KUALA LUMPUR: His exquisite carvings on the hilts of the traditional Malay 'keris' and other wood items has paid off handsomely for Norhaiza Noordin, who was crowned this year's Tokoh Kraf Negara at the National Craft Day 2022 (HKK2022) today.
The 59-year-old, better known as 'Ja', who hails from Kampung Baru in Besut, Terengganu, has been immersed in the world of woodcarving for almost 30 years, and he's not looking to quit anytime soon.
Speaking to the New Straits Times after the award ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex here today, Norhaiza attributed growing up in a socio-cultural environment which focused on art as having indirectly shaped his identity, interests and soul as a woodcarver.
Norhaiza said he looks forward to sharing the art of woodcarving and its traditional technique to the world, and hopes to expand and introduce the products on a bigger scale.
"I began dabbling in this art in 1984, where I was guided by renowned woodcarving mentors who happened to live near my hometown back then.
"They introduced and exposed me to extraordinary carving techniques, knowledge of which I intend to pass down to the younger generation.
"Nowadays, we can see that the younger generation is more drawn to making art that is more commercial or contemporary, which is great, but it is good if they also learn traditional techniques and innovate to fit the present time," he said.
Asked about overcoming challenges to keep traditional woodcarving alive, Norhaiza said adopting contemporary elements in woodcarving is one of the ways to go.
"However, adopting contemporary elements does not apply to all kinds of arts, such as carving the keris. Keris is known for its iconic curvatures, even though they are no longer used for self-defence.
"So we could perhaps find a middle ground in introducing the art to the younger generation while ensuring that traditional values are not lost in time," he said.
Norhaiza is adamant about continuing to explore the wider scope of artwork around traditional as well as conventional methods ranging from sculpting, painting and traditional printmaking.
"It can be challenging because the process is slow and it can take up to several months to create a quality carving.
"However, the art of carving has its philosophy where it teaches us to be patient and how to tell the story of old and modern civilizations," he said.
As the recipient of the Tokoh Kraf Negara award, Norhaiza brought home RM60,000 in prize money, a trophy and certificate of recognition, a songket as well as qualifying for first-class facilities at government hospitals.
Norhaiza's artwork is still available for public viewing, carved at the Pintu Istana Lama Kota, Kelantan, International Islamic University (IIUM) 'cokmar' and convocation as well as official ceremonial equipment, interior decoration and door carvings of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad.
His works are also evident on the seven blades of the Keris Berukir showcased at the Department of Museums.
His masterpieces have also earned international recognition, having been showcased in exhibitions in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States from 2003 till 2015.
Other entrepreneurial awards presented at HKK2022 included Ramtiniwaiti Ramlee, who won the Anugerah Usahawan Kraf Muda 2022 and Salmah Abdul Aziz, the co-founder of Abas & Sal Batik who won the Anugerah Usahawan Kraf 2022.