BY BARINA NANI & INDUN SILONG
KUCHING: Turning recycled materials into works of art can provide a lucrative return.
This is because the demand from the local communities as well as government agencies and departments for handcrafts made of recycled waste is always there despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
3D artist, Marzuki Jamilah, 50, said there were always demands for his paintings, especially as gifts for friends, families and guests.
“Some also bought my 3D paintings as a collection in their homes. Only demand from domestic tourists is none so far,” he told New Sarawak Tribune’s sister paper Suara Sarawak.
Marzuki added that his artwork had been able to give him a lucrative income despite him only doing it to kill time.
Among the materials used to create his 3D paintings are egg trays, sacks, rope, decorative stones, sand and so on.
“Every material used can create different textures and this will make the 3D painting different from others,” he said.
Marzuki, who has been making 3D paintings since a decade ago, is grateful for the increasing demand for his artworks.
He said his journey started with cartoon 3D paintings before moving into khat calligraphy.
In terms of price, Marzuki disclosed that his paintings were sold for as low as RM30 while the sizes usually depended on the customer.
“Every painting that I make is according to current demands such as fish, old carving, etc.
“In terms of promotion, I mostly depend on social media platforms such as Facebook.
“Those who know me will contact me directly while customers who wish to see and order my 3D paintings can visit my Facebook — Marzuki Jamilah,” he said.
Apart from khat calligraphy or scenery, Marzuki also highlighted the Iban community’s culture — the letter system in the Iban language.
“A lot of customers do not know that the Iban community have their own letter system and their own drawings.
“This is a way for me to promote the Iban culture and make it more interesting through my 3D painting,” he said.
When met in the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation Sarawak building, Marzuki also featured a 3D painting of legendary Iban warrior Rentap, which he made for his personal collection.
