D

enny Santos II, a Singaporean graphic designer, is a self-proclaimed “weekend” photographer. He took photos of people on the city state’s landmark Orchard Road and posted them on his blog www.dannyst.com for people to enjoy.

Inspired by this creativity, an Indonesian designer Albertus Prawata or Berto proposes a similar project involving photographing and interviewing 365 people. He plans to finish in 365 days. Besides being a Jakarta-based designer, Berto is also a lecturer in the Architecture Department with Bina Nusantara University.

At 28 years old, he had finished his masters in architectural design from the University of New South Wales, Australia. He is the man behind the blog, Tiga Enam Lima (www.3enam5.blogspot.com).

He got the idea from the Internet. While browsing the web some time ago, Berto accidentally stumbled upon Santos’ blog and he was amazed by the photos posted there.

“His works are very attractive and I am provoked to do the same thing. He gave me such an inspiration. However, I didn’t just want to ‘copy’ his works, I wanted to do something different, something that represents my personality.”

Then, Tiga Enam Lima (Three Six Five) was born. It brought forth a unique slogan: Portrait + Profession + Life + Passions + Quotes = Inspirations. Similar to Santos’ blog, it does offer visitors with portraits. But, the rest is different.

Apart from photos of different faces in black and white, Berto included stories from each of those people — their profession, passions, changes and other things — that might inspire other people.

“In this project, I don’t only take pictures of random people and post it on my blog. I also want to know each individual that I photograph by asking a few questions. I hope it will give me something to learn. I also hope it could inspire other people who visit my blog.”

In fact, Berto started this project with a simple goal. He wants to challenge himself to produce a piece of work which relates to something he loves so much: photography.

“I chose 365 as the name of the blog because it symbolizes targets that we want to achieve. It also means resolutions we make every year in turn — 365 represents one full year, which is a period of time for each of us to achieve our own resolutions. And Tiga Enam Lima has become my very own resolution to produce a work of art.”

The blog started in May 2010. He features people with different backgrounds, starting from his close friends and communities. He meets people, talks to them and photographs them. Even his students became his “victims”. By the time this interview was conducted, he has already interviewed and photographed 90 people from 50 various professions, such as housewives, college students, musicians to traditional dancers.

Berto said that he also received emails from strangers who knew about his blog and wanted to participate in it.

The name 365 suggests that this project is expected to be conducted in 365 days, with 365 people to be included. Indeed, it is a tough job for Berto, yet this is a blog you should not miss reading.

I personally was inspired a lot after reading the various experiences and professions of the people on this blog. Who knows you might get a life changing experience after reading it.

Ah yes, if you want to participate and inspire other people, feel free to contact Berto at a_prawata@yahoo.com