Singapore-based artist Keng Lye produces beautifully intricate pieces that are a fusion of sculpture and paint. Each looks like so realistic that one can be fooled to think that you can dip your fingers into the bowls and feel the texture of the animals.

Each piece is painstakingly created with layer upon layer of resin poured and the image of the animals painted on each layer in order to slowly build up the forms of the creatures. It is this that creates the 3D effect and the beautifully feeling of movement as the animals ‘swim’. The sculptures/3D paintings are beautifully executed with extraordinary and meticulous attention paid to detail.

In his own words

What motivated you to become an Artist? When did you realise you would pursue a life in Art?
All my life I have dabbled in art, one way or another, whether for business or pleasure. I went to art school after finishing high school. In the early 80s, I started out in the advertising world as an art director and later worked in graphic design, starting my own graphic design company.

Artistic expression and creation are a part of my life. In 2011, my photographer friend, Gerald Gay showed me a video on of the great Japanese artist, Riusuke Fukahori. Gerald gave me a challenge – to try and create 3-D resin art similar to the works of Riusuke Fukahori. That was how I began to experiment in this art form.

Today you are working in a defined style and your work is instantly recognisable as your own. Has this always been the way or has your work matured and changed over the years?
I am not sure if my style is all that defined and that it is all that easily recognizable.

I believe that my style has remained constant over the years. I have worked in a variety of mediums, from oils to charcoal to acrylic, and now in resin. What has changed is that my work is now even more refined and more detailed.

You tend to mix different sculptural materials techniques. Could you please tell us something about your technique and creating process and why you use a variety of techniques in the same piece?
After seeing the video on Riusuke Fukahori and experimenting with the resin & acrylic layering process, I have gained some experience and knowledge about this technique. There is still so much to learn and it is a continuous process.

I start out by pouring resin into a container. Cover it with plastic wrap so as to protect it from dust and let it harden and dry. After that I start to paint on the resin with acrylic paint. I will paint parts of the object first; for example, the fins or tail of the goldfish. Then when the acrylic is dry, I will pour another layer of resin over and let it dry. When dry, I will continue to paint with acrylic. This process is repeated until the object being painted is completed.

By painting layer upon layer of resin, this helps to create depth to the object. It also makes the entire composition more realistic.

Currently I am experimenting using a pebble, immersing it in the resin and painting over it, to create an even more outstanding 3D effect. I have also started to use eggshell as the base of the tortoise shell.

Do your works share a common theme or are the single forms?
Due to the resin material that creates the water effect, my work is limited to water-based creatures such as fish, prawns, tortoises etc.

What artists have influenced you, and how?
Riusuke Fukahori is the inspiration. I was also challenged by my friend, Gerald, to push myself even further.

What obstacles do you face in making and exhibiting your work?
The only obstacles are within myself. I believe that with hard work, skill, willingness to learn and perseverance, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

I don’t have any grand plans. Just continue to derive enjoyment and fulfillment from working with my heart and hands.

What concepts are you currently exploring and what will you embark on next?
I am currently working on the next series of resin/acrylic art pieces. More of the same style and experimenting with an injection of 3D objects to achieve a more stunning visual effect.

After this I am not sure what direction I will go in. Wait and see.

All images courtesy of Keng Lye |  www.kenglye.deviantart.com

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