Sabahan airbrush artist makes a name for himself

KOTA KINABALU: A Sabahan who started airbrushing for fun after watching television programmes on the artform is now getting many commissions from overseas.

Lawrence Ang, 44, also gets orders from owners of luxurious high-performance motorcycles and cars to adorn their vehicles with his work.

 Thanks to the publicity, Ang was also offered a job by a renowned company based in Los Angeles, United States, and Osaka, Japan, but he turned it down. Pix by Malai Rosmah Tuah
Thanks to the publicity, Ang was also offered a job by a renowned company based in Los Angeles, United States, and Osaka, Japan, but he turned it down. Pix by Malai Rosmah Tuah

The self-taught artist, who is fondly known as Boy, said he started developing a passion for airbrush art 14 years ago while working in Brunei.

He said he picked up airbrush techniques through online websites.

“I had to live on a tight budget for three months to save money to buy airbrush tools.

“They are sold for around RM3,000 and have to be ordered from overseas.

“After learning those spraying techniques in a month, I tried to get orders from friends,” he said at his garage cum home in Taman Kuala Menggatal, here.

At the time, he said, there was not much demand for his work and often he did not get commissions for months.

 “I had to live on a  tight budget for three months to save money to buy  airbrush tools.” Pix by Malai Rosmah Tuah
“I had to live on a tight budget for three months to save money to buy airbrush tools.” Pix by Malai Rosmah Tuah

“I did my artwork on helmets and other medium which I uploaded on Facebook for publicity,” he added.

“The turning point came when the host of the television programme Ride n’ Seek With Jaime Dempsey (History Channel) interviewed me.”

Thanks to the publicity, Ang was also offered a job by a renowned company based in Los Angeles, United States, and Osaka, Japan, but he turned it down.

“I am more comfortable working here,” he said.

On average, Ang said he could complete portraiture and artwork for a helmet in two days, while a motorcycle would take two to four months.

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