PENANG-born Christine Das is a successful wildlife conservation artist, whose artworks are created purely based on her personal connection with Mother Earth.
Hailing from a state that has produced some remarkably successful individuals in various fields, Christine got her first major breakthrough in 2011 after being introduced into the contemporary art world.
She was then invited to be part of a national level group exhibition called 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism 2011 (MCAT), an effort introduced by the then Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
MCAT was a three-month long event, aimed at bringing local and foreign artists together under one roof, to showcase and promote contemporary art throughout Malaysia.
Christine, 53, who completed her primary and secondary education in SK and SMK Convent Green Lane, discovered her passion for art only when reached the age of 40.
Despite the relatively late calling, Christine completed her Diploma in Graphic Designing after her schooling days, and went to work as one in a multidisciplinary arts centre for 18 years before taking a plunge to become a full-time artist.
“At the age of 35, I went into a mid-life crisis and was thinking deeply about the purpose of my life. I thought of all kinds of possible ways of giving back something to the society I live in.
“Vibrant tigers, elephants and owls are my three most favourite wildlife creatures ever. Therefore, I decided to embark on this journey as an artist and ever since, I have always had a soft spot for these three animals in almost all of my artworks.
“I depict the beauty of nature throughout all my paintings. Whether they are Mother Earth, wildlife or trees series, I emphasise the ecstatic and the beauty of nature simply because these days, people are just so disconnected from one another.
“We choose to embrace our gadgets so tightly to the extent we fail to embrace nature, a marvelous gift by God himself.
“The beauty of nature is the core message that I have and will always portray in my artworks,” Christine said during an interview session with Buletin Mutiara.
Asked about how she is coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, Christine was ever optimistic and chose rather to say the unlikeliest of events in 2020, has presented her with some valuable lessons in life.
“The movement control order (MCO) which was implemented earlier this year, was a very good experience for me because it made realise that I will have to carry out my art business in a new way.
“A lot of new ideas came about during this period, and as an artist, I have to say it has been truly beneficial.
“Change is good, but at the same time, my heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones through this devastating pandemic.
“Many are also impacted financially. Resorting to digging into my savings is a proof that I too, feel the pinch now.
“Nevertheless, I choose to be positive as I still have work to do. I am feeling grateful rather than dreadful at this point in time,” Christine added.
Since joining the MCAT group exhibition, Christine has not looked back. She has gone on to the international stage, showcasing some of her best works in countries like Singapore, the United States, Japan, United Arab Emirates, France and England.
Moving forward, part of Christine’s plan is to reinforce and make advocacy for elephants and wildlife conservations even stronger.
“Malayan tigers are going extinct, and I don’t want elephants to share a similar situation.
“Also, I have a plan for conservation education, which I can’t really reveal much as it is still work-in-progress.
“In due time, I will be making an announcement on major works that I am currently working on,” she added.
For aspiring artists, Christine said as much as it is important to have goals in life, it is equally important to protect what you have first, which is your full-time job.
“Until and when you know for a fact that your art is able to sustain your life, you do the necessary and pay full attention on building your base in the industry.
“As a wildlife conservation artist, I stay true to myself and my purpose in life. My good fight is for the preservation of our natural heritage which is our wildlife and rainforests.
“Criticism is part of one’s success. You can’t escape it; just learn to embrace it, and you will reach greater heights in life.
“Discipline and consistency are key elements to have as an artist. Don’t wait to paint only when you have the inspiration. Do it, and you will be inspired along the way,” Christine concluded.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of Christine Das