By Willy Wilson | Sep 25, 2009
Dreams of Malacca
Michelle Cohen resists the usual expatriate artist stereotypes. She is neither a hippie artist living in Chinatown, nor is she a regular fixture in the art-buying, lunching ladies circle.
Cohen, 31, instead leads a peaceful, quiet life in Malacca. Growing up in the cold prairies of Canada surrounded by big vast plains, she finds KL too busy and hectic for her taste.
Although she’s a relative newcomer in the Malaysian art scene, Cohen has since made a name for herself as a marketable artist among the art buying public, which consists of both local and expatriate communities. She admits that most of her clients are residents, with 70% of her works being commission-based.
The experimental nature of her works has become a distinctive part of her signature style and her clients enjoy her artistic interpretation of life. Take, for example, Michelle’s current project that she claims to be her biggest piece yet.
“It’s 3 panels, 7 feet by 2 feet each. The lady who commissioned me wants a piece that projects a happy feeling and makes people smile. So I’ll only paint it when I feel good. I choose what I feel are bright and happy colours,” she chuckles.
From the corner of her peaceful studio, the artist discusses the local art market, Malacca and calling Malaysia home with Star Property
How would you describe your art?
I like to paint abstracts and usually the colour that I choose depicts my feelings during that very moment. But to sum up my arts into any genre could be quite difficult, as I have many styles that I like to experiment with.
What kind of objects do you normally paint?
Apart from abstract, others such as landscape, buildings, floral, designs and shapes also dominate my works. In doing my work, I like to experiment with different materials and mediums such as water colours, acrylic, inks, and pen with ink. Occasionally beads, glue, and paper may also be incorporated into my works.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Most of my inspiration comes from the things that surround me. From everyday objects to nature, I would interpret them as colours and shapes for my art. My love for nature is probably due to the fact that I grew up in Saskatchewan, a cold Canadian prairie of 1000 people. As a child, I was always surrounded by the big vast plains, open skies and sunset. The colours of these memories stay with me and inspire my work.
Does the Malaysian nature inspire you too?
How could I not get inspired when I feel like waking up to summer every day of my life? I see so much beauty in this country. The rainforest and the mixed culture of the people are really something worth swooning about.
What is the most inspiring thing that you’ve found in Malaysia?
Let me just say that I am loving the Batik culture! As an artist, I feel the art scene here is nourishing to both my mind and soul. The interesting mix of modern and traditional forms creates a very unique harmony. And all of these elements are apparent in buildings, traditions, languages and food. To me, Malacca is the perfect place to experience this eclectic mix of culture.
You seem to be very fond of Malacca.
Malacca is fantastic city to live in. Given its rich culture and history, as well as its charming small town character, Malacca is a work of art in itself.
Don’t you think you might be able to market your work more in KL?
I would like to be able to market myself in KL, but I don’t think a move is necessary. 70% of my clients in Malaysia are residents, both local and expatriates, while the other 30% of my sales come from exhibitions and shows.
There may be a bigger market in KL. But frankly speaking, the traffic in KL keeps me away! KL is too big and busy for me. I often go to KL to meet them, or to mingle with the local artists in order to keep abreast on the latest happenings within the art circle.
How long have you been living in Malaysia?
I have been living here for two and a half years. I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, and moved to bigger town, Alberta, when I was 19. Turning 21, I left my country for the UK and stayed there for eight years. But I found my home here in Malacca, Malaysia.
What was growing up in Saskatchewan like?
As a kid, my mom would always bring crayons or a pen along everywhere we went, and I would amuse myself with drawing and creating for quite a while.
What do you reckon the art market in Malaysia is like?
The art market in Malaysia seems to be great. I’ve met a lot of people who are successful artists. Everywhere I look, there seem to be galleries, or exhibitions, or people marketing their works. I feel as though that with my art being here in Malaysia, the possibilities are limitless!
See Related Articles:
|