Mastering the art of giving
Painting hobby turns into mission to help others
KUALA LUMPUR: From elegant brushstrokes that clear the artist's mind to meticulously-crafted paintings that instil calm in their audience, the beauty of traditional Chinese ink painting inspired one Malaysian to give back to the people.
Having worked as a quantity surveyor in Melbourne, Australia, for years, Audrey Seet first began her journey towards mastering Chinese ink painting in 2017 after seeking a hobby to distract herself from work burnout.
'The challenging but very expressive strokes of each brushwork I made were almost therapeutic as I felt my mind clear itself from all the daily stress of work life.
'It not only allowed me to return to work with a clear mind, but also helped me to develop a better connection to nature and appreciate the little things in life.
'This relaxed state also made me more caring and thoughtful, which eventually led me to use my art for the greater good,' she said in an interview yesterday.
Having studied under the guidance of many professional art teachers, the now 62-year-old has since turned her mastery of the art into a way to raise funds for the less fortunate and support local education in Malaysia.
She began her dream earlier in April this year by selling her beautiful works of art in an exhibition in Melbourne, where she raised RM20,000 from the sale of four paintings that were then donated to Manna Food Bank.
'The massive turnout gave me a lot of confidence, and I then decided I needed to do one in my home country as a way of giving back to society,' said the Gombak-born Seet.
Her newest exhibition, named Discover 'Colours Unbound', showcases 120 pieces of art from both herself and her teachers at Laman Seri Harmoni 33 (LSH33). The exhibition ends today.
The diverse variety of work features many recognisable intricately drawn shapes from flowers of various shapes and vibrant colours to scenic locations to various animals like fish, rabbits, pandas, and tigers.
She said proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the nearby SMJK Chong Hwa in Gombak to support its development to improve education for students.
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