FINANCIALLY-REWARDING ARTWORK

Read this report below that came out in a newspaper recently. It shows how an artist can earn so much money from his works. But I believe that has a lot to do with the context of his painting as well as the "right place right time" thing and also the "know the right people" game. As an artist myself, I can take delight in this... knowing that I too have the chance to have some financial rewards in my artworks, provided that I got lucky as Mr Francis Chong did. Read on and enjoy!

Dr Yee (2nd left) handed over the painting to Ho (right) while Francis (left), Emily (centre) and Dr Ranjit (behind her) look on

KOTA KINABALU: Resource Development and IT Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai has decided to part with his beloved painting, titled ‘Embrace’, by local artist Francis Chong, in the interest of charity.

The painting, which Dr Yee had successfully bid for during the auction at the recent Palliative Care Association (PCA) annual fund raising concert dinner, was bought by Wagamama Japanese Restaurant proprietor Ho Swee Khing, to whom it has special significance. “The painting shows a woman cuddling her two babies,” Dr Yee said. “To Ho, it reflects his (Ho) twin daughters… and that is why he is so fond of it.”

“Linda (Ho’s wife) called me up, and asked me if I can sell the painting to them. At first I was very reluctant… but after giving serious thought, I rather unwillingly sold it to them, but with one request—that they must donate the price of the painting (RM2,200) to PCA,” he explained.

He told reporters this after handing over the painting to Ho yesterday during a simple ceremony. Ho later handed over the donation from the sale of the painting to PCA honorary treasurer Emily Koh.

“I am proud to have this opportunity as it has allowed me to play a small part in helping the association to raise funds. I hope that the artist will produce more paintings to be sold next year,” said Dr Yee.

WHY, WHY, WHY?

I would like to add these articles in my blog over the next few days. How I became a Christian? Why I chose the Baptist denomination? Why am I in journalism now and not graphic design? The foundation of journalism - why journalism? How journalism started? Why write? Why bother writing? Who is supposed to write? Who has the right to write? Who can write... the previlege few or just anybody who cares or interested?

So, check me out the next few days!