KENJI CHAI
In what way has the MCO and global outbreak affected you, and how are you coping with the current situation?
Some of my projects have been cancelled and some postponed. At the moment, I’m just learning new things like making videos and live shows to share with my friends and followers on Facebook, to keep them informed of what I’m doing, along with some sketching and digital artwork. More importantly is to just stay active, keep going and to not stop at any point.
What inner strengths and positive qualities you have noted during this challenging time?
I am always a positive person, always seeking solutions to achieve higher ambitions. I also spend more time with family and friends on social communications.
What are you doing to keep the spirits high while isolated at home?
I’ve been doing some workout throughout the lockdown, to keep myself healthy and stay positive. I’m also watching Netflix movies and individual artists’ videos about their success stories, to stay motivated. Apart from that, I’m learning and discussing with friends in video calls how to develop my own contents, like doing some live drawing on social media.
-OST OF US ARE USED TO DEALING WITH SPECIkC problems in methodical ways, but in such a time of uncertainties, what do you reckon is the best approach/mindset?
Basically, as an artist, I’ve been trained to prepare for the worst. I save as much as I can, in case or desperate times. It’s also important to have a positive mindset and an open mind. Try to keep yourself occupied with things to do to avoid overthinking. Bound to stay home, many are taking THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RELECT ON THE important lessons we can learn. Please SHARE WITH US YOUR PERSONAL RELECTIONS HOW it has reshaped your outlook, and what new things/interests you’ve discovered.
Going through some of the art books I bought and also some old sketches and drawings, I realised that I’ve come a long way, with a lot of improvement. Going forward, I need to be more focused and keep on rocking what I do best. More importantly is to just live life to the fullest. Going live on Facebook and Instagram for the first time was like a breakthrough for me. It’s been interesting to be interviewed in English and Cantonese, and there are still many things for me to learn.
SPECIAL COVER ART FOR AUGUST MAN Please share with us the inspiration behind your cover a .
I was travelling around the world, looking at the inspired work of other street a ists. Then it dawned on me just how unique and beautiful my hometown, Sabah, Malaysia, is. With that in mind, I decided to produce a piece that would strike a chord with fellow Malaysians and all those living here, and remind them to appreciate and be proud of our motherland for all the beauty and wonder she bestows on us. The cover a is the result of that.
How do you think it symbolises a new outlook and self-reflection for you?
It is the vivid, refreshing and positive vibes that it exudes, so full of culture and rich in colour. In a way, it represents many thoughts, our heritage and values. More impo antly, it represents nature, the source of all life, which holds all the conditions and resources essential to sustaining us into the future. So we need to take care of her and all life around us, especially our family and loved ones.