SELF-TAUGHT painter Yeow Teck Chai grew up bewitched by the nostalgia of nature. Through a book of paintings of Malaysian birds and their habitats, he invites us into his world. ‘Birds of Malaysia – An Artist’s Love’ compiles a total of 120 watercolour paintings and hopes to alert readers to the urgent need for conservation of our ecosystem and unique biodiversity in Malaysia.
A painter’s stand
“It was these same lyrical greeting made by feathered friends outside my window, frolicking and welcoming the dawning day every morning that drew me, as a young carefree boy, to explore the jungles of pre-urbanised Kuantan in pursuit of the source of these melodies,” wrote Yeow in the foreword. He was describing the inspiration behind ‘Birds of Malaysia – An Artist’s Love’, the 240-page hardcover.
“As my intrigue grew, I learnt to make various bird calls, teasing them to respond. I would also rear the Common Myna as a pet and lure Spotted Doves and Zebra Doves into cages, training them to call on command in the hopes of attracting more of their own kind.”
Describing about the days of kampung life over a video call, Yeow revels in his harmonious coexistence with flora and fauna. “Birds have always been a close subject to me since I was a young boy, journaling my way as I trekked the jungles.”
“My focus – in producing this book – is really in hopes that people will appreciate our wildlife and realise the need for a greater rainforest conservation, especially today,” he added.
“The forests and jungles of our beloved country are no longer the same I remembered as a young boy – their footprint shrinking year after year and taking with it our rich biodiversity which is dwindling at an unbelievably rapid pace.
“My hope is that not one of the bird species I have painted will become extinct – or even nearly extinct – by the time my little granddaughter is old enough to appreciate this book.”
One can’t help but wonder if the artist's professional years spent servicing the country’s industrial development sphere – high-profile roles in Federal Industrial Development Authority (Fida) and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) – may have acted as a prick of conscience that led to such advocacy.
“Striking the balance between development and conservation has always been the question. But unfortunately, what is rampant now are developers being in areas that should be preserved and saved. It is for future generations to enjoy these natural wonders. Forest reserves are being cleared off – even in the city – which breaks a lot of hearts,” said Yeow.
In the pursuit of urbanisation, he is not saying that constructions or building works should be halted altogether. Because “we can’t stop it, but we can find sustainable and purposeful ways” that enhance the livelihoods of local communities, while safeguarding forest landscapes. The relationship between the two should be made more dependable.
From the colours of plumage to the intricate patterns displayed whether the feathered creatures are perched or in flight, Yeow’s paintings induces delight in everyone from ornithology experts to casual nature lovers.
The book – priced at RM200 a copy and set to publish on November 30 – includes forewords by avid bird watcher and photographer Dr Samuel Ong, whose photos were great inspirations behind the paintings, and Dr Rosli Omar, also an expert bird watcher and author of ‘Birds of the Forests of Peninsular Malaysia – A Photographic Guide’.
Proceeds from the sale of the book – 80% – will go to The Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) and Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM), which provides counselling and financial help to people living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus autoimmune disease.
A journey all its own
The 70-year-old painter’s passion for watercolour art did not spark until a few years back. It was before hosting his first exhibition in 2018, when friends started to buy his paintings and marking it to be of commercial potential. This resulted in two exhibitions being organised.
“I thought, why not match the talent I’m graced with and help to raise funds for charity together,” said Yeow. It gave him the motivation to look at painting more seriously albeit having retired from Mida 14 years ago.
On why he focuses more on watercolour as a medium: “It’s just something that I had the experience of working on and developing better since young.”
“It's also the only medium that makes sense, which gives me a certain satisfaction when I paint that has a soft attraction I like. It [watercolour] gives me the control and precision that allowed me to produce my paintings close to the imagery that I want to replicate or that I envision in mind.
“For instance, the light that comes through and bounces off the feather of the birds is very crucial for me to capture. Having created this on watercolour gives me the ability to paint the intricacy in the patterns of the feathers I see,” said Yeow. This is the process that goes on behind the series of bird paintings that took him almost two years two complete.
Having been self-trained, he never looked at his foray into artistry as a challenge.
“I just paint and learn as I go, the method could be wrong if I had known and gone to a proper art school but I couldn’t care less. For as long I can create artworks that people love and make them happy, that’s enough. Of course, there are times I find it difficult to mix colours, which frustrates me if I don’t get the right colour, but that’s just part of being self-taught.
“I think the reward here is not restricting myself by going along and trusting the process. Sometimes I even surprise myself with the end result – when I look at my painting once it’s done. I guess this flair I have for painting comes naturally, where ability flows from your mind to your hand and onto the canvas,” said Yeow. Despite having discovered a real love for his talent quite later in life: “I will continue to do this until I expire.”
“Art has always been connected to me in some sort of way. As a boy, I remember my teacher giving encouragement when I was still sketching with a pen on plywood during my free time. That has extended even to my professional days, having created my own satirical cartoon series called ‘Durian Talks’ about life and what goes on in Mida.
“I suppose there is some regret for not realising this when I was much younger. This urge that I have today should have been there to conquer the fear or my lack of confidence. That said, I have had a well-lived existence over the years with what I have achieved and the things that I am able to give back (to my family and to through charities).
“After surviving nose cancer after being diagnosed in 2004, what else can I ask for?” shared Yeow, happy to be continuing his relationship with art and specific “love for watercolour art in my twilight years.” – The Vibes, November 15, 2020
Book purchase can be made via www.yeowtc.art/books/birds-of-malaysia or by contacting Alan Tham at 012-3418038 and Ms Chee at 011-10617672.
