SOFT-spoken, genuine, dedicated and crafty, at 52 years of age, Helmi Chik has dedicated over three decades of his life to the intricate world of painting and drawing, with a particular focus on the traditional art of batik.
His journey into this vibrant art form began at the tender age of 17 in Kelantan, inspired by his brother, who is also a painter.
Helmi’s initial foray was not driven by a passion for art but by a sense of desperation and uncertainty following his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
Unbeknownst to him, Kelantan was a hub of artistic activity, a revelation that profoundly influenced his path.
Among over 100 Malaysian students, Helmi, the youngest at 17, immersed himself in the rich traditions and techniques of batik.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
His career has seen significant evolution and adaptation. In the past, the craftsmanship of batik was widely practised across Malaysia, from Kelantan to Malacca, with numerous local shops and artisans.
However, the centralisation of these skills in places like the Institut Kemahiran Malaysia (IKN) in Rawang marked a shift.
Despite this, Helmi remained steadfast in his practice, continuing to innovate within the traditional framework in Sarawak.
A key innovation in Helmi’s work is the introduction of “Linut,” an alternative batik technique utilising resin to contain colours.
Derived from the sago palm, sago linut is a starchy treat that perfectly complements the bold flavours of ‘Ayam Pansuh.’
The process of making sago linut involves extracting starch from the sago palm and transforming it into a delicate, chewy texture. This creates a harmonious pairing with the savoury chicken dish, enhancing its overall taste and appeal.
In this case it was used in the creation of batik.
“This method, developed over 27 years, represents a blend of tradition and modernity, offering more precise and versatile applications.
“Unlike traditional batik, which often involves labour-intensive processes like block printing and screen printing, linut simplifies these tasks, allowing for quicker and more consistent results,” he said.
He said that research and development on linut as an alternative has yielded promising results, reducing processing time and offering a more cost-effective option.
The Challenges and Triumphs
Throughout his career, Helmi faced numerous challenges, from sourcing materials to overcoming financial constraints but his dedication to batik never wavered.
He revealed that his earnings have suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to fewer official events being organised.
“Typically, I receive commissions for batik shirts and batik kurung from corporate clients for official gatherings, especially those involving ministers. Since Covid-19, my income has decreased. I don’t blame anyone, as everyone is going through a tough time,” he said.
“I also recall winning the prestigious Seri Endon Batik competition, a significant milestone that affirmed my skills and passion. This victory not only brought recognition but also opportunities to teach and share my knowledge with a broader audience,” he said enthusiastically.
Another of his proudest moments was creating a shirt for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I also made a shirt for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin previously for the Malaysia Day celebration in Miri in 2019,” he said.
Helmi’s commitment to education extends beyond competitions.
He actively teaches and mentors young artists, emphasising the importance of understanding the fundamentals of batik, from painting and sculpting to block and screen printing.
His approach is comprehensive, ensuring that his students grasp both the technical and theoretical aspects of the craft.
Before the pandemic, Helmi secured an order for 200 pieces of batik fabric for the 2016 Malaysia Games (Sukma), and for Malaysia Day in Miri in 2019, he completed 100 pieces of batik.
“Apart from being a source of income, I take great pleasure in seeing my batik designs worn by dignitaries,” he added.
Preserving a Cultural Heritage
As Helmi reflects on his career, his hopes for the future are clear. He envisions a continued legacy of batik, driven by the next generation of artists.
His emphasis on networking and collaboration highlights his belief in the collective growth of the art community.
“It is my wish that the craft of batik making can be preserved and passed down to future generations, as there are less youth picking up the art and it would be a shame if it was forgotten.
“My hope is that the rich heritage of batik will continue to thrive, inspiring future generations to carry on this beautiful tradition,” he said.
Occasionally, Helmi will conduct classes at the Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia Cawangan Sarawak in Petra Jaya and encourages the public to attend and learn the craft.
Those interested may contact him at 01110066184.
