My Memory recall

Introduction
In this era, we see many creative and intelligent minds striving to do their best in promoting Malaysia to the world at large. As for me, it is important that people see Malaysia as a successful country in every area possible. I strive to encourage and educate both Malaysians and non-Malaysians to discover the art of Batik, which is part of the Malaysian culture. I created TMS Art as a stepping-stone to gradually uphold my aim. TMS is actually an abbreviation of my name, Tan Mei Shia that was given by my most loving parents. Working in TMS ART is one of the most exciting moments of my life. We as a team in TMS Art, work together and grow together each day. The quick results of our achievements and efforts were truly amazing. This was shared with everyone especially the media, public etc. Our motto is “Live and learn Art Everyday”. This encourages us to learn from our mistakes and move on to achieve our daily goals.

Why Batik?
Even though there are many mediums available around the world, I chose Batik mainly to promote the Malaysian culture and it was love at first sight for me. When I was exposed to Batik during my early years, the fine beauty and the process of how Batik art actually worked fascinated me. Batik belongs to us, Malaysians. Just like in China , the Chinese own Chinese ink painting whereas in Malaysia we own BATIK. I was fortunate to be involved in Batik at the right time because at the time TMS ART was created, the late Datin Endon was promoting Batik. That indirectly promoted my work.

TMS ART Story
Since March 2004, when I was a college student, my first customer, who was also the first supporter of my art was EMKAY ( MKland ). They requested me to do an exhibition for them. That was when I put in all my thoughts and ideas through years of learning and created TMS ART. That was followed by UNICEF, Suria KLCC and so on. My Platinum Sponsor is Royal Selangor Pewter. Both Royal Selangor Pewter and TMS Art deal with similar Malaysian products – Pewter and Batik, hence we promote each other. There were many other accomplishments that I have achieved from then on and I believe that was just the beginning of my journey.

I travelled around Europe as a back packer for 70 days. The art in Europe is quite diverse as compared to Malaysia, as it includes a lot of contemporary art. I felt very small when I was there because of the vast art industry. I know for a fact that I have a long way to go as far as Malaysian art is concerned. There is a lot of catching up to do in the Malaysian Art. United States is number one in economy as well as in Art, whereas, Europe is of excellence in the field of art. Thus, when I was there, my heart was very eager to explore and churn out ideas for Malaysian Batik to stand at par with these countries.

MY PERSONAL FEELINGS

Batik was love at first sight for me. The distinctiveness of Malaysian Art is beyond words to express. I believe deep down in my heart that Malaysia can shine in the world of Batik. Today, our country does not strive to outshine others in the Batik industry. If you ask me why I did not choose other mediums of art such as oil painting or water colour painting, it is simply because those two mediums are very common and have been accomplished by other countries. Malaysian Batik is unique and there can be a huge market for it as Batik can be a number one industry in Malaysia if we actually strive to excel in it. On the other hand, oil painting and water colour painting are from the Europeans and other countries and the materials used are also from there. That was one the reasons why we are left behind in these two mediums. When we use Batik, our own uniqueness, we can grow tremendously due to material availability.

My aim to the Batik world is to apply Batik not only in art and textile but also in our daily living. I believe this will definitely enlarge the world of Batik. My experience in Europe and other countries, led me to create TMS art group. It is still a long way to go, but it aims to promote Batik to the world at large, not only art but also in lifestyles. This basically means using Batik in our daily lives such as in furnitures, curtains, bed sheets, gift wraps, wall papers, packaging, etc. The TMS Art group mostly exhibits on art cafes, art museum/galleries or workshops. I aim for something bigger and better. I do not want Batik art to be just for art lovers only but also for every individual, in which Batik can be incorporated into their lifestyles.

A CALL TO ALL

TMS art Group mainly promotes Malaysian Batik. It also hopes to create a Batik evolution. Our team is very open-minded and accept people from all walks of life and work together hand in hand in promoting Malaysian Batik to the world at large. If you are interested or know people who are interested and want to work with us or know more about Batik we can meet up and come up with designs to make batik industry a bigger industry. I want to carry out this mission so that other countries can see Malaysia in a different light. Thus, our own Batik culture can grow tremendously in not only art/ textile but in its application in daily lifestyles of Malaysians.

ACTION

The TMS Art Centre consists of Artists, Art Gallery, Art & Craft Workshop, and Art Magazine Publication namely MyBatik. However, we have a long way to go without the support of others. Therefore, I personally cry out to all Malaysians to give their support to us, come forward and join us uphold this mission together. Together as a team, we can come up with a Batik evolution and thus, make our country stand out in the eyes of the world.

TMS ART Franchise Programme

Our latest Batik programme is the Batik-coloring workshop, which is not only for those who are in the urban areas, but also for tourists. We also bring Batik to suburban areas so everyone has a chance to know about our Batik. Moreover, we have resident artists who display their artwork in our Gallery. These resident artists are provided with paint and other materials for free. This programme serves as an encouragement to all aspiring artists and gives them an opportunity to have their own exhibitions. It will be like a starting point for them. There are many other programmes running throughout the year. If you are interested, kindly check out the programme at our website; www.tmsart.com.my.

Meanwhile, we are providing the art training workshop for those art tutors who subscript for TMS ART PROGRAMME in their centre, for the franchise purpose. Not only we promote together for Malaysian Batik Art, in the same time, sharing the branding purpose. We welcome you write to us, tmsart@tmsart.com.my if you are interested in TMS ART franchise programme.

A Note of Thanks

There are just so many to thank for the growth of TMS Art. With sincere gratitude, as the president of TMS Art, I would like to say a big thank you to our late Datin Sri Endon, the wife of our Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi who brought Malaysian batik to world stage and also to open up the market worldwide. Next would be my most loving parents, siblings and everyone in my family in Banting, a small town in Selangor , MALAYSIA for all their help, support and encouragement throughout my journey of discovering TMS Art. Also a warm thanks to Malaysia Batik Guild and Penyayang for organizing all batik events and projects.

I would also like to thank a few more people; Ms. Farah Emkay from MKland for being the first customer of TMS ART, Datin Chen from Royal Selangor for her kind support and encouragement from time to time, fashion designer: Daniel Cho, Scott, Cheong Peh, event organizer Chris Ng for making my solo batik showcase in Suria KLCC, 2004 a successful story and an unforgettable event, Graphic designer: Mr. Luk Chee Chiew for creating TMS ART’s logo, Ms. Jennifer from Mustard Tree Restaurant for her kind advices and encouragements and TMS ART Photographers: Mr. Lucien De Prycker, Mr. Jacky Lin & Danny Lee.

Never forget also, Ms. Jeannie Cotter, the editor to myBatik Magazine, www.myBatik.org.my, for her hard work, and advice from time to time, to make sure the success of myBatik is there. Art Director Mr. Ben Chin, plus my Personal Assistant, Ms. Elaine Lee, who is another iron lady next to me and always there to help me out.

Moreover, not forgetting the Media and the public, especially writer Mr. Leong Tuck Yee from Soga Gakkai Malaysia , Ms. MaryBeth from The Expat Magazine, Ms. Gine from Sin Chiew Guang Meng Daily and many more. I would also like to extend my thanks to Ms. Liz Harvey, the art teacher from Garden International School and Ms. Chong the Head of HR Department of Cempaka International School. Last but not least, my artists friends and teacher Mr. Tiew Nai Tong, Mr. Tan Tong and Ms. Fatimah Chik who were my excellent advisors from day one. To those names who were not mentioned, I would like to apologize but do remember each and everyone who has done something, even though so small, I also wish to extend my thank you to you.

Just to end this message, ‘Art is an expression of your own vision and eventually you will make up your own rules. Inspiration is everywhere. My journey through the world of batik is a continuing adventure and I still find myself learning and discovering everyday. ‘ said this young Batik artist, Emilia.

Founder / President, TMS ART CENTRE: Ms. Emilia Tan, September 2009