CHIN KON YIT – WATERCOLOR MAESTRO

CHIN KON YIT is one of South East Asia's most eminent watercolorists. Style Unofficial’s Editor challenges him to talk about fashion, art and life’s little annoyances.

1. Honestly Chin, what do you think about fashion?
My wardrobe staples are t-shirts and shorts. I like nothing more than a good T-shirt with interesting graphic and prints.


2. What do you usually pack in your suitcase when you’re off to an art show?
Batik shirt and smart trousers.


3. If you were a fashion designer, who would you emulate?

Karl Lagerfeld

4. Someone once told me that, fashion and art is synonymous and share they share a very passionate love affair….do you think so?

Yes.

5. When someone views your art work for the very first time, what do they tell you?
They always point out the nostalgic factor in my art, and that I must’ve put in a lot of effort and time in the fine detailing.

6. How do you stand out from other watercolourists?
Through my unique take on heritage architecture.


7. What annoys you about the art scene?
The lack of respect for intellectual property


8. Give us a little bit of a history lesson on your growing pains? Were you always interested in watercolour?
When I was a young man, I did not have the means to fund for art college, so my skills are largely self taught. I have always love painting. I could paint in other mediums, but made watercolour my main tool of expression.


9. Your style has been described as “pointillism” and that you use “delicate strokes of pen/ink…” please elaborate.
Pointillism gives my artwork a textural quality through the tonal variation of colours and brushwork.

10. Where will we see you next? When is your next showcase?
I am currently working on my next book project.

11. Who would you most like to thank for making you the person you are today?
There are many people that I would like to thank, most notably my family, late high school teacher, the gallery and my art collectors.


Catch his work from March 27 – May 2, 2010 @ G Hotel lobby, Penang. For more information contact Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur at 03-7958 2175.


http://www.shaliniganendra.com/
stag@tm.net.my

By: The Editor