Chipping logs into works of art
GEORGE TOWN: No Penangite will forget last November’s storm that left parts of the state under 3m of water and uprooted old rain trees, many of them decades old.
After the clean-up, logs from the massive toppled trees were salvaged.
This is a job for wood sculptors and Artopia Education Trust is sounding the bugle to such artists – local and foreign.
“We want sculptors to turn the logs into public art. They are a mix of rain tree and mahogany logs, and their sizes and conditions vary,” said Artopia’s founding trustee David Goh, who is also the founder of Penang Butterfly Farm.
Goh said the Penang Island City Council ( MBPP) salvaged the logs and allowed Artopia to select about 20.
These are now in Balik Pulau International Art Village, which is founded by the trust.
He said the wood sculptures should be about local culture, Penang heritage or nature.
“Artists have to contact us and show their portfolio of past works to ensure their style fits the project.
“Once chosen, the artists can see the logs for themselves.
“They will then have two weeks to complete the piece but more time can be given, if required. We hope that all the sculptures can be ready by January 2019.
“This is a voluntary project. Artists can stay at the art village and food is provided.
“We will also sponsor domestic flight tickets for them,” he said, adding the artists would have to bring their own wood-working tools.
Goh also called on corporations or organisations to adopt the sculptures by sponsoring and supporting the artists.
The initiative is dubbed the “Penang Old Trees Heritage Sculpture Art-Making Camp” and once completed, all art work will be handed to MBPP, which will decide where to display them.
Balik Pulau International Art Village chairman Dr Paul Boey Teik Soon said the project was in line with the village’s aim of promoting art.
“We are in the midst of preparing the art village before we open it to the public,” he said.
The art village is located at 466, Jalan Mukim 4, Ayer Puteh, Balik Pulau. Those who wish to join the initiative, can call 012-492 5116 or e-mail david.goh@entopia.com.