Hello Les' Copaque

The entrance swung open and the workers started to trickle out of Les Copaque’s studio for lunch. Without fail, some would look at these workers in curious admiration. Ah these are the workers who were involved in the making of the first Malaysian made 3D animated film, they would think. I felt like waving my hands at them in disagreement if they eyed me, for they would be mistaken---I had only joined the company this month.

Besides, it was not the pride I seek. I had plans for making impressive animated works but lacked the skills to carry them out. Here, I hope to have hands on experience in the makings of one, in exchange of helping another’s dream. At least that’s how I see it, having no instant chemistry with any of the workers here. The team would cringe if they know I feel this way; they place great emphasis on togetherness. It’s almost a rule here.

The workforce may number up to around 60 but everyone knows everyone else. Everyone smiles with sincerity. It’s like I’m in northern Malaysia. Get this: I had been applauded 4 times in various occasions for my inception---that’s how friendly these people are to me. While I may not have found any similar wavelengths just yet, at least it’s great to know I won’t be annoyed or bullied by anyone. Plus, I get to chat about creative stuff with just about anyone. But more importantly they welcomed me as a part of their team, chemistry or no chemistry.

It’s just unfortunate that the pay is unimpressive. And the office hours can be unconventional too. To top it off, the studio is in Shah Alam. I accepted the job still. Thanks a lot, ambition.

As I took up my position as junior animator I discovered animation to be harder than I expected. I was late in giving attention to my animation skills, as Snowfall Rising had shown. I pose, animate, and the leader finds the flaw in my work then orders me to tweak them. Tweaks for the character to pose better. Tweaks for the character to animate smoother. Tweak for the character to look cuter. My first shot took me 4 days to finish. And that shot was only 3 seconds in length.

Good thing there are some ladies here. They may not be as stunning as Fira, but they’re not bad; they’re beautiful in their own way. Being able to talk to pretty girls like them on a weekly basis is a major shift of luck in my life. Perhaps this alone overshadows my issue with the pay check.

But it’s more than that, for I have wanted to work in the animated film industry since 10 years ago. If getting paid less than 2k is what it takes, then I say: ah yelah boleh lah.

Art from all over

As I get older, my appreciation for various art styles grew. This leads me to think if I would finally be able to get what the artworks in an art gallery were trying to say. A brochure came to my attention one day, proclaiming that the International Art Expo Malaysia was being held at Matrade. I knew I had to go.

This was the first painting there that caught me. An entry from Myanmar, it pulled me right in into its tranquillity.

The art on the left was made by an Indonesian artist. The scary vibe that this painting gives away is just one of many of its kind (from various countries). It’s eye catching nevertheless. The right is a piece from India.

There’s something sexy and alluring about the Japanese artworks at the expo, as seen on both of the pictures above. The artists behind these works seem to get their entire muse from the fairer sex.

On the left is a Korean piece. It’s hard to ignore a unique painting like this. My mum was quick to grasp the idea behind the Singaporean made artwork on the right: kids in Singapore spend their fun time in malls.

The Spanish artist behind the sculpture as seen in the left picture must have visited the lab recently. Hey, inspiration can be found anywhere right? The painting on the right is from Vietnam.

And of course, we have entries from Malaysia. There are also some of which that were for sale. The artwork on the right is yours for RM 6,600.

These were but a fraction of what was shown that day. Unfortunately, I can’t claim that I understand all of them. But I was inspired.

Very inspired in fact. Come, follow me this way please.

Gongreash’s Sophisticated Gallery of Postmodern Art

Admire my first unique art piece.

The red box represents anger. While the white represents clarity. For sale now at RM 16,700.

And now for my next unique art piece.

The red box represents ambition. While the white represents emptiness. For sale now at RM 19,450.

And now for my next unique...whoa, wait! Why are you leaving so soon? Humph, you common people can only appreciate traditionally drawn art pieces. Fine, I’ll have you know that I’ve drawn one of those kinds as well. Voila.

I spent hours on painting the highlights and shadows, applying different colours to set the mood just right. For sale now at RM 14,600.

And now for my next art piece.

This art says...what the...how did this get here?! No! It’s not what you think! Hey, come back...!

Snowfall Rising

It’s done. Welcome to the premier.

A bit of a disclaimer on this: don’t expect Pixar quality animation here. A solo made short animation takes at least 6 months to finish. I had to cut down my production time to only 2 months; I don’t have the luxury of a university student who can take all of his/her sweet time making a short animation without pay.

It’s not the masterpiece I wanted it to be but I sure hope it is good enough should I use it as a portfolio to get a decent job.

Thanks for everyone’s interest towards this project.