The Artist

As an artist Benedict is known for his adventurous spirit and peculiarity in his approach to his work. He said he doesn't believe in doing what others are doing. He paints landscape and nature using water colour Benedict Chong is certainly no stranger to the local art scene. Moreover he is about the only local artist who has dare to venture and exhibit his works aboard, such as in Penang, Hong Kong, Canada ,USA and Australia.

Yes, I'm honest with my work, other wise I wouldn't continue painting”, said Benedict Chong, the 54 year old artist when he was pressed with the question on his seriousness about his painting following his erratic appearance and disappearance in the local art scene.

As an artist Benedict is known for his adventurous spirit and peculiarity is his approach to his work. He said he doesn't believe in doing what others are doing. He paints landscape and nature using water colour, acrylic paint, oil colour and batik process with his had, feet and with his eyes blind folded!

One of his works shown in the exhibition was paint with sold gold, pounded into powder and pigment from his own Rm250.00 gold ring.

Apart from his sensational exploits his accomplishment entailed a long list of fascinating activities which very few local artist would like to try. Among them are that; he designed and organized his own batik fashion show, painted the longest batik tie in the world (200 feet), wrote and complied “Tales of Borneo” book, complied and narrated the collection of his series of paintings on “ The Many Side of his Kinabalu” and his participation in the epic walk o 1,135 kilometer from Kudat to Sarawak. Benedict's last exhibition in the state capital was on 14.55. 19999 entitle “Inspiration of Borneo” at the Shangri-La Tanjung Are Resorts. It was organized is support of the Special Olympic.

Although he has made his name as an artist Benedict doesn't depend on painting for his living. He works as a mechanic, electrician, collector of bric-a-brac and so on. Whenever he has an opportunity he places great importance on charity works. He is a member of the Royal Queensland Art Society and the St. John Ambulan Malaysia (Sabah).