Sleman, November 15, 2025 - The smell of sawdust mixed with excitement fills the room of Avta Mandiri Creative Studio in Prambanan, Sleman Regency. A digital engraving machine buzzes softly, chiseling out patterns that were previously just lines on a computer screen. On that day, the Avta Mandiri disability community officially started its Digital Wood Grafting Training Phase IThe workshop was led by a team of lecturers and students from ISI Yogyakarta.
The team consisting of Nandang Septian, Silvya Bintang Ayu Candradewi, Amar Leina Chindany, and Amanda Amalia Faustine Gittawati, along with students Raheesh Hafid Mahardika, Aditya Alwin Alwaysa, and Ayunda Regina A., helped participants turn their designs into real works using digital wood engraving machines.
"This moment is extraordinary. We witnessed how participants who were initially hesitant now smiled proudly to see their work engraved on wood," said Amar Leina Chindany from the Visual Communication Design Study Program.
Nandang Septian, team leader, added that this activity did not only focus on technical skills.
"We want to build awareness that design is a thought process, and technology is just a tool to make it happen," he said.
On the other hand, Hariyanto, one of Avta Mandiri's members, was enthusiastic about observing his own work.
"I used to only know how to make wood shapes with a saw. Now, I can see my name neatly engraved on its surface. I feel very proud," he says with a smile.
The student mentor, Raheesh, also shared his impressions. "This mentoring opened our eyes. Behind their physical limitations, there is an extraordinary spirit of learning. We learned that creativity knows no bounds," he said.
For Avta Mandiri, that day was not just a training, but a symbol of change. From a simple sketch now comes an economic and emotionally valuable work of engraving. ISI Yogyakarta is committed to continuing mentoring until all participants are truly independent in managing tools and producing unique and characterized engraving works.
EN 
ID