Handicraft artist produces dried-leaf paintings

KUCHING: Most paintings are commonly done on canvas, but what would be uncommon is to find one done on dried leaves.

In fact, local handicraft entrepreneur Albot Gudang, 46, has taken it even further by painting on natural material such as dried wood, coconut shells and seashells, transforming them into handicrafts, with the Sarawak motif.

Describing himself as an ‘ethnic artist’, Albot, a Bidayuh from Kampung Bobak, Singgai, in the district of Bau, said he does not use any fancy sophisticated tools, but just a brush and black ink to produce his unique pieces of art.

“Once the paintings are done, they are made into purses, hats and bags,” he told Bernama at the Sarawak Craft Festival held at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.

He added that he has also received orders from Sarawak fashion houses for jackets and wallets made of tree barks to be sold in their galleries as well as shown in fashion shows.

These items are sold at reasonable prices of not more than RM100, he said.

Albot added that his kiosk at the festival this year received many customers, both local and foreign.

“There were also many people from Singapore and Thailand who participated in the Sarawak Regatta who bought the handicrafts and paintings,” he said. – Bernama