Bunga dan Bintang: Cats of Bungaland

Kirin’s love for earthy pastel tones is another defining characteristic of her art. These colours serve to evoke a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. The soft, pastel palette she favors creates an atmosphere of calmness, allowing viewers to pause and reflect as they engage with her pieces.

@bungadanbintang finds her muse in the gentle embrace of daydreaming. For Kirin, the process of developing her artwork begins long before the first stroke. It is within these quiet moments of contemplation that she cultivates the ideas that will eventually blossom into her expressive illustrations.

Continue reading to explore the artistic journey that influences Kirin Sharom’s creations.

Hey Bunga dan Bintang, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist/creator?

Hi, I’m Kirin, the person behind Bunga dan Bintang. I’m a visual artist and also a designer who loves cats and plants. Actually I’m not from an art academic background. I studied architecture and worked as an assistant architect for 2 years but I have always love to draw and paint since young age. During my final semester in my postgraduate studies in ITB, Indonesia, I joined a digital illustration workshop by my favourite Indonesian illustrator, bought a drawing tablet, and after that I couldn't stop drawing!

How did transitioning from architecture to digital illustration influence your artistic style?

I think it did influence my artwork’s composition and also my lines and strokes. A lot of other artists told me that I do have structured composition and I really love to use architectural hatching techniques in my artworks. I don't really use them in the two covers’ artworks but in my other artworks, I used a lot of lines and patterns that are using the same technique as architectural hatching that is used in building technical drawing, but I used them on my plants.

Looking back at your journey from your early years to now, how has your style and approach evolved? Are there any pivotal moments or projects that shaped this evolution?

I’ve learned that the essence of an idea can be more powerful when distilled to its most basic form. A pivotal moment was returning to Malaysia after several years in London. It was a leap of faith, but when I saw my work translated into textiles, mural walls, and even notebooks, I felt a sense of pride and ownership. I was able to fully embrace my voice as an artist.

What inspired you to start Bunga dan Bintang, and can you share the story behind the name?

It was actually very spontaneous. I love to draw plants and flowers and I always draw stars in my drawings. So I just named my art platform Bunga dan Bintang.

How would you describe your artistic style and influences?

My artistic style is influenced by naive art, characterised by a calm and earthy pastel color palette. I draw inspiration from my favorite artists—Pak Yusof Gajah, Harun Mokhtar, and Emila Yusof—who I looked up to when I began painting with acrylics in 2011. Over time, I gravitated towards softer, muted tones, as I find they bring me a sense of calm. As someone who experiences anxiety, I hope to share that same peaceful feeling with those who view my artwork.

Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you focus and nurture your ideas?

I day dream a lot to find ideas. Before I start drawing, I will need to spend some time for me to be calm and day dream about the project that i want to start. I will imagine of the stories, the emotion that I want to bring in the artwork and then all the images will come to my mind. And I dont work on my artwork for too long. I always need a lot of breaks in between so I won't be burned out and come back with fresh ideas.

What inspired the creation of both covers, and how did you bring your vision to life?

Both covers tell the story of a girl’s journey to find a cat paradise, inspired by plants from my father’s garden—like the jungle bush plant, Licuala Grandis, and Philodendron leaves. While Cat Paradise and Cloud Cats share the same storyline, they exist in two distinct worlds, each with different shapes, colors, and plant life. My creative process starts with daydreaming about the story, followed by rough sketches, selecting a color palette, and adding small details to bring the scene to life.

Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your designs?

Yes, both covers hold deeply personal meanings for me. In Cloud Cats, five of the cats are my own, including a brown cat floating with a cloud, which represents one of my cats who went missing in 2023 and was never found. This serves as a grieving symbol, a way to keep her memory alive in my art. In Cat Paradise, the orange cat beside the girl is Bee, the most gentle cat I’ve ever known. I adopted her while studying in Indonesia, but she sadly passed away a few years ago. Both covers reflect my love for my cats and the hope of reuniting with them in a paradise of their own.

What inspires your work, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists?

I’ve always loved both illustration and architecture, but art is where my heart truly belongs. That’s why I pour my full energy and passion into every piece—because creating brings me joy, and I hope my work can do the same for others. I draw inspiration from artists like alvinxki, Aiko Fukawa, and boccaccinimeadows, whose work continues to inspire me

My advice to aspiring artists? Do what you love, give it your all, and stay true to your creative journey. Passion and dedication will take you further than anything else.

Thank you Kirin for sharing your artistic journey and insights with us. If her work resonated with you, explore her creations with us here!