shop front signage by kok ying chow signboard maker Being situated along the historic Katong shopping strip, The Gentle Art Academy set out to capture the essence of a traditional shophouse within our signage. The wooden signboard, purposed to inform and invite customers, has been a staple of many a preceding shopkeeper. Our pursuit of authenticity led us to a humble and inconspicuous shop lot in Georgetown on the island of Penang, Malaysia. There Mr. Kok Ah Wah, well into his 70’s, can be found skillfully hand-carving characters and painting wooden boards with his seasoned hands. The outcome of his labour is signage that captures a warmth in subtle texture variations that cannot be achieved with modern laser guided machines. Clients wait months for their creations to be unveiled but the outcome is undoubtedly worth the time. Kok, a certified living heritage, is the last in his generation to take up the craft so the future of signage is destined to be a little colder once he hangs up his chisel for the last time. tribulation. patience. hope.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 08:24:19 +0000