directly to the instructors the day of the workshop.

Please wear clothing that can get stained and bring a lap cloth to catch drips and a notebook or journal for reflections if desired. We also encourage bringing a drawing book and pencils (3B) in case you want to start to draw or prepare your personal symbol design.

DETAILS

Join the internationally recognized batik artist Nia Fliam, from the Brahma Tirta Sari Studio—one of the collaborative duo of Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam—for a rare two-day workshop exploring the wax resist technique of batik, in which participants will explore how batik is not only a technique, but an intangible creative process rooted in ancestral knowledge. 

In this immersive workshop, participants will engage with the philosophies, methods, and
technical practices of batik as it has been taught in residencies across Indonesia, Australia, Africa, and North America. While batik serves as the medium, this experience invites artists, cultural workers, educators, and creatives from all disciplines to reconnect with inner sensibility, creative embodiment, and ecological awareness through a culturally rooted process.

The class focuses on understanding both the creative part of batik, as well as technical skills. They bring with them the understanding and tools to help you find the balance between the inner self, nature and community, and using your body to allow the creativity to flow.

Day One Introduction to Batik and Technique
Learn the foundations of batik using wax-resist dyeing with natural dyes, exploring traditional motifs and design elements. This day introduces participants to the material, tools, and basic philosophy that guide this artistic tradition.

Day Two Intangible Knowledge and Creative Process
Dive deeper into the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of batik. Experience creative
practices that involve movement, inner reflection, and symbolic design—drawing from the
ancient Javanese worldview of Tribawana (the three realms of self, nature, and source of
creativity).

Students will explore various forms of batik through a series of projects. They’ll begin with two 14" pieces—one using dots, the other lines—in non-representational forms, each with two to three color layers. These exercises develop both technique and personal connection to batik. Next, students will create a 14" stamped piece, optionally incorporating hand batik. The final project is a 20" personal symbol using either hand batik, cap batik, or both. We’ll work with two natural dyes: indigo blue and bronze-brown ceriops.

Please bring/wear:
Comfortable shoes
Apron or clothes you don't mind getting dirty
Rubber Gloves
Sun Hat
Drawing pad + pencil for drafting design ideas

Notebook+ Pen for notes

About the Instructors

Nia Fliam
Co-founder of Brahma Tirta Sari and Babaran Segaragunung Culture House. Nia has been
working with batik since the 1980s and was trained in both fine arts and Javanese philosophical traditions.
Desmond Anabrang Fliam-Ismoyo
Raised within the world of batik, Desmond brings generational insight into the cultural
significance and evolving relevance of this creative heritage.

Ages: 18+
Skill Requirements: None
Taught by: Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam

The Finer Details...

Please visit our website for class & cancellation policies. There are NO refunds on classes. By signing up, you acknowledge that you are aware of and agree to our policies. Thank you.