Balung is a vector artist. He is one of the best photo-tracer in Indonesia. But he keep himself humble by saying 'I am still learning', to the people who admire his work. And if you understand Javanese language, you'll find him as a very humorous person. Let's check the interview.






_{Indonesia Featured Artist [#02]: ~balung}

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Hello, how are you today Balung?
I'm not so fine. I have to visit a doctor yesterday and diagnosed that I got Typhus. And I still have to face some exam in theese weeks. So many paper work to be done. But, at least I'm still breathing. For your information, I still studying at Airlangga University Surabaya, in a struggle to achieved a pharmacist title.

In Javanese language, 'balung' means bone or skeleton. Why you use that name?
It was the way my friends called me. I'm skinny.

As an artist, why you choose vector as your way of life?
Because vector is not just combined some photos, cropped them, adjust the colour, adding brush... and the biggest reason is: I love vector

If we track your artwork from the first one, we can see that your skill has greatly improved.
Well, in Javanese terms, I do ngelakoni, poso mutih lan topo broto (focus, purification, and meditation). Also learning from another artist, evaluate and having a big heart to received any critics.





How you decide, "I should trace this photo!" ?
Hmmm... dunno, I just follow my heart.

There's so many vector artist nowadays, what is your own recipe to keep your artwork different from the other?
First I have to say that I'm not a vector artist, I'm a vector worker. I think that is what make the difference. And I'm not afraid to try something new on my artwork.

Sometimes you make vector from hijab woman, but sometimes you also make an artwork about woman in sensual pose. One thing for sure, they all lovely, but that is just puzzled us. Do you have any intention about that?
Because I'm a man, and a man should love women. I think that answer is clear enough.

What is the biggest challenge for a photo-tracer like you to make an artwork?
When the object had so many details, and the source image was not clear enough. For example, it came from a cell phone camera.





Some people say, that photo-tracer artist is not really creating art. It just convert from photo to vector.
That comment come from the disability to trace a photo.

From your artwork, which one that you're really satisfied with your effort?
I love all of my artwork. Because I think every works had some sentimental stuff inside.

Lastly, is there something you want to say to another Indonesian vector artist?
In Vector We Trust. And don't steal other artist's work.


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_{Artist Bio's
Full Name : Balung Gundul
Favourite Foods : Grilled duck with hot chilli sauce
Prefer Time to do an Artwork : Night
Accept Commissions : Yes
Weird Things : I never washed my motorbike since the first day arrival at Surabaya.}

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_{This interview also can be read in here.
Interviewer : *lahandi}