SOMETIMES, the hardest part of life is understanding and processing the extraordinary elements hidden within the everyday stories that shape our lives.
However, artist Lim Jee Yuan, 71, finds inspiration in life’s little joys. He skilfully captures the essence of culture and everyday life through visually appealing artworks.
During an interview with Buletin Mutiara on March 7, Lim said the most important trait an artist must possess is to see things that others overlook.
He specialises in watercolour paintings and oil creations.
“In this field, it is all about your character and what drives you to think out of the box, producing artwork that speaks volumes, even if it is to paint a picture of a non-iconic landmark.
“Non-iconic landmarks are also beautiful. To me, this aspect of life is more important because that’s where ordinary people live and carry out their daily activities.
“In the world of art, learning how to fail is as important as learning how to succeed.
“Quite frankly speaking, it is impossible to achieve great results in a one-go attempt at drawing.
“We have to learn to forgive ourselves, accept our mistakes, and then, make the best out of our mistakes,” Lim said during the interview.
Born in 1953 in Kuala Lumpur, Lim’s journey was triggered by the gentle encouragement of his father, Lim Chiun Hong, a schoolteacher with a penchant for Chinese calligraphy and art.
While pursuing architecture at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Lim’s education proved transformative, exposing him to diverse disciplines that sparked a lifelong quest for the meaning of life.
Later, his artistic odyssey swayed towards a greater purpose when he decided to refine his skills to impart his knowledge to his daughter, who was destined for architecture studies in Australia.
While that didn’t turn out as he envisioned, Lim was not ready to let his talent slip away. Instead, he made the most of it and upskilled his creative resurgence.
In 2022, Lim called it a day in the private sector, where he was involved in graphics work, and dedicated his time to his craft.
As a father of four, Lim made sure his children not only excelled academically but were toppers in extracurricular activities too.
Lim has been involved in several notable platforms where his artworks were brought to the spotlight, one of which was when he unveiled a breathtaking visual narrative in his inaugural solo exhibition called ‘George Town Urban Oasis’ at the Art Gallery last year.
Out of the 30 works he exhibited, he sold over 20 artworks.
Meanwhile, in the late 1980s, Lim went on to publish a book titled ‘The Malay House’, which sold over 10,000 copies, showcasing his ability to blend his passion for culture with his architectural acumen.
When asked about his preferred style of painting, Lim said while he started his work with watercolour, he has now started producing oil creations too.
“As for watercolour, it is advisable to minimise mistakes since correcting them can be tedious and the probability of starting all over again is very high.
“Meanwhile for oil painting, it is slightly different as adjustments can be made by layering over mistakes.
“It is just two different mediums that at the end of the day, teach us lessons that can never go to waste,” he added.
Some of his works feature iconic places such as Armenian Street, Penang Hill, Penang Harmony Centre, Snake Temple, Victoria Street and many more.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian