SOLO, jatengnetwork.com – The inspirational story of Fairus Baasyir, painting with unlimited creativity from used household items.

Fairus Baasyir's face was beaming when her booth was visited by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Hotel Alila Solo, Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024.

Iriana Jokowi and Selvi Ananda, the wife of Gibran Rakabuming Raka, took time to stop by Fairus Baasyir's booth named Fairus Art. Unexpectedly, the First Lady bought up the displayed items from Fairus.

Iriana Jokowi bought blek (a container for crackers), cething (a type of rice basket), accompanied by Selvi Ananda.

“I am so happy that Mrs. Iriana bought my creations. This is one of the forms of support from the First Lady for MSMEs like mine,” explained Fairus when met by jatengnetwork during the opening of the 44th anniversary of Dekranas at Hotel Alila Solo, Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The presence of creative industry players like Fairus Baasyir became a major attraction during the 44th anniversary of the National Craft Council or Dekranas, held in Solo City.

So, who is Fairus Baasyir, the owner of Fairus Art whose creative items were bought by First Lady Iriana Jokowi? Here is the inspirational story of Fairus Baasyir.

In the art world, we are used to seeing paintings created on canvas or paper. However, in Solo, an artist named Fairus Baasyir is breaking the boundaries by painting on unusual media.

Yes, Fairus paints on used household items. Her unique and meaningful works have attracted attention even internationally.

Fairus Baasyir works from her simple home in the Pasarkliwon area of Solo, and now in Mojolaban, Sukoharjo. There, she transforms various used household items such as frying pans, used oil barrels, and teapots into colorful canvases.

The process begins by smoothing the used items with sandpaper, assisted by her husband. Then, Fairus coats them with a base coat of paint according to her wishes.

On these prepared surfaces, she pours her creativity with oil paints, without the need for examples or patterns.

Painting with Imagination and Messages

The majority of Fairus' painting motifs are flower shapes, reflecting beauty and elegance. Her works stem from her concern for the many used household items that are still good but are simply discarded.

“I started with simple shapes and motifs, and it turns out that my works received much appreciation. Now, I pursue this painting art with full enthusiasm,” she explained.

She shared that finding the right used items to paint on became one of her biggest challenges. However, through her perseverance, she managed to find hidden gems among piles of used goods.

Now, Fairus' works have reached various regions, even abroad. She has sold her works to South Korea and Japan, with prices ranging from Rp50,000 to Rp250,000 each.

Fairus Baasyir's work at the event purchased by the guests at Dekranas held at Hotel Alila Solo, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (jatengnetwork/Budi Cahyono)

“I have developed this business over the last three years. Initially, I marketed my products through the Triwindu Antique Market. But now, I use social media to reach a wider market,” she explained.

Fairus Baasyir's story is proof that creativity and determination can transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.

She inspires creative industry players to see the hidden potential around us and use it to create beautiful and meaningful works. (*)