GEORGE TOWN: A RETIRED Japanese architect-turned-artist has found his haven in Penang since he moved here six years ago.
Dr Katsuhiro Sato, 69, said the Pearl of the Orient captured his heart and he and his wife Michiko, decided to make it their permanent home.
Since his retirement, Sato, a self-taught artist, has turned his hobby of painting into a full-time occupation, producing a prolific series of artworks, which have resulted in three solo exhibitions in Penang to date.
Sato has amassed a large collection of art pieces, 80 of which can be viewed in his latest solo exhibition titled “Pearl in My Heart” on now at Alyssa Galeri at 346 Penang Road until Sept 21.
Comprising watercolour and oil paintings, the former occupies the ground floor while the oil paintings are on the top floor of the two-storey building.
Sato utilises his architectural point of view to express George Town’s unique charms and characteristics, which he had imbued from designs and details of the city’s famed heritage buildings and landmarks.
“I love to explore the streets here during my free time on sunny days.”
Bright sunny weather and clear blue skies are depicted in most of his paintings, which also reflect his passion for nature’s beauty.
“I paint every day when the weather is fine and there are lots of subjects I can find all over the island.
“The word pearl reminds me of oysters, which Japanese people love very much and I can also get them in Batu Ferringhi where I live now.”
Having assimilated into the community, Sato recalls the times when he felt like a true Penangite and he felt completely at home in his adopted land.
“There were times when I was drenched in sweat while painting outdoors and a lady offered me a drink on seeing my sweaty condition and a trishaw rider would yell out ‘Sato-san, ohaiyo’ loudly to me,” he said.
On several occasions, tourists have asked Sato for directions to famous attractions here and he had no problems in directing them as he knows his way around well.
“Such incidents warm my heart and I feel I made the perfect choice to stay in Penang where the air is also healthy.”
Sato used to paint in watercolour but has since ventured into oil painting a year ago.
“Artists need to change and take on new challenges to improve their skills.
“I usually paint on site and add the finishing touches at home, colours I feel are right for the painting, though not necessarily the original colours of the scene that caught my eye.”
He said he has no qualms in consulting professional artists for advice as an artist is constantly learning.
“A beautiful scenery is a sight to behold and it makes the viewer feel happy to view paintings that capture the essence of Mother Nature’s wonders.”
Guest-of-honour and chairman of the National Association of Women Entrepreneur Malaysia, Penang, Wendy Wong said art was not only decorations hanging on a wall but could help relieve stress when seeing the world through a different perspective and thus appreciate the artist’s effort
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm except on Sunday (where it is by appointment only).
For details call/fax 227 5798 or call 011-3311 2991.