Lazim Ismail, Batik Artist at Muzium Kraf

In the previous article, we mentioned bringing our son Ashraf to try batik canting. If you haven’t already, read Muzium Kraf Kuala Lumpur. We reasoned that dividing the article into two parts would give each a distinct voice.

Each article will address a single topic, with equal emphasis on what we want to explore. If the previous article discussed Muzium Kraf in general, this article will go into further depth on our experience at the batik canting kit workshop.

Also, in the first article, we somehow forgot to mention that Muzium Kraf is separated into these three main areas. The first area is Muzium Kraf or Craft Museum. The second area is Perkampungan Kraf or Craft Village. The third area is Perkampungan Pelukis or Artist Colony.

Perkampungan Kraf is an area within the museum that shows visitors different types of traditional arts and crafts of Malaysia, like batik, weaving, pottery, and wood carving. The area also serves as a platform for local artisans to display and sell their handmade products.

Perkampungan Pelukis is a gathering place for artists and artisans where they may create and exhibit their work. The space, which is also situated within the museum, seeks to foster creativity and encourage collaboration among the artistic community.

Having visited Muzium Kraf, my son, wife and I went to visit Perkampungan Kraf. And there we met Mr Lazim Ismail, a batik artist from Muar, Johor. Mr Lazim has been active in the industry since 1981. He received his education in batik specialisation from the National Craft Institute in Terengganu in 1984.

At Muzium Kraf, Mr Lazim Ismail conducts workshops and offers reasonably priced canting and colouring classes for batik textiles. These classes are customised to fit the specific needs of the visitors, taking into consideration factors such as size and material specifications. We brought Ashraf here and had him try one of Mr Lazim’s batik canting kits.

Batik Canting is an Indonesian method of making batik. The term canting refers to a small tool used to put melted wax on cloth. The cloth is then dyed with different colours to create designs. The wax stops the dye from seeping into the covered parts. A batik canting kit is simply a set of tools used for this batik technique.

For adults, batik kit might include a canting tool for applying melted wax, dyes for colouring, and fabric for making the batik. Our son was given all that but the canting tool. He was to use paintbrushes instead. A kit suitable for children. Earlier, we let Ashraf select the design himself and he selected one with a ship motif.

With the help of Mr Lazim himself, and, of course, an intervention or two from my wife, Ashraf was able to paint his batik. This was his first try at batik canting. My wife and I were really pleased with the outcome!

This batik workshop is a great opportunity for parents who want to help their kids develop their artistic skills. Your kids will have the chance to learn from a real expert and get interested in the art of batik. It’s a good starting point.

The workshop is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM at Muzium Kraf Kuala Lumpur. You may reach Mr Lazim Ismail via WhatsApp at +60126160897.

Mr Lazim also sells various sizes of batik-based artworks. Many of them are hung on the walls of his shop. I didn’t photograph these paintings. It just didn’t seem right to do so.

You are welcome to visit and see the artworks for yourself. They are stunning. I mean, really. When I walked inside the shop, those paintings were the first thing I saw.