When life gives Haze lemon, she makes art out of it. From painting beautiful portraits to creating jaw-dropping masterpiece in a god-like speed, Haze is nothing but an epitome of courage, because creativity is courage. Sevenpie had the privilege to find out more about Haze on speed panting so here it is:
1. Hello, Haze! Please tell us more about yourself.
Hi! I am a fine artist and businesswoman. I also run a shop in Publika Shopping Gallery called Gojyu5. However, I am more known as a speed painter in Malaysia.
2. Can you let our readers know more about your experience with speed panting thus far?
It is a performance where I have to finish a painting in less than 5 minutes or so. I perform on a rotating canvas that can be spun in 2 axis. Sometimes I do something crazy like speed painting with glow in the dark or with fire.
3. Do you remember your first live speed painting performance? How was it like?
Back in the days, it wasn’t even called speed painting. It was just convenient to complete a painting within a duration of a song. After a couple of years, the trend hit social media and the term “speed painting” was coined. My first speed painting was with Vinn Pang, another speed painter from Malaysia. We actually discovered the performance together when we were working on our mural business. That performance was performed for Sancora, a paint brand from Taiping.
4. We understand that you started off as a blogger and then you ventured into web development and design. What is the trigger point which sparks the birth of Art Misfits?
I started off acing all my exams as a student when I was younger and I was accustomed to overcoming learning curves when it comes to new skills. So after I graduated with a Film & Animation degree, I knew I wasn’t meant for the rat race and I started doing all sorts of businesses after that. From makeup, blogging, web to programming; I was just happy exploring. However, my father passed away at one point of time and I lost aim in life. Vinn pulled me into venturing into murals and I went into it just for fun. We never expected the demand to be this serious. We parted ways after a few years and I started Art Misfits on my own after that.
5. If our readers were to tag along with you to work, what can we expect from a typical working day?
I wear a lot of hats due to the nature of my career so the days are pretty varied but predictable. There are days where I spend time at my shop, or I’ll be preparing for my speed painting performances at home. Those days feel like work to me. I have mundane days of shopping for supplies and running errands. The happiest days is when I am painting in solitude and making merchandises from my paintings. I love the tactile feel of working with hands.Recently, my happiness comes from doing a lot of woodworking and sewing. I decided to go with a cheap circular saw and start making all kinds of small wood objects. It is so satisfying, I can hardly explain why but I know it is profoundly human.
6. What are the highlights you’ve encountered so far in your line of work?
It’s difficult to pinpoint any as I view my achievements as milestones. Awards and performing among or for distinguished personalities are not that impactful towards me. But highlights that are fresh in my memories are when we work on huge mural projects and the kindness that were extended to us were always by the homeless and the foreign expats. There was also a poor, old man who came a long way to my solo exhibition after calling numerous times. He appreciated my art intently and spent a long time talking to me. It was amazing that someone completely out of the customer segment is willing to brave the pretentious setting of an art exhibition. He couldn’t afford anything but it was the best moment of my life.
7. Your favorite speed painting masterpiece to date?
I don’t have any. The speed painting aspect of my life is purely work only. There’s always room for improvement and I strive to create a repertoire that I can be proud of. That day hasn’t arrived yet.
8. What is your favorite past time activities?
My career is what I love and I can be viewed as a workaholic. Activities I do out of norm are usually skills that I am working on, recently singing and driving.
9. What is your life motto?
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10. Any advice for aspiring artists out there?
Do something simple. Be good at it.
11. Where do you see yourself and Art Misfits in 3 years’ time?
I’ll be 3 years younger but the company will be 3 years older. 😉
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Find out more about Haze, Art Misfits, and her speed panting!
