KUCHING: With her artworks mostly inspired by the beauty of flowers, a local artist Ng Paik San has decided to paint a rabbit, to symbolise the Chinese zodiac sign of the year 2023.
The rabbit was creatively painted by combining watercolours and colour pencils to enhance the colour and the textures. The left side of the artwork also features beautiful and bold Chinese calligraphy by Kho Kheng Hee.
“I am a nature lover, thus, I enjoy painting flowers with beautiful colours during my free time or whenever I feel good and want to express my feelings. I rarely paint animals,” she told New Sarawak Tribune at the Saradise Gallery recently.
It was during an interview session with TVS at Hoan Gallery, a few days before the Chinese New Year that she decided to perform a live demonstration of painting a rabbit, to welcome 2023.
Initially, she was not satisfied with the outcome as it was “a little bit too plain” and did not strongly reflect the year of the rabbit or the Chinese zodiac.
Thus, she approached Kho, a highly respected and renowned local Chinese calligrapher to add a few words to “complete” the piece.
“It was the fourth day of the Chinese New Year when I brought my painting to Kho. He agreed to add a few Chinese characters for free. This makes the piece more meaningful,” she said.
Ng described the A4 size painting as one-of-its-kind; a unique masterpiece as the rabbit is a western art combined with Chinese calligraphy.
Realising it is more blessed to give than to receive, the local artist has donated the painting to a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Wishesland Kuching, to support its operation funds and raise awareness of cerebral palsy.
The painting is currently auctioned starting at RM888. Whoever offers the highest bid will win the painting. All the proceeds will be handed to Wishesland Kuching. Those who are interested can contact 019-2288419 (Mr Chi) for more information.
In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity while the Chinese phrase on the painting means ‘jade rabbit sending blessings’; thus, whoever owns or buys it will receive an abundance of blessings.
Ng, who is also a freelance lecturer and the co–founder of Ingenious Academic Center, was born in Ipoh, Perak and has been residing in Kuching, Sarawak for more than 20 years.
She started her art lessons when she was 10 years old when she learnt the basic skills and drawing techniques for watercolour as well as still-life artworks. Since then, drawing has always been one of her best hobbies.
Her artworks are mostly inspired by the beauty of flowers as well as Borneo’s natural environment. Besides, some of her sketches also focus on the beauty of the old streets around Kuching city.
“I have been painting for decades, mostly using watercolour techniques as a hobby or a source of joy. I never thought that I could help to raise funds through my artwork or that some people wanted to buy my painting,” she said.
Her artwork was exposed to the public in 2019 when she helped to sketch the building of Wishesland Kuching, which was printed on their notebooks/notepads. Since then, she has been donating her artwork for fundraising activities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ng had more time to paint at home and some friends had invited her to join the Sarawak Artists Society (SAS) where she continued to elevate her painting skills as well as share ideas with other artists.
She also finally tried her hand at acrylic paintings on the canvas after attending various workshops organised by SAS.
Apart from that, she also enhances her skills by watching online tutorials on Youtube as well as getting feedback and advice from other artistic talents.
To her, the happiness and inner satisfaction that she has gained through painting and charity activities are beyond words.
Currently, her ‘Intimacy with Melodies of Flowers’ series is being exhibited at Saradise Gallery and some of her paintings are also available at Hoan Gallery.
“In the past, I was thrilled whenever people told me that they loved my painting… But later I found out that what is more rewarding is when my painting can help to raise funds for charity purposes,” she said.
“I also appreciated that Saradise Gallery and Hoan Gallery have been very supportive towards local artists. I hope we will have more platforms to exhibit our artworks and promote art appreciation in Sarawak,” she added.
Hoan Gallery at Level 3, La Promenade Mall, Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, opened in 2022, aspires to promote past masters and reveal future potential. Visitors can discover the works of Sarawakian artists, past and present, including people and places, from unique perspectives, depicted in oil, acrylic paint, watercolour, Chinese ink and nearly lost traditional Batik techniques. It is open for visitors from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, from Monday to Sunday.
Meanwhile, Saradise Gallery is located at Level 1, TSG Tower, Brighton Square, Jalan Song. It was introduced by Saradise Sdn Bhd in 2016 as a living gallery and provides a conducive environment where both public and artists can interact and share their ideas and interests in Sarawak arts, culture and music. It is open for visitors from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, from Monday to Friday.
