Meet Herban Opal

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Herban Opal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Herban, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Repeating the same task multiple times is a very effective method. Each time you paint something familiar, you will become better and more confident in your technique and results.

Continuously showcasing your work to the public can be very helpful in building confidence. Each time you receive positive feedback or constructive criticism, it will strengthen your belief in your artistic abilities.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My work focuses on exploring the small details of everyday life. I transform these details into works of art, using my imagination and creating metaphors that involve animals, plants, and objects familiar to our daily lives.

Painting is my primary medium for expressing my creative ideas. A character with a long nose always takes the central role in each of my works. This figure carries various intriguing philosophies. In Javanese culture, there is the character Petruk, known for his long nose and small lips, symbolizing the phrase “talk less, do more.” Additionally, there is the cartoon character Pinocchio, whose long nose serves as a sign of lying.

The long-nosed figure in my paintings serves as a reminder and motivation for the audience. The composition of my paintings is decorative, with repeated objects that emphasize meaning, combined with a soft abstract background. The characters, rendered with overlapping outlines, convey an expressive feel and illustrate the interconnectedness of the elements within the work. My artwork aims to connect symbolism with real life, providing a deep meaning that can be felt by anyone who views it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Before I ventured into the world of fine arts, I had a career as a graphic designer with expertise in branding, layout, and illustration. My experience as a freelancer and full-time employee at various agencies and brands provided me with valuable knowledge that I later applied to my artistic endeavors. The academic environment also played a significant role in honing my skills, ultimately leading me to become a painter.

In my creative process, I often incorporate design elements into my paintings. The designer’s approach—such as creating color sketches using digital painting and layering techniques—has been extremely beneficial and is something I frequently use while painting.

My advice for those seeking to find their identity or personal style is to keep experimenting and never give up. Regularly seek feedback from others about your work, as this will help build your confidence. Focus on things that are close to your heart, and keep refining your skills. With consistent practice, your work will evolve into something unique and distinct.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, I take a moment to pause. I start up my old Vespa, go for a leisurely ride, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the streets. Eventually, I head to the nearest coffee shop, order a caffe latte with just a touch of sugar, and savor it. Once my mind and body feel refreshed, I get back on my Vespa, take a relaxed ride back home, and continue my work with renewed energy.

My advice to you is to take a short break when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just 30 minutes of doing something you enjoy or resting can be enough to refresh and recharge you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: herbanopal
• Facebook: herbanopal