PETALING JAYA: Despite decades of travelling around the world to fulfil his passion as an artist, Cheng Peng Sia heads home to keep traditions alive during the Chinese New Year period.
The 72-year-old retiree, originally from Sungai Petani, Kedah, and now based in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, has been a familiar sight in Chinatown during Chinese New Year for almost 10 years.
With his calligraphy brushes, Cheng produces hand-drawn Chinese New Year paintings that reflect blessings of prosperity, peace and longevity.
“Chinese ink painting is my forte. I only use calligraphy brushes for my paintings.
“It took many years of practice and hard work for me to perfect my craft,” he said.
Over the years, his journeys have taken him to China, parts of Europe and South-East Asia for cultural exchanges and exhibitions, with his latest vacation in France for an art-related trip.
Yet, he said, nothing beats the atmosphere of celebrating Chinese New Year at home.
Cheng said he makes it a point to return to Petaling Street every year.
“No matter how far I go, Chinese New Year always brings me back home. This is where I feel connected to my roots, the culture and the people,” he said.
Throughout the festive period, Cheng sets up a small booth where curious onlookers often gather to watch him work.
Even when visitors do not request a specific theme, Cheng would include elements in his paintings that attract people.
“Sometimes people don’t know what they want. They just stop and watch. They would observe me when I’m painting, sometimes asking questions about what I’m painting. They would also look at my gallery to see what resonates with them,” he added.
Cheng said that it is not just about painting something nice. It’s about giving them something meaningful to celebrate the new year with.
While Cheng charges a modest fee for his work, he said he makes an effort to keep his paintings affordable, to sustain himself and cover basic expenses.
“I try not to charge too much, as long as I earn enough to continue doing this and buy my materials.
“What matters most is that people can take a piece of it home with them for Chinese New Year,” he added.
