Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clarissa Kumala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Clarissa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve always had an interest in arts and crafts since I was a kid, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until Year 10, IGCSE Art; that was my first time having an art course and an art teacher, Miss Sandra, who really encouraged me to explore as many media as possible. Although my work mostly uses acrylic paint, I’ve delved into watercolor, gouache, calligraphy, oil paint, Chinese ink painting, ceramics, printing, animation, embroidery, digital art, photography, 3D installation art–the list goes on. I think it’s so fascinating that the skills I’ve learned from each of these mediums interlink. My skills in different media have really pushed my creativity and enabled me to create work which mixes analog and digital techniques.

I think the biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my learning journey is just thinking something is “too difficult” or that it’s just “not for me”. I’ll see a video of someone making this gigantic mural and I’ll think, “oh wow, that’s so cool; I could never do that”, but then I’ll ask, “wait, why not?” A skill I think is so important is just having the courage to go and do something, to not limit yourself. It sounds a bit cliche, but it’s true. Even if you don’t necessarily like a particular material, industry, or project, there’s no harm in trying to figure it out. Don’t count yourself out so early into your journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Clarissa, also known as Clariiku. I’m an artist from Indonesia but am currently residing in London for my university studies. My work so far specialises in abstract art and surrealism and has been displayed in exhibitions in Indonesia and internationally. I frequently take inspiration from my everyday life as a student, interactions with friends and family, as well as current issues discussed on social media.

I don’t necessarily like to call myself a painter simply because that’s not all I do! Throughout my creative journey, I’ve played with clay and sculpture, animation, digital art, photography, and so much more. The sky’s the limit, right?

I think art should be something that everyone can access. Yes, it seems obvious, but there’s always this connotation of art galleries and museums tending to be “high-end” or just for a certain class of people. I aim to illustrate my youthful, even naive observations of character and life through vibrant colours, producing fine art that is meaningful for all ages and backgrounds. Through my lively and energetic artworks, I hope I can convey the relatable experiences I’ve had while growing up and show that anything can be art, and that anyone can make anything.

A compilation of my work can be found on social media platforms, such as Instagram, @clariiku, and the site, https://linktr.ee/clariiku.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

During the first art exhibition I was a part of, I caught two girls reading the artist statements of my pieces. One of them began to cry, and the other said “Oh my gosh, that’s so you” and then they laughed about it.

That moment changed my life. I didn’t know my words and my paintings could do that. The most meaningful part of creating art, to me, is not the final artwork itself. It’s when people come up to me and say “it reminds me of that time when…”, “this is exactly what I’m going through”, or “it’s the same for my family too!”

Do you know the phrase “no one has had a single original experience”? I know that phrase carries the connotation of our lives being dull and all the same, but that’s kind of encouraging, isn’t it? The notion that someone, somewhere, at some time has experienced the feeling that you’re going through right now. And if my art can help someone realize that, that’s incredible.

One time, the underclassmen at my high school asked for help for their mural after I had graduated. They said they incorporated the colors, the stars, and other elements from my pieces into their mural. I was a reference artist! I know it’s a given that when you publish your work, other people will see it, but taking inspiration from it? Like when I look at an artist on Instagram or an art textbook and suddenly I get this moment of “Wait, that’s so cool!” ? You’re saying I did that for you? I was so bewildered when they told me about this, and I find it so insane that my ideas can lead other people to more creative and amazing ideas.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I thought that being a kind, respectful artist meant underplaying yourself. It’s led me to say things like “Oh, it’s not that good” whenever I showed a piece of work and “I don’t know much about that” when someone brought up a topic I know extremely well and in fact better than them.
So, whenever I get an opportunity, I tell myself to tell people that I don’t deserve it. In reality, I know I deserve every opportunity that I receive, no matter how many voices tell me that I don’t. And, honestly, if someone is foolish enough to give you an opportunity you don’t deserve, then through effort and work, you will make yourself deserve it.

I think I come from a culture where saying what you want is looked down upon. Saving face and being polite is the priority. Yes, that’s important, but at some point, you cross the line of being nice and end up underestimating yourself and limiting your future. Being humble isn’t the same as diminishing your efforts.

You see, I say this and then I still struggle with this problem. This journey of confidence and believing in yourself is so not linear. People tend to forget that during their advice TikToks and self-help speeches.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/clariiku
• Instagram: clariiku
• Other: TikTok: clariiku