Learning life lessons from a koi fish artist

 Chen (fourth from left) with staff and students

“We all have dreams, but in order to make dreams become reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort,” said Tommy Chen, quoting Jesse Owens, an American track and field athlete and four-time gold medalist in the 1936 Olympic Games.

Tommy Chen is a Malaysian Japanese Nishikigoi (koi fish) artist who is well-known for his passion for art and koi fish painting. Titled “Purpose and Dream, The Keys to a Successful and Meaningful Life”, Chen shared his thoughts on the purpose of life and achieving dreams. The talk took place at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 22 March 2019.

“Many people think that figuring life purpose will lead you to pursue the right job. You are actually missing the bigger picture if you think life purpose is all about job and career. You fulfil your life’s purpose by engaging with the world,” he said.

Chen loves to wake up at four in the morning to paint because the atmosphere is very peaceful

The owner and creative art consultant of McKoi Studio recalled his childhood when he knew that he wanted to be an artist. He began drawing at the age of four. He said, “Colour pencils were very exclusive for me. Whatever given in my hand, I would use it to draw on the doors and walls of my house.” He would call them mural paintings and said that his parents were very much supportive of him.

With koi fish as his common subject of drawing, he spent many years in Taiwan and Japan observing the fish’s behaviour. Those who admire his art will be able to notice the signature elements in his paintings where the koi fishes are often led by a white koi with a red dot on its head heading towards the light.

While painting is his bread and butter, he also uses them as a way of giving back to society, mostly through charity auctions. Once, an Arowana painting of his managed to garner RM20,000 and the whole amount was donated to Living Hope Charity.

“Life purpose is larger than your job or career. It is larger than family, hobby or interests. It is a spiritual journey, involving soul contracts. Your job, family and hobbies are the props that would help you fulfil your life’s purpose,” the Malacca-born artist reminded his audiences.