Master framer adds value to artworks and objects

WHILE in high school, WinSon Loh once took part in an art exhibition to raise funds for the construction of a school hall.

During the exhibition, Loh noticed that his was the only artwork left unframed.

That was more than 30 years ago but the memory remains fresh in the framer’s mind.

“I was the only one with a naked (unframed) painting and I was really sad,” he said.

That incident, said Loh, spurred him to quit school at the age of 15 to learn how to make frames.

Having lost his father at the age of one in the May 13, 1969 riots, Loh quickly learned to be independent.

Loh: The right framing can give the right impact to an object.

His mother, who was then pregnant with his younger brother, had to work day and night to make ends meet.

Later, to ease her burden, Loh worked during weekends and also helped his wealthy classmates with their homework in return for money.

The master framer has come a long way since his humble beginnings and Diamonds are Forever is a commemorative art exhibition by Pinkguy Art Gallery that celebrates 30 years of framing.

The exhibition, which ends today, showcases art pieces framed by Loh over the years.

On display are the works of eminent Malaysian artists such as Latiff Mohidin, Chang Fee Ming, Datuk Ibrahim Hussein and Suzlee Ibrahim.

On the name of his gallery, Loh said, “I’m a guy and I like pink. Furthermore, the word “pinkguy” sounds like “bingkai”, which is the Malay word for frames. It is a Malaysian brand.”

Over the years, Loh has developed his own framing style and garnered many regular customers.

He has also created new frame styles such as the 3D frame.

Loh recently launched his book, aptly titled Diamonds are Forever.

“I have shared some of my frame-making techniques in my book. I believe that by sharing, you learn something.

“If you do not share, you will not learn anything,” he said.

Despite being a renowned framer in the industry, he is not afraid to admit to his mistakes.

“I have also written about my mistakes. Some ask me, ‘Why did you put that in the book for all to read?’

“I feel that everyone makes mistakes, what is important is that you learn from it,” he said.

With prices that start from RM1,000 and can go up to RM20,000, Loh acknowledges that Pinkguy is not for everyone.

“It is for something of value or something that you treasure. The price depends of the size and layers,” he said.

And for that price, clients are assured that their treasured items are in good hands.

He also stressed the importance of conservation framing, especially for those keen on collecting or investing in art pieces.

“Preservation is always cheaper than restoration.

“The prices of some artworks can increase in merely a few years. Hence, it is important to protect the art piece you bought,” he said.

While the framing of art pieces plays second fiddle to the artwork itself in some cases, Loh said the right framing could give the right impact to the framed object.

“Some cannot understand the concept at first, but when they see it, they are happy and thankful. And that makes me happy.”

One memorable incident was when a client asked Loh to frame her wedding gown.

“She and her mother came with the gown. The process took three months. In the midst of making the frame, I had called her to assist with the layout as per her request. That was when she told me that her mother had passed away.

“It was one of the biggest regrets in my life. I felt so sorry that I could not complete the framing in time for her mother to view it,” he said.

Asked about his proudest moment, Loh said he felt pride everytime there was a request for him to frame an item as it showed the client’s trust in him.

“The framed item is then displayed in their homes or offices for all to see,” he said.

For details, call 03-2166 2166 or visit pinkguy.com.my