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May Lyn is a per-
son of desires rather
than plans. She tries to
inspire people on how
passion can overcome
money. She wants to
keep doing that for
as long as she can
survive, even though
it is very difficult in
Penang as her work
attracts a niche milieu.
“I do dream of meet-
ing that one designer,
graphic artist, tailor,
poet , gardener or
textile designer with
whom I can expand
Chop Kongsi
with. As
I am luddite, a de-
signer or person who
has computer skills
with similar passions
and bel iefs would
be where I imagine
taking
Chop Kongsi
in
the future. Until that
happens,
Chop Kongsi
will continue on as a
one-woman act trying
to be multiple,” as-
sures May Lyn.
shopping and an appreciation of details
and the tactility of things. I believe that
people should do what they believe in
without catering to what they think
people want. In other words, even if it
looks mad, so be it,” explains May Lyn.
Art of life
The Penang-based artist thinks that
everyone in the art scene is different in
their own way, focusing on their own
genres of work while continuing to cre-
ate and survive. “ I am not particularly
influenced by any other artists. There are
some that I like a lot more than others.
The ‘artist’ who has greatly influenced
my work, I would call the Art of Life. Life
and injustice are the greatest influence
on my work,” says May Lyn.
Preferring to be called a ‘maker’ than
an ‘artist’, May Lyn thinks that the local
art scene is more vibrant today than it
was 30 years ago as more works can be
seen out there. On top of that, there are
now so many art galleries, art spaces
and street art. “I think there are more
opportunities for artists here today; all
thanks to those who worked so hard in
the last decades to pave the way. We
must thank those who were and are
entirely dedicated to the arts in Malaysia
for having created and fought for more
platforms for us today,” she says.
There is no one particular process in
creative steps. It all depends on whether
she is working on her art or jewellery. “At the top of
my head, I would say that my process is regurgitating
everything I’ve imbibed in life. They are mainly from
personal interests like children’s books, literature, music
and a lot of other things. All of that keeps churning
out into drawings or textile works. Sometimes it takes
months to work something out in my head, sometimes
it’s instantaneous. There are some projects which have
been brewing inside me for over eight years”.
Wearable art made from yarn and glass beads
A sample of the local
paintings that are on sale
A stunning
necklace to jazz
up any outfit