UNS — Limitation is uniqueness is Muhammad Fauzan belief that helps him achieve a myriad of achievements. A student of Visual Communication Design (DKV), Faculty of Art and Design (FSRD) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta was elected as an excellent student with a disability at the national level 2021.
His interest in graphic arts from an early age brought him many achievements even since his Junior High School (SMP) level that proves his ability to create artworks exceeding his limitation. To uns.ac.id team, the 19 years old student shared his experience from participating in a competition for the sake of trying to his election as an excellent national student with disability 2021.
Imagination Through Artworks
Muhammad Fauzan interest in graphic artworks starts in his preschool days because it gives him peace of soul, and he feels comfortable and relaxed while doing it. Drawing also expands his imagination that through his works, millions of dreams in the power of thought are created. Young Fauzan decided that drawing was his passion and started to fully commit his time to the activity in the elementary school years (SD).
“I started to get serious in 5th grade,” he said.
Starting with crayon, the young preschool Fauzan now developed into artists with diverse skills at his disposal, water painting to digital painting were tried as a part of his self-development process. The skill developed from his enjoyment encourages young Fauzan to learn more about the style and techniques of drawing without pressure. Now Fauzan realizes that his activities have supported him in achieving his dream to work as an illustrator and animator. Now, the excellent national student has mastered diverse styles, from Japanese anime style to realist style.
Drawing Needs Research
Through his wins in many competitions, Fauzan developed his drawing styles because he often needed to adjust his drawing with the theme of the competition, including the fall theme in the recent Fanart competition he participated in. The demands for diverse styles never drain his source of inspiration. As an artist, Fauzan conducted research before starting working on his creation. The research deepens his results that deliver his messages and help Fauzan in embedding small details that make his work unique. Research also plays a role in identifying the jury’s tastes in the competition he participated in.
“Before participating, I search about the competition to see what is the expected drawing. I also look into jury’s works to understand what the jury wants,” Fauzan added.
Research also increases his confidence in sending his works. He also conducted research as a basis for his work that won a silver medal in the Siapfest competition for university student class through his ‘Pusaka Elok’ work. He explained that Siapfest is different from fanart because it focuses on Indonesian cultures. “The theme is ‘identity. So, more in showing the characteristics of the local area. I drew denok kenong dance from Semarang, gamelan, and unique sites that combined together,” he explained.
As an addition to his work, Fauzan also selected appropriate and connected titles for his work. Pusaka Elok Tak Sirna means that Indonesian culture will not disappear amid the increasingly modern civilization.
National Excellent Student with Disability 2021
Through his multiple achievements since elementary school, Muhammad Fauzan succeeded in getting elected as the National Excellent Student with Disability 2021 in his 19 years of age. Fauzan has received awards for more than ten works he worked on. His achievement as an excellent student at the national level proves that disabilities do not limit someone in creating.
His limitation in hearing that he got since his birth does not stop him from exploring his potential in the art world. His ability in drawing encouraged him to submit his work to the first competition at SMP and win the third position. This stepping stone made him more spirited to work on his skills and participate in many other competitions to come. Until one day, he learned about an award from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora RI) for young people with disabilities who have great achievements from his friend. To participate in the competition held to commemorate Sumpah Pemuda Day, Fauzan sent his CV with a list of his achievement to the Ministry.
After waiting for the assessment process, Fauzan received an invitation to Jakarta to receive his well-deserving award. In a ceremony witnessed by millions of people, Muhammad Fauzan was elected as National Excellent Student with Disability 2021.
Greatest Motivation
Although developing interest and pursuing his graphic career independently, but Fauzan realized that his parents, who never prevented him from drawing plays a significant role in his development. Their full support also motivates young Fauzan to continue creating and participate in numerous competitions to gain new experiences. “My motivation is my parents never prohibit me, (they) support me; there is no prohibition against working. Thus, winning an award is also my motivation to work more,” Fauzan said.
His parents’ support also shapes Fauzan into believing that his disability is not a weakness but a uniqueness, which builds his self-confidence better. He also learned from his idol, Surya Sahetapy, who share similar limits to him. He realized that his limit should not break his spirits to continue working and inspire his friends. A limitation should not stop one’s full potential since a person has rich potential. As perfect beings, human should maximize their potential to benefit themselves and others.
“Do not think that disability is your challenge; make it your uniqueness. If your find something interesting that makes you love it, do it and reach your passion. Don’t listen to the negative things around you,” Muhammad Fauzan concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Alinda Hardiantoro
Editor: Dwi Hastuti