Acrylic on Canvas Peace-Themed Surreal Painting from Java 'World Peace Shaking Hands' Item ID: 2669889156

"I was born in Central Java in 1996. My father and mother are painters and most of my family are artists. My aunts and uncles are sculptors and engravers, and my grandmother was a singer in traditional theater.

"My parents and grandfather accompanied me to study painting when I was in elementary school. In 2014, I went to college and chose an art school where I majored in fine arts.

"My paintings are mostly of trees and with themes of the environment. I feel something shining in my mind when I draw a tree because, for me, the tree is the source of life in this world.

"My work is inspired by Pak Widayat, one of the most famous contemporary painters in Indonesia. He is called one of the most influential Javanese painters of the 20th century. The difference is that I like to use bright colors, while Pak Widayat tends to browns and blacks. I really idolized him.

"My goal as a painter is to help educate people to appreciate art. I also hope my paintings can make people aware about the importance of trees and the environment.

"I am now a member of the painter community, so I have many friends to exchange ideas with and can further develop ideas for my work. In my life as a young man, I faced many problems. But there is always something good in bad times — let's make them a great lesson for us to continue in life.

"I love to watch comedy shows. I cannot stop laughing when I watch them.

"Your life can be like a tree — useful for the environment. You can be useful for others; it is your choice."