[Dodit Artawan](https://www.cohart.com/u/dodit), a Bali-based artist, draws inspiration from daily life and his local environment to explore social and environmental issues. Known for his vibrant, rhythmic line drawings, he uses acrylic paint markers to create intricate patterns of dots and lines. Each stroke reveals a focus on the relationship between individual elements and the painting as a whole, inviting viewers to feel the hand behind the work. His art challenges traditional forms while offering a unique, tactile experience that captures the energy of his surroundings.

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##### What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you start your journey?

I discovered my passion for art in junior high school, and by the time I moved on to the Senior High School of Art, I knew that pursuing a career in art was the path I wanted to take. In 1997, I enrolled in the Indonesian Art Institute in Denpasar, Bali before starting my art career as part of the Taxu Art Clinic Group in 2001. They are a Balinese contemporary art collective who stirred the local art scene by incorporating traditional Balinese elements in unconventional ways, effectively challenging traditional Balinese identity and values in art.

My inspiration comes from self expression, feeling free to do what I like, whatever I want. I feel both calm and aggressive at the same time. But art gives me a purpose, it makes me feel like I live for something. 

##### What is your favorite medium to work with, and why does it resonate with you?

I have used many mediums to paint, such as oil, acrylic, watercolor and spray paint. But nowadays a paint marker is my favorite medium, it is more fun. In the past two decades, I’d been mixing colors with a brush, and often taking a long time to finish any painting to the point that I felt so numb. Using paint markers makes me more excited to paint, and it feels happy and joyful.

##### What role does research play in your artistic process? Do you have a specific method for gathering inspiration?

Every artist has their own creative process and ways to find their muse. For me, I found my muse in everyday life. I just ride my bicycle around my neighborhood or ride my scooter around the city. I like seeing products displayed in shops on the sidewalk with bright colors, food stalls, retail shops, mini marts, street food, repair shops, souvenirs, and many others. I enjoy the composition of how the products are displayed: on the floor, on the wall, in the glass shelves, stacked up so high, or hanging on the ceiling. I am fascinated watching people overload their stuff on motorcycles or pickup trucks in traffic jams. In my work, I use domestic and daily life objects as subject matters, in order to express and communicate the social and environmental issues that are present around me. My neighborhood is truly my source of inspiration.

##### How has your artistic vision evolved over time, and where do you see it heading in the future?

The art world is moving and changing rapidly. I try to stay up to date and relevant, keeping aware of what is happening, following some art resources from online news, social media, art fairs, biennial, and auctions. I read my art books collection and attended art exhibitions, to further develop my art vision. I really appreciate artists who can embrace and represent the spirit of their era, and I hope my artworks will draw value from this period of time. Even when my artworks have surpassed many generations, I just want to be a little piece of history.

##### How do you stay motivated and inspired during creative blocks or challenging times?

I take a break and enjoy myself. I spend lots of time in the studio, gardening, playing with my dogs and watching them run around. For creativity it’s important to step back from life, as it creates a thinking space and allows you to mindfully consider the next steps. Laziness can play a role in creativity, and I’m a lazy person.

##### How do you balance the commercial aspects of being an artist with your creative vision?

I don't think about commercial aspects while I'm working, I paint what I want, whenever I like. I don't have the basics in art marketing and management, and I don't know how to run a business. That's why I need to work together with galleries to promote and sell my paintings and digital platforms like Cohart.

##### Does technology play a role in your art-making process?

In the past, I used a projector to transfer images from my laptop to canvas, just for the sketching process with my old photorealist painting style. I took a lot of high resolution photos first, then edited the images in Photoshop before projecting onto the canvas. In photorealism, the technology of photography, software and digital imaging is not just a tool but also a concept. However, in my current series, I just use my phone to take photos and search random images on the internet. I don’t need too much detail from the photos as my resource now, but instead, I improved my imagination.

##### How do you approach the concept of success or failure in your art practice?

Failure in the practice of making art is part of my creative process. I experiment more until I achieve the visual language that I want, and it is able to represent my character. 

##### What advice would you give to emerging artists or other artist peers trying to find their voice in the art world?

As an artist it's important to have a strong character and self branding, but that is not good enough. It’s even better to start networking and develop collaborations or partnerships to support and promote your art career. Because of the exclusivity and elitism in the art world, you should have good networking and social circles. But for many artists it’s almost impossible to gain access. Artists without privileges are faced with an unjust and steep battle for recognition. So prepare for the battle.

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Bali artist Dodit creates vibrant line drawings inspired by daily life, addressing social and environmental issues through intricate patterns.

Spotlight: Dodit Artawan's Vibrant Depictions of Daily Life

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