- Oleh Muid Latif
Bermain tanglong di Sungai Ara,
Syahdunya 'Bulan' bersinar mekar,
Bijak 'Mata' kini belayar di maya lara,
kerna disitu cendekiawan bergerak lebar.
Dahulunya warna dijahit harmoni,
kini dikoyak iri hati sesama diri,
Dahulunya satu arah kini kian bercabang,
sudah mula retak bebas 'melarang'.
Muhibah runtuh 'suara' pudar,
kerna korupsi satu malaya menyerah,
Ceritera cinta uniti kini kabur,
hakikatnya bimbingan luntur menjadi parah.
4:00 a.m.
_
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Interview Session: The Wonder Wall
What’s New With You?
I’m working on an upcoming exhibition and also will be doing a 4 minute freestyle performance on the 2nd March 2008. Other than that, I’m assisting the company I’m working with in the Brand and Communication to enrich creative campaigns for World Congress Information Technology (WCIT 2008) and International Advisory Panel (IAP2008) alongside with great agencies and partners. Meantime, I’m polishing my photography skills and planning a trip to Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta to celebrate my birthday with my sister, Abby, our dear friends like Atilia, Oya, Halimi, Fizar, Jerry and my partner. I might be bumping into my Indonesian friends from the design field and keeping my hope cross to meet some great producers and notable international singers over there like Andi Rianto, Harvey Malaihollo, Glenn, Incognito, James Ingram and Kenneth Edmonds (Babyface). It’s going to be a worth birthday gift ;)
'Hope', a new artwork by Muid Latif for the Get Moooving Movable Art Exhibition, 2nd March 2008.
We rarely see you in art exhibition these days. Why?
Erny Dyanty and Muid Latif, at the recent 'New Photography from Southeast Asia Exhibition' @ Valentine Willie Fine Art, Bangsar, 13th of February 2008.
I choose not to. I just felt it’s time to give chances to the new generation of designers and artists to participate in art events and exhibition, and use that platform as an opportunity to acknowledge themselves. I had experience the best show and I believe it’s not fair that you take all. I don’t want be labeled as a greedy artist or designer. It is good to just appear in several occasions and events. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a workaholic person. I’m busy spending hours writing proposals, attending meetings and appointments. In fact, I really like to spend more time with my friends and family these days traveling to places, take photographs and get in touch of the nature. I don’t to stuck in the office at the age of 30 years old chasing dateline and miss all the fun in the world, it’s just too pathetic. Having said that, it doesn’t mean I’m not active. I am creative and I never miss my weekly sketches and illustration. Once an artist, always an artist!
Do you think you are famous?
I’m not famous. I, however, am well-known and I am well-linked for sure! I can be this one wild chap and at the same time, I am a role model to a lot of people. I keep myself moderate however I never miss doing my occasional social networking to gain more contacts. I am surrounded with nice people who appreciate my works, and know my capability as a new media specialist, not just know how to talk or write but I can say yes even to the impossible things. I am reliable to almost everyone around me. It’s good to know that some used me, because I know its better feel this way than feeling nothing at all. I am happy to know some people out there acknowledge me especially to help them grow and felt a need to compete with me. Some had bypassed me with good potential, and I felt proud to see where they are now. And you know what? When I see them, they smiled at me. I felt flattered.
When we see your portfolio, is it officially a commission work or ‘syok sendiri’?
I classified my work in two categories, one is for commercial, and one is personal work (non-commissioned). The works I did even had been published and launched even by our local Prime Minister, our beloved Yang Di-Pertuanku Sultan (Daulat Tuanku) to great notable clients. I never felt proud seeing our own Sultan touches your own product and effort for the launch. KTM Commuter stills hang my artwork in one of their train even if they suppose to take the artwork off more than a year ago. Most people like my work, and most of my work sells. I don’t need Bauhaus or Award-Winning Art Direction to get recognize. As long as my work pays the bills, everyone is satisfied with my contribution, we both live in peace, that’s all that matters. There’s few good commission work that made me earn good money, as well to help others. The best part was to do it professionally, even paid for Government Service Tax ;-). So go figure if it’s a ‘syok sendiri’ (vanity) or not.
What do you think of designers with attitude?
Attitude is for divas, divos and prima donna’s. I met a friend of mine and use to be my early client, Ferhad. We both had a quick chat about a designer with full of attitude and doesn’t perform well in a professional business ethics. A person full of attitude means a person who is hard to work with. As for me, a small side of me is about being professional or not. I strongly believe we do need to be rigid at some point and situation because you want things to fall in places. I don't like to mistreat people because of my status or to which agency I work with; instead, I would clarify and identify what I want or my stakeholder wants, and what I can do to smooth things up for them. When I work, I don’t just design. I use a lot of process of work to identify the right project management, from documentations, to time lines, site-maps, architecture information (AI), brand building and other important matters. It's always a plus if you have constant follow-up so you won't run away from your timeline.
What would a person would pissed of with you or if they claim you are a guy with the big 'A'?
If a person pissed of with me, that's because I turn down their offer to work on a specific project or for their company, some of the factor why I refuse to take jobs offer these days is because:
Do you think Art Director is such a big deal for designers?
Well, at early stage. I thought so. Being an art director is like from being an executive, to senior executive and to a manager. Then I got involved. I was one of them. But I felt nothing if I work my own ways because to become an art director, you have to create a great mutual relation with your other team mates. It’s all about teamwork. I know at a time I have to work so hard, not only to provide creative mocks and concepts, but to come up with researches, a great proposal, mood board, project paper, creative brief, timeline, site maps, AI, you name it.
Some art directors make their ways by talking bullshit and trying their best to impress themselves how they can present stuff creatively, while others can’t even draw a great figure or can’t even create a great 3D model. Some can’t even take photograph nicely. I know one art director who are good in writing and rationalize things, but to such surprise, insult artists when he himself called the 'Art' Director. So, should we separate and divide things to put in such status of class?
I do, however, met some super talented, yet humble Art Directors, but you can rarely find 'em these days. Just ask yourself, if you’re good, why would you still try hard to impress people? The artwork or the products you create speak for itself. Not words or what stated in your 10 pages proposal. I mean it's a plus if you also good at writing and documenting things. But seriously, execution proves how well you are, how efficient you are. Don't dare to even call yourself a designer if you don't produce numerous of work a day, don't dare to call yourself an artist if you don't own a sketchbook and never sketch a single work.
It's never a big deal becoming an art director. It's just a title. Most important is your work speak who you are. If you're hardworking and a smart person, people will acknowledge your credibility instantly!
Do you ever felt defensive when there's something not right?
There’s a different between defensive and justifying yourself. Defensive means you jump out (freaked out) when people give you a critics (which most of young Malay designers do these days, no pun intended!). Justifying is to rationalize what you do, and to let others understand your process of work, so they know it’s a serious deal about what you do. I can be both, but most of the time I only justify if I found false facts about me or my work. I like when people came up to me and talk about what I should do or what I should not do. I felt very human if someone identify my weakness and mistakes, but I dislike to be mistreated or to put down my pride, which in my experience, Off topic, I'm talking about the two art director from my previous company who had highly insulted me. I used to look at them 10 feet high. Now, nothing.
Have you fail before?
Yes. Many, many time. In fact, 2005 was the year I fell and broke apart. It was a tough year for me. I lost my pride and friends around me, I lost my sense and I lost my motivation. Those who stand next to me still with me, and those who don’t left me. I’ve been through a lot of shit in my life, but I never look back. But doesn’t mean I didn’t look back at all. I recovered slowly but surely. I revisit my pass and my mistake, in order for some chance for me to improve my weaknesses. God is great indeed, so there will be more obstacles, and it’s up to me to fight and be strong. I am prepared for it because I have a lot of rivals around me. So, it keeps me on an alert. I did repeatedly inform some people (even in my lectures or creative workshops) that I got kicked out from my college and I regain my pride by working extra hard, of course, with a lot of support and help from my family and friends. When you fail, you learn more to improve yourself. I'm glad to go through the hardest days to get me where I am today. (Alhamdulillah)
What does it feel to be you?
Constantly felt grateful and thankful. When I looked up the sky, it reminds me how small I am and how much I want to work to earn not just for living, but most important, to make my parents happy, and that I can repay for that they had done to shape myself to where I am today. And I got friends around me, mentors, and great people. I’m getting older and what I hope is to get more friends who can send al-Fatiha when I’m not in this world. Not friends who knows how to party but less contribution to their akidah. I'm not saying that I'm a religious person, but I always keep my head to the sky.
I want people to know that I had given my contribution, my experience and my knowledge without doubt and territory, most important is sincere. I’m proud that I was able to help young children to learn the beauty of arts, and it was God who had made me realize how beautiful to be able to help people. My talent came from above, and I am so grateful I am able to use his given talent, efficiently and wisely. (Alhamdulillah).
I heard of a song ‘2x5’ by Ahli Fiqir (Singaporean Hip-hop group) and what they said is true. Qoute ‘Ada orang tak suka menderma, ada orang suka derma tapi nak pembalasan’ (meaning some do charity but they wanted something in return, or something like that). It made me realize that I must never to spear a hope to get something in return. I let go a lot of things in 2007. And I hope this year, I can achieve more positive outcome. I mean there will always be my social activities and responsibilities, but doing something good and contributing more towards the community is something I choose to do. What about you?
_
I’m working on an upcoming exhibition and also will be doing a 4 minute freestyle performance on the 2nd March 2008. Other than that, I’m assisting the company I’m working with in the Brand and Communication to enrich creative campaigns for World Congress Information Technology (WCIT 2008) and International Advisory Panel (IAP2008) alongside with great agencies and partners. Meantime, I’m polishing my photography skills and planning a trip to Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta to celebrate my birthday with my sister, Abby, our dear friends like Atilia, Oya, Halimi, Fizar, Jerry and my partner. I might be bumping into my Indonesian friends from the design field and keeping my hope cross to meet some great producers and notable international singers over there like Andi Rianto, Harvey Malaihollo, Glenn, Incognito, James Ingram and Kenneth Edmonds (Babyface). It’s going to be a worth birthday gift ;)
'Hope', a new artwork by Muid Latif for the Get Moooving Movable Art Exhibition, 2nd March 2008.
We rarely see you in art exhibition these days. Why?
Erny Dyanty and Muid Latif, at the recent 'New Photography from Southeast Asia Exhibition' @ Valentine Willie Fine Art, Bangsar, 13th of February 2008.
I choose not to. I just felt it’s time to give chances to the new generation of designers and artists to participate in art events and exhibition, and use that platform as an opportunity to acknowledge themselves. I had experience the best show and I believe it’s not fair that you take all. I don’t want be labeled as a greedy artist or designer. It is good to just appear in several occasions and events. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a workaholic person. I’m busy spending hours writing proposals, attending meetings and appointments. In fact, I really like to spend more time with my friends and family these days traveling to places, take photographs and get in touch of the nature. I don’t to stuck in the office at the age of 30 years old chasing dateline and miss all the fun in the world, it’s just too pathetic. Having said that, it doesn’t mean I’m not active. I am creative and I never miss my weekly sketches and illustration. Once an artist, always an artist!
Do you think you are famous?
I’m not famous. I, however, am well-known and I am well-linked for sure! I can be this one wild chap and at the same time, I am a role model to a lot of people. I keep myself moderate however I never miss doing my occasional social networking to gain more contacts. I am surrounded with nice people who appreciate my works, and know my capability as a new media specialist, not just know how to talk or write but I can say yes even to the impossible things. I am reliable to almost everyone around me. It’s good to know that some used me, because I know its better feel this way than feeling nothing at all. I am happy to know some people out there acknowledge me especially to help them grow and felt a need to compete with me. Some had bypassed me with good potential, and I felt proud to see where they are now. And you know what? When I see them, they smiled at me. I felt flattered.
When we see your portfolio, is it officially a commission work or ‘syok sendiri’?
I classified my work in two categories, one is for commercial, and one is personal work (non-commissioned). The works I did even had been published and launched even by our local Prime Minister, our beloved Yang Di-Pertuanku Sultan (Daulat Tuanku) to great notable clients. I never felt proud seeing our own Sultan touches your own product and effort for the launch. KTM Commuter stills hang my artwork in one of their train even if they suppose to take the artwork off more than a year ago. Most people like my work, and most of my work sells. I don’t need Bauhaus or Award-Winning Art Direction to get recognize. As long as my work pays the bills, everyone is satisfied with my contribution, we both live in peace, that’s all that matters. There’s few good commission work that made me earn good money, as well to help others. The best part was to do it professionally, even paid for Government Service Tax ;-). So go figure if it’s a ‘syok sendiri’ (vanity) or not.
What do you think of designers with attitude?
Attitude is for divas, divos and prima donna’s. I met a friend of mine and use to be my early client, Ferhad. We both had a quick chat about a designer with full of attitude and doesn’t perform well in a professional business ethics. A person full of attitude means a person who is hard to work with. As for me, a small side of me is about being professional or not. I strongly believe we do need to be rigid at some point and situation because you want things to fall in places. I don't like to mistreat people because of my status or to which agency I work with; instead, I would clarify and identify what I want or my stakeholder wants, and what I can do to smooth things up for them. When I work, I don’t just design. I use a lot of process of work to identify the right project management, from documentations, to time lines, site-maps, architecture information (AI), brand building and other important matters. It's always a plus if you have constant follow-up so you won't run away from your timeline.
What would a person would pissed of with you or if they claim you are a guy with the big 'A'?
If a person pissed of with me, that's because I turn down their offer to work on a specific project or for their company, some of the factor why I refuse to take jobs offer these days is because:
- First and foremost, I'm engaged as a consultant to a very high profile organization. So therefore, I am occupied most of my time with the task that had given to me.
- I love what I’m doing now. I also have other commitment to do, and I still have to run and manage Digital Malaya Project (DMP). Since DMP had become an official Media Supporter to Adobe Design Achievement Award 2008, I opt to get more serious. These are the only two that I should be focusing on. One is career, and one more is my passion. Others I may find it an opportunity, but I believe the opportunity I’m seeing now is with the company as a consultant, and my pet project, the DMP. Its also shows I'm loyal and I focus on what I like best.
- They (clients) wanted me to build an interactive website for the cost of RM2000 and they want everything, and this means EVERYTHING. Recently, a person is comparing other designers who can produce a particular website by charging the amount of USD$400. This is why some freelancers are killing the market. We are talking about putting down an industrial standard of doing a professional business. Unless you are a pakcik from an inner state asking to help with design banner and stuff for promotions and their small business, I would consider and do on charity basis. I even take barter trading if I work with the right person.
i.e: 'Hey Muid, can you build me a website? I'll help you out with the magazine design layout for your MekarMara", or "You design this e-newsletter, and I'll buy you lunch at Italianies'. Now that is nice kan? :) - I just can’t work with people who want things to be at a very, very low budget at the same time want full quality in everything. Things like this need justice. And I strike for one!
- They disrespect the creative people and disregard creative process. If they want to hire us, why there’s so many process and obstacles (namely on decision making and about being 'kiasu')? I prefer to work with people who knows what I'm capable of and have faith in what I do and bring the teamwork spirit on the table.
- In another case, If a student approaches me, I give them hard time; this is because I want them to communicate properly. It irritates me to see; ‘hey bro, aku nak interview hang untuk thesis aku boleh? Call me.” If a proper student communicates well, I will help throughout. Some of them scores A+ and Dean’s list.
- I'm a bit pushy when it comes to payment, because I delivered most of the requests according to dateline. Sometimes, some clients find me irritating, because I will call and call the finance's office until the payment is made and cleared. Wouldn't harm anyone right?
Do you think Art Director is such a big deal for designers?
Well, at early stage. I thought so. Being an art director is like from being an executive, to senior executive and to a manager. Then I got involved. I was one of them. But I felt nothing if I work my own ways because to become an art director, you have to create a great mutual relation with your other team mates. It’s all about teamwork. I know at a time I have to work so hard, not only to provide creative mocks and concepts, but to come up with researches, a great proposal, mood board, project paper, creative brief, timeline, site maps, AI, you name it.
Some art directors make their ways by talking bullshit and trying their best to impress themselves how they can present stuff creatively, while others can’t even draw a great figure or can’t even create a great 3D model. Some can’t even take photograph nicely. I know one art director who are good in writing and rationalize things, but to such surprise, insult artists when he himself called the 'Art' Director. So, should we separate and divide things to put in such status of class?
I do, however, met some super talented, yet humble Art Directors, but you can rarely find 'em these days. Just ask yourself, if you’re good, why would you still try hard to impress people? The artwork or the products you create speak for itself. Not words or what stated in your 10 pages proposal. I mean it's a plus if you also good at writing and documenting things. But seriously, execution proves how well you are, how efficient you are. Don't dare to even call yourself a designer if you don't produce numerous of work a day, don't dare to call yourself an artist if you don't own a sketchbook and never sketch a single work.
It's never a big deal becoming an art director. It's just a title. Most important is your work speak who you are. If you're hardworking and a smart person, people will acknowledge your credibility instantly!
Do you ever felt defensive when there's something not right?
There’s a different between defensive and justifying yourself. Defensive means you jump out (freaked out) when people give you a critics (which most of young Malay designers do these days, no pun intended!). Justifying is to rationalize what you do, and to let others understand your process of work, so they know it’s a serious deal about what you do. I can be both, but most of the time I only justify if I found false facts about me or my work. I like when people came up to me and talk about what I should do or what I should not do. I felt very human if someone identify my weakness and mistakes, but I dislike to be mistreated or to put down my pride, which in my experience, Off topic, I'm talking about the two art director from my previous company who had highly insulted me. I used to look at them 10 feet high. Now, nothing.
Have you fail before?
Yes. Many, many time. In fact, 2005 was the year I fell and broke apart. It was a tough year for me. I lost my pride and friends around me, I lost my sense and I lost my motivation. Those who stand next to me still with me, and those who don’t left me. I’ve been through a lot of shit in my life, but I never look back. But doesn’t mean I didn’t look back at all. I recovered slowly but surely. I revisit my pass and my mistake, in order for some chance for me to improve my weaknesses. God is great indeed, so there will be more obstacles, and it’s up to me to fight and be strong. I am prepared for it because I have a lot of rivals around me. So, it keeps me on an alert. I did repeatedly inform some people (even in my lectures or creative workshops) that I got kicked out from my college and I regain my pride by working extra hard, of course, with a lot of support and help from my family and friends. When you fail, you learn more to improve yourself. I'm glad to go through the hardest days to get me where I am today. (Alhamdulillah)
What does it feel to be you?
Constantly felt grateful and thankful. When I looked up the sky, it reminds me how small I am and how much I want to work to earn not just for living, but most important, to make my parents happy, and that I can repay for that they had done to shape myself to where I am today. And I got friends around me, mentors, and great people. I’m getting older and what I hope is to get more friends who can send al-Fatiha when I’m not in this world. Not friends who knows how to party but less contribution to their akidah. I'm not saying that I'm a religious person, but I always keep my head to the sky.
I want people to know that I had given my contribution, my experience and my knowledge without doubt and territory, most important is sincere. I’m proud that I was able to help young children to learn the beauty of arts, and it was God who had made me realize how beautiful to be able to help people. My talent came from above, and I am so grateful I am able to use his given talent, efficiently and wisely. (Alhamdulillah).
I heard of a song ‘2x5’ by Ahli Fiqir (Singaporean Hip-hop group) and what they said is true. Qoute ‘Ada orang tak suka menderma, ada orang suka derma tapi nak pembalasan’ (meaning some do charity but they wanted something in return, or something like that). It made me realize that I must never to spear a hope to get something in return. I let go a lot of things in 2007. And I hope this year, I can achieve more positive outcome. I mean there will always be my social activities and responsibilities, but doing something good and contributing more towards the community is something I choose to do. What about you?
_
Monday, January 28, 2008
Creative Exploration, Transformers and Life Updates
Neu Work Updates
It’s been a very incredible month for me. I would like to wrap-up my January with amazing stuff in my latest entry. I would like to thank everyone who had been so helpful and supportive. My prop goes to friends of Flickr group ‘KLickrs’, Facebook and in real life who I couldn’t done it without your best advices and warm greetings.
Featured Interview this year!
I had the opportunity to be featured in two great art & design portal which is NOISE from Australia and After5Motion, a design portal run by my friend Vivian. Check out interview one; NOISE Artist Interview and interview two; After5Motion I was also invited to several upcoming exhibitions.
I will be participating in ‘GET MOOOVING MOVABLE ART 2008’, 2nd March, 2008 at Palate Palette, Kuala Lumpur. I was also request from Mr. Jay Lim to do a dance performance for that night, so those who’s curious to know how I move my freestyle dance, can come to our event!
A.R.T 2008, Shah Alam
My first serious involvement with the Sifoo Design Community together with ‘Layar Tanchap’ and ‘Click-A-Child’ (charity). I will announce the update for this event soon, meantime I’m coordinating few stuff in terms of design with the team headed by Imran Ijabar. I hope I am able to commit this task. I really want to help them as much as possible.
Photography & Creative Collaboration
Besides my great photo shooting activities with my Flickr KLickr group, I managed to create two (2) artwork during Thaipusam. Both of my digital work is a collaboration between notable photographers like Johan Sopie (which I had published earlier in my blog), K:REW, Syahrin Aziz. I would like to complete this into 7 images and later I will start with collective collaboration with fellow local and international designers. This is the year I need to start back my creative works after last year lest effort in contributing towards the scene.
I was invited by a very, very good friend of mine, K:REW at his studio to work on his new year team. He mentioned; “Oh what a treat it is to be working with Muid. Not only is he mad, he's brilliantly mad. I'm such a fan of his work and what he stands for. We need more people like him. Period”. Truly honored and appreciate for such valuable testimonial from him. Feel free to check out his great shot of me in his set, HeadSpace. So much to thanks K, I’m speechless!
By the way, I just submitted a photo entry to JPG magazine and would like to kindly ask you guys to vote for my photos to be published for the upcoming issue. Your vote counts!
Vote here: http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/437852
Life Updates
I would like to feature my latest entry of my fresh new poetry of 2008 for the upcoming Moetry: Volume One (Illustrated PDF book).
Berarak Bersama
Copyright © 2008 Muid Latif.
Disetiap sudut masa dan ruang kau mendamaikanku,
Gemilang jiwaku dibawa persona dirimu,
Membangkitkan semangat daya dan juang,
Untuk terus aku maju langkah ke alam semesta.
Kaulah aturan sumberku,
Yang memberi seribu kekuatan merentasi aral,
Agar kau dan aku terus berarak mekar,
Selagi masa berada di ruangan bima sakti.
Rescue Me
Copyright © 2008 Muid Latif.
From this crowded surroundings I seek you,
I saw you stood still but could not reach you.
I came to know my devastating truth so I broke down.
Went out of my mind that I could no longer breathe,
The hope that I found before was fading away,
Then people became fear of me and shred my door.
I became a cold sculpture surrounded by deep water,
an art piece nice to set eyes on but fear to touch,
my heart was wrecked without soul.
All of a sudden someone tosses me a penny,
With a wish I reminisce beautiful years I once had,
I felt affectionate but only for a moment.
Will someone rescue me from such devastation?
Will a fairy grand me my wish to be able to live again?
Will I ever be free again?
Am I A Substance?
Copyright © 2008 Muid Latif.
Lately I felt in fear and apprehension,
As the bitter breeze batters me,
A part of me begin to fall.
A reckless heart wails with agony,
For what this heart yet feel is nonentity,
My endurance weakens and became blurry.
Absurd it may sound but I’m blunt,
Through an ambiguous mind,
Integrity begins to wonder.
The reality seems to be unbalance,
For a soul condense faraway distance.
Set in a parallel creating solitary.
Some Nobility
I met Azmil Mustapha, one of Malaysia notable actor who played Ali Setan back in the 80’s and been seeing him around in early 2001 when I did my practical in RTM. He came to MDeC last week, Friday the 25th to share his experience and journey of his migration to Syria. Salahudin, one of great Muslim warrior was buried in Syria. In his knowledge sharing session, there’s such amazing story that I heard from him including how different the Muslim practice their religion compared to Malaysian Muslim. From his experience, ours are very conservative and selective. We always have to define within different (4) Mazhab (School of thoughts), even perform their solat according to different coordinates. He told us when one of the Imam from Masjid Al-Haram to our national mosque, many things happened. In Syria, Muslim live in peace with Christians and the Muslim is not conservative as the Malaysian Muslim. Over there, everything heart for Allah and doesn’t have to be particular about which group you are from. Other Mazhab can get along with one another and respect each other.
Ours are slightly different. I was surprised to find out how complex the Malaysian Muslims practice their ways. Somehow I do find it is very discriminating to the same kind. No wonder they cannot get a long with each other. Well, to prove further, I remember having a solat in TTDI Mosque, there is this one guy sitting next to me with such great reciting and later perform solat. And you know what happen? After his ‘doa’, he just ‘blastoff out’ of the mosque without shaking hands with people next to him which include me and a pakcik next to him. Some of the Muslim in this country is not strong in terms of living harmony as we see, all are corrupted with such prejudice mind, because we all answer the same ‘amin’ after the Imam, but we never turn to our next person to give greetings or not even to smile. It’s pathetic. It’s like, "oh, I only solat for Allah, but to h**l with everyone around me”.
Update (25/2): Thanks to Mr. Aziph Mustapha for dropping by. I would like to share his input on my recent blog:
Thanks for allowing me to understand more about sunnah in greeting. This surely clarify my perception on what I had mentioned earlier. For more information on Syria, visit Wikipedia here.
Happy Birthday Mama Yatie!
We celebrated mum’s 51th birthday yesterday in Sri Petaling Driving Range Seafood Restaurant. Kak Yong (my eldest sister) brought Häagen-Dazs® Ice-cream Cake Together with a very nice present. We always go there for casual dinner due to their famous and amazing Butter Prawn. The best so far in any Chinese Restaurant.
/'
Waiting for more orders..
Check out our video:
Our family dinner / celebration video taken from my Samsung Blackjack (Much gracias Av).
Transformers Fever
Escaping from all my work stress and to fulfill my satisfaction of my childhood days, I finally regain my consciousness to rebuild back the collection I have. I had recently added few Auto-bots in the family including Grimlock, Jetfire, Rachet and both version of Jazz from the Transformers Movie including a pirated but amazing Transformers Powermaster Double Dealer (which I bought for RM19.90 in Selayang Mall) and the latest G1 Rachet and Ironhide (thanks to Wilson for selling this in eBay!), plus Metroplex! Yeay!
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It’s been a very incredible month for me. I would like to wrap-up my January with amazing stuff in my latest entry. I would like to thank everyone who had been so helpful and supportive. My prop goes to friends of Flickr group ‘KLickrs’, Facebook and in real life who I couldn’t done it without your best advices and warm greetings.
Featured Interview this year!
I had the opportunity to be featured in two great art & design portal which is NOISE from Australia and After5Motion, a design portal run by my friend Vivian. Check out interview one; NOISE Artist Interview and interview two; After5Motion I was also invited to several upcoming exhibitions.
I will be participating in ‘GET MOOOVING MOVABLE ART 2008’, 2nd March, 2008 at Palate Palette, Kuala Lumpur. I was also request from Mr. Jay Lim to do a dance performance for that night, so those who’s curious to know how I move my freestyle dance, can come to our event!
A.R.T 2008, Shah Alam
My first serious involvement with the Sifoo Design Community together with ‘Layar Tanchap’ and ‘Click-A-Child’ (charity). I will announce the update for this event soon, meantime I’m coordinating few stuff in terms of design with the team headed by Imran Ijabar. I hope I am able to commit this task. I really want to help them as much as possible.
Photography & Creative Collaboration
Besides my great photo shooting activities with my Flickr KLickr group, I managed to create two (2) artwork during Thaipusam. Both of my digital work is a collaboration between notable photographers like Johan Sopie (which I had published earlier in my blog), K:REW, Syahrin Aziz. I would like to complete this into 7 images and later I will start with collective collaboration with fellow local and international designers. This is the year I need to start back my creative works after last year lest effort in contributing towards the scene.
I was invited by a very, very good friend of mine, K:REW at his studio to work on his new year team. He mentioned; “Oh what a treat it is to be working with Muid. Not only is he mad, he's brilliantly mad. I'm such a fan of his work and what he stands for. We need more people like him. Period”. Truly honored and appreciate for such valuable testimonial from him. Feel free to check out his great shot of me in his set, HeadSpace. So much to thanks K, I’m speechless!
By the way, I just submitted a photo entry to JPG magazine and would like to kindly ask you guys to vote for my photos to be published for the upcoming issue. Your vote counts!
Vote here: http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/437852
Life Updates
I would like to feature my latest entry of my fresh new poetry of 2008 for the upcoming Moetry: Volume One (Illustrated PDF book).
Berarak Bersama
Copyright © 2008 Muid Latif.
Disetiap sudut masa dan ruang kau mendamaikanku,
Gemilang jiwaku dibawa persona dirimu,
Membangkitkan semangat daya dan juang,
Untuk terus aku maju langkah ke alam semesta.
Kaulah aturan sumberku,
Yang memberi seribu kekuatan merentasi aral,
Agar kau dan aku terus berarak mekar,
Selagi masa berada di ruangan bima sakti.
Rescue Me
Copyright © 2008 Muid Latif.
From this crowded surroundings I seek you,
I saw you stood still but could not reach you.
I came to know my devastating truth so I broke down.
Went out of my mind that I could no longer breathe,
The hope that I found before was fading away,
Then people became fear of me and shred my door.
I became a cold sculpture surrounded by deep water,
an art piece nice to set eyes on but fear to touch,
my heart was wrecked without soul.
All of a sudden someone tosses me a penny,
With a wish I reminisce beautiful years I once had,
I felt affectionate but only for a moment.
Will someone rescue me from such devastation?
Will a fairy grand me my wish to be able to live again?
Will I ever be free again?
Am I A Substance?
Copyright © 2008 Muid Latif.
Lately I felt in fear and apprehension,
As the bitter breeze batters me,
A part of me begin to fall.
A reckless heart wails with agony,
For what this heart yet feel is nonentity,
My endurance weakens and became blurry.
Absurd it may sound but I’m blunt,
Through an ambiguous mind,
Integrity begins to wonder.
The reality seems to be unbalance,
For a soul condense faraway distance.
Set in a parallel creating solitary.
Some Nobility
I met Azmil Mustapha, one of Malaysia notable actor who played Ali Setan back in the 80’s and been seeing him around in early 2001 when I did my practical in RTM. He came to MDeC last week, Friday the 25th to share his experience and journey of his migration to Syria. Salahudin, one of great Muslim warrior was buried in Syria. In his knowledge sharing session, there’s such amazing story that I heard from him including how different the Muslim practice their religion compared to Malaysian Muslim. From his experience, ours are very conservative and selective. We always have to define within different (4) Mazhab (School of thoughts), even perform their solat according to different coordinates. He told us when one of the Imam from Masjid Al-Haram to our national mosque, many things happened. In Syria, Muslim live in peace with Christians and the Muslim is not conservative as the Malaysian Muslim. Over there, everything heart for Allah and doesn’t have to be particular about which group you are from. Other Mazhab can get along with one another and respect each other.
Ours are slightly different. I was surprised to find out how complex the Malaysian Muslims practice their ways. Somehow I do find it is very discriminating to the same kind. No wonder they cannot get a long with each other. Well, to prove further, I remember having a solat in TTDI Mosque, there is this one guy sitting next to me with such great reciting and later perform solat. And you know what happen? After his ‘doa’, he just ‘blastoff out’ of the mosque without shaking hands with people next to him which include me and a pakcik next to him. Some of the Muslim in this country is not strong in terms of living harmony as we see, all are corrupted with such prejudice mind, because we all answer the same ‘amin’ after the Imam, but we never turn to our next person to give greetings or not even to smile. It’s pathetic. It’s like, "oh, I only solat for Allah, but to h**l with everyone around me”.
Update (25/2): Thanks to Mr. Aziph Mustapha for dropping by. I would like to share his input on my recent blog:
1. You have a right to your opinion, but to assume what a brother Muslim is thinking in his heart may be too much. He may have a myriad of different reasons for rushing out of the Mosque, and we must respect his right and keep good faith or think positive thoughts (husnu-zon) about what others are doing. Assume the best, not the worst of him.
2. Though greeting the person to the left and to the right of us after prayer is widely practised here, it did not come from authentic sunnah of the Prophet SAW. The authentic sunnah is to greet one another when first meeting, not at the end of the prayer. Since I am not a scholar, allow me to quote one:
a. "We do not know of a single Companion or Righteous Salaf, may Allaah be pleased with them all, that they used to shake hands with those on their left and right and give the tidings of the prayer being accepted after completing the prayer. If any one of them would have done this then it would have reached us, even it be via a weak isnaad and the People of Knowledge would have quoted it those who delved into every ocean and explored their deepest depths and derived from them many rules and regulations and did not neglect a single aspect of the Sunnah." ['Tamaam al-Kalaam fee Bid`iyyah al-Musaafaha ba`d as-Salaam' [pp. 24-25] and 'al-Masjid fee al-Islaam' [pg. 225]. - from Allahuakhbar.in
Thanks for allowing me to understand more about sunnah in greeting. This surely clarify my perception on what I had mentioned earlier. For more information on Syria, visit Wikipedia here.
Happy Birthday Mama Yatie!
We celebrated mum’s 51th birthday yesterday in Sri Petaling Driving Range Seafood Restaurant. Kak Yong (my eldest sister) brought Häagen-Dazs® Ice-cream Cake Together with a very nice present. We always go there for casual dinner due to their famous and amazing Butter Prawn. The best so far in any Chinese Restaurant.
/'Waiting for more orders..
Check out our video:
Our family dinner / celebration video taken from my Samsung Blackjack (Much gracias Av).
Transformers Fever
Escaping from all my work stress and to fulfill my satisfaction of my childhood days, I finally regain my consciousness to rebuild back the collection I have. I had recently added few Auto-bots in the family including Grimlock, Jetfire, Rachet and both version of Jazz from the Transformers Movie including a pirated but amazing Transformers Powermaster Double Dealer (which I bought for RM19.90 in Selayang Mall) and the latest G1 Rachet and Ironhide (thanks to Wilson for selling this in eBay!), plus Metroplex! Yeay!
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
A Neu Creative 2008: Reinvent & Rebuilt
" Becoming an art director does not require years of art director school, even if one existed. It does however, demand a smattering of many competencies derived from varied educational and work experiences. Certain art directors are better at photography or illustration, while others are more adept with motion or three-dimensional space (3D), but overall, to be a good art director one must know how to delegate - who to call for best work to achieve the final product, which is ultimately the result of C O L L A B O R A T I O N "
- Stever Heller, The Education of Art Director, Allworth Press Publishing.
Interlude: 2008, Expression of A Self-Taught Designer
I exist to build upon and rework on things that inspire me. Most important is to share what I had discovered and collaborate with creative people around me; so I can achieve various final products. I want to restore what is left of our ancestors and what truly unique which most people have neglected and thought our roots was a redundant argument. I know at this moment, at this point, after 28 years, I do achieve something bigger than receiving awards, I don’t need to go to Yale to tell people what a person think, but most important is to let others understand what they can adapt, not by a fixed rationale that can be followed in books. It's also to let both of you and I understand and appreciate the talent that God has given us and channel to various products for either living and other social contributions. This is not only by words, but practically I do execute it and I'm able to understand WITHOUT following what people like rather to create their own style and identity.
When I talk about being a designer, I would not prefer to say that I am a mainstream designer, I want to be different. I want to be called as a 'neo-soul' designer. And that is why today I am known for my identity. Most people tried to deny what I do due to the level of envious (constantly bitchin') because I am capable of scoring each field well, not to sound very swaggering but rather fulfilled, positive and certain of my capability as a human, and this talent, came from Above (Praise God!). Every composition of my designs or artworks is written like music. It's how you arrange the bass, percussion, keyboard, piano, guitar and the melody.
Fascinating Nusantara
For all that I know, and ensure, I want to remain on carrying the oriental elements in my artwork because it's simply beauty and unique that not all Malaysian or any new young artists or designer do. I am very much serious about what I stand for, and I try to go as deep as possible, not only to study on Malay Wood Carving or Batik, but to go back to the history of Majapahit, back in the 14th Century, and the rest of the history of South East Asia. I managed to buy a lot of books covering from arts and history, and due to my several meet-up with Dr. Zubin, I gain more knowledge and interest. That's why I want to visit Angkor Watt in early 2008. Few months back when I was heavily involve on the Interactive Kiosk development for MOSTI Angkasawan Programme, I manage to study about Seaweed. To my surprise, my mind had been broaden even more, and how excited I am to see my organic creation is similar to the studies of seaweed, such as the Chadophora, Dumontia Contorta, Turner and much more.
The debate is very simple, (in Bahasa Melayu): "bila bangsa lain mula bercerita tentang kepakaran mereka menyelidik mengenai asal usul nenek moyang kita, mulalah kita yang Melayu panas satu badan, walhal punca utamanya datang dari kita, kerana kita mengendahkan dan memperkecilkan keindahan budaya kita. Orang luar sibuk terkial-kial menyelidik tentang seni dan budaya kita, bahkan kita teragung-agung dan menjilat budaya orang lain (European whatsoever). Apakah persoalannya bila kita mengikut aliran Bahaus, kita diiktiraf sebagai pereka yang ada kelas? Takkan ke mana jua. Jadi, fikir-fikirkan lah, dan sila beringat-ingat tentang kekayaan budaya kita yang ada, yang terunggul unik". Learn it well. Even a good mentor of mine, Mr. Joshua Davis reminded us how beautiful and rich our culture is.
What is Srivijaya?
Srivijaya, Sriwijaya, Shri Bhoja, Sri Boja or Shri Vijaya (200s-1300s) was an ancient Malay kingdom on the island of Sumatra which influenced much of the Malay Archipelago. Records of its beginning are scarce while estimations range from the 3rd to 5th centuries AD, but the earliest solid proof of its existence dates from the 7th century; a Chinese monk, I-Tsing, wrote that he visited Srivijaya in 671 for 6 months; the Kedukan Bukit Inscription is dated 683.The kingdom ceased to exist between 1200 and 1300 due to various factors, including the expansion of Majapahit.In Sanskrit, sri means "shining" or "radiant" and vijaya means "victory" or "excellence".
- "Malays praticed Buddhism, Hinduism, and their native Animism before converting to Islam in the 15th century."
- The Malay Archipelago is a vast archipelago located between mainland Southeastern Asia (Indochina) and Australia. Straddling the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this group of some 20,000 islands, the world's largest archipelago by area, constitutes the territories of Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, East Timor, and most of Papua New Guinea. (Info taken from Wikipedia)
Life Updates
Yesterday, I went for dinner at TheCurve after I met my doctor (again, my digestion disorder problem due to heavy stress lately). So, I went to Pet Safari in Ikano later, and to found out that they have 'Sugar Glider' for sale. Now, I have a big obsession on these cute-ys after watching 'Samurai Champloo' which reminds me of the cute Momo in the anime's character and right after seeing them for the first time in a pet shop in Malacca city when I was with Martin Gomez and my friend Roul. I immediately told them I would like to book two of them, because they are so adorable. Seeing them makes me so happy and joyful so I decide to buy them in pairs. Since I didn't have cash with me, I told the supervisor that I will be picking them tomorrow evening. So on 1st of December, right after my first ever, 13 year of high school reunion in Lemon Cafe at Mines Shopping Centre, I went straight to Ikano. I even met my colleagues (of MDeC) at Starbucks and drop by a camera shop to get my 50mm (f1.8) lens for my Canon. Then I went straight to Pet World. And there, both of them sleeping in the food container (orang melayu kata tapuwear kecik).
Introducing Meeko and the late, Bambee. Both are two (3) months old, originally to know that they came from Australia and Papa New Guinea. Sugar Glider (Glider Possum) lives up to 10 years (I heard 15 years max) and can grow up to 7-9 inches long (ala, cam besar squirrel). Americans call 'em Flying Squirrel. They eat apple, strawberries and other fruits but they can also eat small insects (but I ain't put any of that in the cage). Last few days, we entertained Meeko at the living room with my aunt and my grandma (Opah). Opah was so happy to see the sugar glider. Meeko is hyperactive at night, even jump on my face when I carried him around! But unfortunate accident, Bambee (female) passed away on the 17th of December. I don't want to discuss further but I felt the lost and now leaving Meeko alone. But I’m getting a new bigger cage and few more (if my budget permits lah..).
View this video (Me & Meeko)
Equipped and Ready to Rock and Roll!
With the new HP Pavillion desktop PC with 320 GB (truly awesome!), Apple 15.4" Macbook Pro, Sony HDE-SR5E handy cam and few new lens for my Canon SLR, 2008 will be more productive year for me to gain back my creative experiments. I already discussed with few notable photographers like Syahrin Aziz, Kieren Kuek for special collaboration
Officially an Art Collector
On the 7th of December, I went to Norhaslinda Nordin’s art exhibition in Kebun Mimpi, Bangsar with Dr. Zubin. I remember 2 years back, I had my work exhibited together with Linda at Gema Rimba, Bukit Tuanku. I had an eye for Linda’s artwork because her stroke are very sweet and serene. Her composition of work is cool and the colors are just nice (for me) and I believe some of Linda’s artwork are inspired by my guru, Jailani Abu Hassan. Jai taught me a lot in exploring composition and colors. It’s because of his teaching had make me well verse in color composition, using harmonic colors. Linda is actually a very junior of mine from UiTM, and she had climbed very rapid after winning few competitions.
Well, Linda had made me an art collector that night (malas nak title art buyer), because I got so impressed with her work that I even bought two of her artwork. I will buy more artwork of her in the coming future, and I’m looking forward to buy artworks of my favorite, favorite artist, Mohammad Noor Mahmud. By far, he’s the most high profile and identical artist in Malaysia to carry the batik motive in his paintings. (gila sawan tengok artwork Mohd Noor!).
Talk about UiTM juniors, I would like to talk about two UiTM juniors from the Graphic Department. Now, picture above is me with two UiTM students, Hazlynda & Firdaus. They had invited me over for an interview for their project paper, and that project paper was the case study of ‘Muid Latif’. I was truly flattered with both of them, to be able to bare their patience with my busy schedule. Nevertheless, I’m excited to know that few weeks ago both of them emailed me and informed that they had scored A+ for the project, and Hazlynda was nominated for Dean’s list. So congrats to both of them!
Last minute swiping sessions
I couldn't resist myself to get the G1 Transformers Ultra Magnus right in front of my eyes after I bought Nightwatch Optimus Prime three (3) days ago. I went to the shop called Area 51 Toys same level as MacAsia in One Utama. Before that, on my way to the shop, I drop by to Tower Records to check if my girl's CD, Jill Scott: Volume III is re-stock, since it's hard to find one! Even a friend of mine's CD, Imran Ajmain is impossible to find one on the rack. So as I was flippin' on the CD, I found a very very interesting cover art. It look so Indonesian-band because they are more identical, especially indie ones. So I bought the album and soon to find out the illustrator is none other than Darbotz!
Darbotz is a cool friend of mine when I met him back in Jakarta, and also in Singapore at the DesignEdge 2005. He's art direction for Agrikulture is simply blast-fully out of this world. This band's latest album is called 'Dawai Damai' which I encourage you guys to buy, especially those who like funk experimental electronicas. The album is absaf'*%inglutely amazing. It moves you to that weird creative drive that you can wake up at 2 am to do non-stop illustration or artwork. Very hypnofunk!
Today's Interview Session
Q: How serious you want to improve in your photography?
A: I want to do more editing. More hard-work, more tone-mapping, more HDR, more paranomic shots, more lightings, more space, more layers, and more equipments especially lenses.
Q: who are your most inspiration in photography?
A: Danielle Levitt and Dave Hill, nuff said! ;)
Q: what about art & design communication? who are the ones who inspired you from day one?
A: The late Ismail Zain, Mohd Noor, Tan Jin Ho, Yazid (Zid), Aadi Salman, Shieko, Thalia & Ari, Joshua Davis, Drew Europheo, Yugop, John Leigh (Karborn), Mike Young & Marcus Erricson (Subdisc).
Q: Muid, what is Your Aim in 2008?
A: To be able to develop an interactive website with my oriental style. I'm currently short-listing potential clients and hope I can brink 'da funk' in 'traditional' design back in the 21st Century through new media revolution.
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