Painting between the lines

Beatrice Oh is a KL-based artist and illustrator. She plans to continue writing and creating books as long as possible. — Photos: Beatrice Oh

ISSUES of self-doubt, identity, and purpose are common to the inner life of many. Few, however, would expect it to find such existential struggles reflected in a children’s picture book about an itinerant banana skin.

In Beatrice Oh’s latest release, 'Peel', questions of “Why am I here?”, “Where will I go?”, and “Who will love me?” are addressed in an uplifting and compelling narrative, illuminated by art that strikes an emotive, dreamy tone.

Debuted in May by the Kuala Lumpur-based artist and illustrator, 'Peel' tells the story of a banana peel who feels underappreciated and overlooked, having long taken a backseat to its flashier, far more recognised counterpart, the banana.

Tired of playing second fiddle to his spotlight-loving, potassium-rich partner, Peel packs up and sets off on his own to explore what the wider world has to offer.

Along this journey of self-discovery which takes him across forests, hills and streams, he encounters a host of new friends and adventures, learning to find meaning in helping others and wonder in everyday moments.

According to Oh, it is a tale that revolves around uncovering one’s self-worth in a society that largely prizes ambition and renown — something the artist can personally relate to.

“Much like the character Peel, I grew up not being particularly good at anything that would stand out, but I have always had this pining and optimism about life and what it would give,” she says.

“Although now, I have a very clear vocation of being a picture book artist, it is the joy and desire to create the best work I can so that I can connect with the world that is what really drives me forward.”

Brought to life through Oh’s whimsical, heart-warming art style, 'Peel' comes a few years after the success of her first children’s book, 'Dumpling the Tiger', which follows a young girl who forms a charming yet unlikely bond with a Malayan tiger.

Beyond picture books, the artist also specialises in branding design using illustration, and has worked on collaborations with the likes of fashion giant Uniqlo, skincare brand The Olive Tree, and chocolate maker Benns Ethicoa.

We chat with Oh to learn more about her journey in art and illustration, stepping into the world of book publishing, and telling stories that connect with readers.

Congratulations on the launch of your latest book! What was the inspiration for the story and illustration?

My newest book 'Peel', which I launched in May, is a picture book about how a banana peel slips out of a banana’s shadow to find his place in the world.

Just like how there are shiny titles that some people carry such as doctors, actors, engineers, architects and politicians, there are many others who feel like the character Peel, unsure of their place in the world or the value of their work.

The story touches on how one is just as valuable in how they are with the world around them, as much as in what they can provide to others.

What started out looking like a rivalry between two very similar pals (a banana and a banana peel), ends in a journey that was very much coming from within.

In a world that tells us to constantly find our purpose, seize our destiny, and live our dreams, there is a quieter backstage to life that we often ignore: simply to live and to experience.

How did you get into art and illustration work?

Although I’m a graphic design graduate, I have always written for leisure. I just never thought I would put the two together as I had thought I’d be creating visually for all of my career.

But I started creating artworks that were very narrative based, and eventually I knew I wanted to expand the universe of all my illustrations.

To have the illustrations go on a journey or be part of a concept, I slowly drew visual series out of them. I came to a realisation that my true calling is to tell stories, ones that would be visual and accompanied with words.

What made you gravitate towards using watercolour and colour pencils?

I create my art mostly with traditional mediums — watercolour, coloured pencils, gouache and some collages. The goal is to create artwork that feels very human, handmade and textured.

In 2021 you debuted your first book, 'Dumpling the Tiger'. What prompted the decision to do picture books?

During the very start of the pandemic, all projects were ceased. No one wanted to make any business moves, and events were all shut down.

At that stage, these were the bread and butter of my career — making packaging for products and providing visuals for events. I figured it was the perfect time to start something that I was perhaps only 70% ready for art at the time — making a picture book.

This book is akin to a heartfelt love letter to my homeland, Malaysia. Growing up in this tropical country, filled with the warmth of the people and its culture, I’ve always wanted to infuse these special qualities into my favourite things: pictures and books!

The story was also meant as an escape for us being trapped indoors for a whole year, roaming around Malaysia’s most familiar surroundings with a Malayan Tiger.

What was the experience of launching your first picture book like?

It was at the height of the pandemic, which was the worst time to launch a physical book because everything could only be done online from marketing, to promotion and transactions.

I only printed a few hundred because I thought only close friends and regular supporters would get it. As it turned out, the books were sold out within two weeks so I had to do a reprint immediately.

It was a surprise and a reminder to think a little quicker and bigger in light of everything that was happening. Everyone was excited for something local, personal and tangible, and I think it came out at the right place and right time.

What have been some highlights of this journey so far?

I used to think that I would make books that would win awards and get recognition in the industry, and that they would be made for people who wanted to collect art books.

I’ve come to realise that the most rewarding and surprising parts have been when a mother would send me pictures of their kids saying that they pick the book up every night for them to read, or that they enjoyed the story alongside their kids, or strangers who would private message me telling me that the simple story made them cry, and thanking me for the work.

I still feel very lucky that I am able to make work that people have these reactions to.

Looking ahead, what are some plans or goals for the future?

For as long as it will take, I just want to keep writing and creating books. I want to improve my craft and continue to make books that connect until I run out of stories.

This article first appeared in Star Biz7 weekly edition.