Written by Sukhbir Cheema
Artwork by Ellie Yong
When legendary animator Tom Bancroft issued a challenge last year to artists to draw mermaids everyday for the month of May, little did he realise that the challenge would become an annual global affair.
Dubbed #MerMay, the challenge is now in its second year and there is a possibility it might be the next big thing after #Inktober.
In Malaysia, there is one artist who has been drawing gorgeous mermaids diligently everyday this entire month.
Ellie Yong Sze Ching aka SillyJellie says she loves mermaids with Disney’s The Little Mermaid playing a huge role in her obsession for this mythical being.
“I haven’t been drawing them much before this, as I always felt that I can’t do the mythical creature justice. Quite pleased with the encouraging response so far,” the 24-year-old says to me through Facebook.
The Miri-born artist cum muralist cum illustrator reveals that the conceptual ideas for her mermaids arrive moments before sleep.
“Things such as movies, quotes, books, pictures, nature and the environment around me inspire me, consciously and subconsciously. Some of the inspiration can be quite apparent, some a bit more abstract. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling.”
She first sketches out her mermaids using a pencil and follows through with a Pentel brush pen.
“Then I colour them with Alpha Artists’ watercolours using a Pentel Aquash Water Brush. Sometimes I use white acrylic to cover the messes and water spray to go crazy on!” she says, adding that the project is experimental in nature.
“I’m not sure if this has always been my “style”. If you come across my portfolio, you’ll find that I’ve tried various styles throughout. I’ve certainly found a style I’m comfortable with at the moment.”
Ellie hopes to sell or exhibit these artworks.
By the way, can you answer this question?
How sensitive is this banned artwork by Pangrok Sulap, really?
Follow Ellie on Facebook, Instagram and Devintart! Have you been painting or sketching mermaids as well for #MerMay? Send us some samples to [email protected]
Tags: SillyJellie ArtWe accept short stories, poems, opinion pieces, and essays on a complimentary basis.
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