Sepiring Indonesia - Celebrating Indonesia's Diversity Through Design
I first sighted Sepiring Indonesia’s beautiful plates when I visited Dia-Lo-Gue Artspace in Kemang (one of my local favourites). To access the cafe, you walk through the gift shop which stocks items from across the archipelago. The plates of interest were on display and their beautiful colours captured my attention. Casting my eye across all six plates, I soon realised that each celebrated the traditions of different parts of the archipelago.
As it happened, I was about to return to Australia for a friends’ special birthday, so I grabbed one of the plates (Bugis Makanja) as her gift. Upon unwrapping the plate, my friends’ delight was clearly evident as was the approval of our mutual friends. Comments like, ‘You know what to buy me for my birthday!’ reinforced what I already knew; that Sepiring Indonesia’s wares are a gift to be cherished.
Bugis Makanja plate, with artwork depicting the traditional fan dance of South Sulawesi
Liz' initial exposure to Sepiring's beautiful designs came courtesy of her husband. Liz explains, "My husband gave me a very special Sepiring Indonesia plate back in 2012, when he was commuting from Sydney to Jakarta for work. He chose the bright, fun Tatau Dayak design, which depicts the Dayak tribe from Kalimantan, as well as indigenous flora and fauna from the area. Later that year, our family of four all moved to Jakarta; and my plate travelled with us and symbolised the adventure upon which we were about to embark. I love my plate. The use of colour and cheerful illustrations never fail to make me smile".
Liz' special 'Tatau Dayak' plate, which was given to her by her husband
So as you can see, Sepiring Indonesia (which translates as ‘Plates of Indonesia’), was on our collective radar from very early on. And in true ‘a journey bespoke’ style, Liz and I made it our mission to discover and meet the creative forces behind such beautiful designs. This is the story of Eridanie Zulviana and Åsa Gilland-Soeprapto.
*Kenalkan Eridanie Zulviana and Åsa Gilland-Soeprapto of Sepiring Indonesia
Eridanie, did you grow up in Jakarta?
Yes, I was born in Jakarta and have connections right across Jakarta as many of my family members are scattered all over the city. My family is originally from South Sulawesi (of the Bugis ethnic group). My Father was a Sea Captain and was born in Sungai Gerong, South Sumatera.
Åsa, we understand you are originally from Sweden. What brought you to Jakarta? How long have you been living here?
Yes, I was born in Sweden but I’ve been in Indonesia for 20 years. I met my Indonesian husband in London and eventually followed him to Indonesia.
How did you both meet?
Both: In the late 1990’s we worked together for an Indonesian company as graphic designers. We hit it off immediately and became very good friends.
What did you each want to be when you were a child? Were you creative children?
Eridanie: I really wanted to be a fashion designer. I always sketched women dancing. As there wasn’t a local fashion design school for me to attend when I finished school, I changed my plans to become a graphic designer. My nieces and nephews, as well as my brother and I all love to paint.
Åsa: I always wanted to be an artist. My Grandmother, Marta, was an artist and she allowed me to use her studio and tools. Marta was very patient and encouraged me to become an artist. My Father was a cartographer. I have fond memories of following my Father during the school holidays as he worked. I would sit in the back seat of the car, sketching.
Can you share with us the story of Sepiring Indonesia?
Eridanie: In 2012 I was no longer working for the company where I met Åsa and had started to explore my deep interest in the Indonesian culture. Using my graphic design skills, I started to develop my own patterns. That year I won the Jakarta Souvenir Design Award for my design ‘Joged Jakarta’.
Eridanie's award winning design, 'Joged Jakarta' (Image by Sepiring Indonesia)
The idea of creating a set of plates was born and with this in mind, I looked to my friends for support. Of course Åsa’s name was on the top of my list. It was decided that 6 plates were needed (enough for a table setting), and each would provide a topic of conversation. The designs are deliberatively miss-matching; mirroring Indonesia’s diversity and lack of uniformity. The series of plates is collectively known as ‘Indonesia on a plate’.
Sepiring Indonesia patterns, illustrations and surface designs are uniquely ‘Indonesian’ and uniquely ‘local’, which we love! As visitors to this beautiful country we appreciate the cultural and historical elements to your designs.
Where does your inspiration come from for your designs?
Both: Our designs are a celebration of the wonderfully multi-faceted culture of Indonesia. Each design highlights the beauty in the simple things in life across the archipelago.Our original six plates represent six different parts of Indonesia. The series was launched in June 2013 in Alun-Alun, Grand Indonesia Mall.
Image by Sepiring Indonesia
The plate patterns (from left to right):
Joged Jakarta (Dancing Jakarta) - Jakata
Jawa Semanak (Friendly and Warm Jawa) - Central Java
Bugis Makanja (Dazzling Bugis) - Bugis Sulawesi
Legong Bali (Dynamic and Rhythmic Bali) - Bali
Rancak Minang (Gorgeous Minang) - Padang Sumatera
Tatau Dayak (Prosperous Dayak) - Kalimantan
Where does Sepiring Indonesia source its colour inspiration?
Eridanie: We never limit ourselves with a fixed colour scheme. Åsa’s palate tends to consist of more elegant European colours. Åsa has sought inspiration from her own Mother’s interior colour choices (Swedish blue and pink), whereas I select colours more to do with vibrancy and energy. Sometimes we swap our designs and have the other person pick new colours as there is a danger of getting stuck with your own colour scheme. This has worked well in the past.
Congklat Bag (Image by Sepiring Indonesia)
Bali Bag (Image by Sepiring Indonesia)
What role do each of you have in the business?
Eridanie: I’m involved with production, marketing as well as illustrator and surface designer. My daughter is responsible for our Sepiring Instagram and website design.
Åsa: I’m also an illustrator and surface designer for our brand. Sharing ideas with Eridanie enriches our relationship and enhances our product too.
Our friend, Jasmine is also responsible for marketing.
Three of your favourite Sepiring pieces?
Eridanie: Yapong Dancer, Musim Mangga (‘Mango season’ by Åsa) and Joged Jakarta (‘Jakarta’s Dance’)
Eridanie's favourite designs
One of Eridanie's favourite designs is the 'Yapong Dancer'. The Yapong Dance is a traditional Betawi folk dance, generally performed by women
Åsa: Teatime (inspired by Eridanie’s Grandmother, Gusti Aminah), Jawa Semanak plate (as my Husband’s family is from Central Java) and Tatau Dayak design (from Kalimantan).
Jawa Semanak - a pattern that gains its inspiration from Java's exotic scents & spices as well as coffee and the tradition of batik tulis
New projects or products you are working on at the moment
Both: We are currently working on our ‘Batavia 1920’s’ range which will include cards, agendas and slingback notebooks.
The new Batavia 1920's Collection (image by Sepiring Indonesia)
We also have a Wayang range which will be released in time for the 2015 Festive Season.
The term 'wayung' refers to a type of theatre, most commonly puppet theatre. The term can also be used to represent the puppet being used (Image by Sepiring Indonesia)
The ancient Indonesian art of shadow puppetry is known as 'Wayang Kulit'. This is a method of Javanese theatre that is used for story telling (Image by Sepiring Indonesia)
Resources that you turn to regularly for creative inspiration
Both: Definitely old photographs of Indonesia, especially those from the Leiden University online photo library (The Leiden University is the Netherlands’ oldest University).
Who is the Sepiring Indonesia shopper?
Both: With a more accessible price point, the Sepiring Indonesia product is available to many. We initially thought that we would appeal to the expat community only, but in fact, we have a strong following across all ages, and with people who simply love art.
Hanging out with the delightfully creative ladies behind the label, Sepiring Indonesia
Three words to describe your Jakarta
Eridanie: Colourful, unexpected, hectic
Åsa: Friendly, small town (in a big format), vibrant ‘
If I was a colour..’
Eridanie: Lime green
Åsa: Scandinavian blue (greyish-blue) ‘
People will be surprised to know..
Eridanie: I enjoy E Channel, Fashion Police and The Kardashians
Åsa: My worst profession was being on a game show as the girl who turned the cards. I had to wear a pink ballerina costume with big, orange hair. ‘
If I was not a designer I would be..’
Eridanie: A television host, anchorwoman or a doctor as I like to help people.
Åsa: I would be a coffee roaster and have my own coffee store.
Your biggest accomplishment so far..
Eridanie: Definitely Sepiring Indonesia. It has certainly achieved beyond my expectations. I worked for others for many years and now I love that I can do something that we are passionate about.
Åsa: Overcoming self doubt that every creative person has. Exposing what you love out there is very scary as you don’t know how people will accept it.
What makes you laugh?
Eridanie: A lot of things! Usually people - Indonesians in general are the biggest comedians. I also believe that you need to laugh at your problems.
Åsa: People!
What makes you cry?
Eridanie: Anything bad that happens to children
Åsa: The news lately is very sad. I feel emotionally affected by what’s going on
Books you are reading at the moment
Eridanie: a biography called ‘Ayah Ku’, which is the story of Hamka; a scholar, poet, humanist, politician and community leader in Indonesia.
Åsa: A Swedish book, ‘In a Crocodile’s Land’ (Krokodilernas land ) by Klas Kundström. It’s about the recent history of East Timor. (http://klaslundstrom.com/HOME/english/east-timor.html)
Music you are listening to
Eridanie: I have a broad taste in music including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Katie Perry, just to name a few.
Åsa: I’m currently listening to my 13 year old son’s playlist (which I stole from him!)
Magazines you are reading
Eridanie: I love to read fashion magazines eg: Bazaar as well as various interior magazines eg: Home Living.
Åsa: I very rarely read magazines. I’m addicted to Instagram for my visual inspiration.
A selection of Åsa's favourite patterns
Any tips for new expats wishing to decorate their homes in Jakarta?
Eridanie: If you want to make your interior, choose your plants first then build around that.
Åsa: Visit small pop-up art markets and don’t buy the first thing you see.
Favourite place to eat in Jakarta?
Eridanie: I love to eat at local restaurants. One of my favourites is Bebek Selamat.
Åsa: I love martabak. My favourite place to go for this Indonesian treat is Martabak Bandung Raya in Jl Fatmawati. It’s open 24 hours a day and they make my favourite martabak with chocolate and nuts.They also do a good one with Toblerone.
Tea or Coffee? And where?
Eridanie: Coffeeee!!!! In the morning, I like my Nespresso Classic with condensed milk which I prepare at home. If I’m heading out for coffee I like to go to Coffee Bean or Starbucks.
Åsa: Definitely coffee. I wake up early and start my coffee ceremony. I grind my beans (Indonesian beans from Papua), brew my coffee, light my incense and set the mood for a day of work. This part of my day can take a couple of hours! If I’m heading out for coffee I like to go to Crematology (I also recommend their delicious cinnamon buns).
Favourite interiors shop in Jakarta
Eridanie: Just head to the Kemang area - there's plenty to find!
Åsa: 2madison
Where do you go to relax in this busy city?
Eridanie: After a busy week, I just love to chill at home
Åsa: I’m the same. I love to relax at home
Where can people living in Jakarta purchase Sepiring Indonesia products?
Both: Alun Alun Grand Indonesia Mall, Chic Mart, Hadiprana, Kemchicks (Pacific Place), Metro Department store (Pondok Indah Mall), Dia- Lo-Gue and online.
Instagram: Sepiring Indonesia
Facebook: Sepiring Indonesia
Twitter: Sepiring Indonesia
Email: sepiringindonesiaonline@gmail.com
Words: Jo Stevens and Liz McClean Photography: Sepiring Indonesia and a journey bespoke