Growing up in Malaysia, snow was a fantasy. My first encounter with snowy peaks came during family ski trips to Japan, where the chubby Mt. Yotei became a symbol of happiness, associated with crisp air, wooden cottages and family laughter. 

 

However, the beauty of Mt. Yotei did not match the image of Himalayas and Alps I’d seen on screen. These mountain ranges with their jagged peaks owe a beauty I hope to experience. The sublime I imagined.

 

My paintings feature close-up views of peaks, with human presence intentionally removed. These images fulfilled my expectation of what nature should be - beautiful and untouched.

 

I work primarily with oil paints, drawn to their forgiving nature and rich history. It allows me to rework and layer, much like the geological processes that form mountains over time. 

 

Studying in London allowed me to visit the alps. Before, I painted mountains from screens and imagination. After the visit, my paintings gained a new depth, I could close my eyes and vividly recall the mountains I had seen, which brings more authenticity to my work. 

 

I aim to share the awe I felt in the Alps, the sublime in nature evokes pure fascination rather than fear. I want to capture and protect this beauty, to convey the meditative calm they inspire. Or perhaps painting is merely my excuse for more visits to the mountains.