Miniature food jewellery pieces big on charm

Lim making a miniature nasi lemak piece at Hin Bus Depot in George Town, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

ARTIST Lim Beng Wee certainly has a meticulous eye for minute details as he can create art pieces as tiny as 4mm.

Using clay carving tools, a penknife and modified tools, he sculpts polymer clay into a full-fledged nasi lemak meal, curry puffs, ang koo (bean paste cake), steamed bun with exposed filling and others.

He would then turn the miniatures into jewellery pieces. This has been his work of passion since 2007.

“We have earrings, bracelets, hairpins, brooches, rings, necklaces and headbands featuring the miniature pieces, some smaller than a grain of rice.

“What started as a hobby has become something which I am pursuing full-time now with my girlfriend.

“I have always enjoyed drawing and art, having studied it and working as a graphic designer before becoming an art director, ” he said when met at his shop in Hin Bus Depot, George Town, recently.

Recalling his romance with the art, Lim, 45, said his first item made was a doughnut as it was popular to eat back then.

Today, his intricate works include sushi, burgers, pastries and even a big breakfast plate among other designs.

Lim said making nasi lemak took the longest time as it was a combination of multiple components.

“We make rice, cucumber, sambal, chicken, egg and banana leaf separately before combining the pieces for a jewellery piece.

“We make them in batches, and it usually takes us two weeks to make a batch of 50 nasi lemak earrings.

“The whole process may sound tedious but I enjoy it and zone out during the process.

“It is fun to create miniatures that resemble the real deal. A lot of love goes into producing these pieces.

“It is a strain on the eyes after a full-day’s work as I do not use a magnifying glass, ” he said.

Lim said his pieces are priced between RM18 and RM150, depending on the intricacy and details.

“People usually say since the pieces are handmade, there should be less production cost and things should be cheaper.

“But they forgot that a lot of effort goes into producing these pieces.

“They are waterproof, durable and anti-allergenic, ” he said.

Lim said his more popular pieces among customers were the nasi lemak, steamed bun series, curry puff and sushi jewellery.

“We now have a face mask series of earrings which we introduced prior to the movement control order.

“With Christmas approaching, we also have gingerbread man earrings.

“We are working on a flower range now as well, ” he said.