By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 30: The ability to transform an ordinary face into something extraordinary, whether a wounded survivor, an elderly soul, or even a creature from another world, takes more than makeup. It takes imagination, patience, and artistry.
For self-taught special effects (SFX) makeup artist Shalane Mathew, each transformation is a blend of creativity and precision, where brushes, pigments, and sculpted latex breathe life into characters that defy reality.
At 38, Shalane, mother of two, told DayakDaily that her creative journey began with experimenting makeup applications on friends and family.
“To the best of my knowledge, apart from those working in television or film in Kuching, I am the only one practising this SFX craft here, and I am entirely self-taught,” she shared.
She added that while there are trained SFX artists from Kuching, most have since moved to Kuala Lumpur to pursue the profession.
For Shalane, SFX makeup is a world apart from regular facial beauty applications as it involves sculpting, blending, layering, and utilising different materials to create lifelike textures and tones.
“I did have a short training stint with a professional to enhance my skills, but that was mostly to learn about the materials used. The creative part depends entirely on the individual,” she explained.
Over the past two decades, Shalane has honed her skills through experience, driven by the joy of seeing her work come alive and the satisfaction of her clients’ reactions.
“I am now confident in what I’ve done all this time and have made it my profession here,” she chuckled.
However, she also hopes SFX makeup artists in Sarawak will gain more recognition and support. Compared to their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia, she said, local artists often struggle for visibility and opportunities.
Shalane, who hails from Sarikei, is also an entrepreneur. Together with her husband, she runs ‘Woo Woo Whimsy’, an event management company that promotes local cottage industry products and provides a platform for small entrepreneurs to showcase their work.
Through their events, the couple has helped many low-capital entrepreneurs find their footing and earn a decent living.
“In a way, we are assisting the government, and we hope to receive support from the public, especially to help small cottage industry traders.”
The name ‘Woo Woo Whimsy’, she added, was chosen to attract people to community events that blend fun, and creativity, as well as provide opportunities for new entrepreneurs.
“We organise these events to attract people and provide opportunities for fun and happiness.”
And as Sarawak leaders have consistently expressed their desire for Kuching to become a vibrant city, Sharlene pointed out that this is their way to help achieve this by bringing the community together, having fun, and supporting small businesses.
“That’s the main objective for us,” she declared with a laugh.
Woo Woo Whimsy is currently hosting a Halloween event at The Podium, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, featuring more than 20 local vendors and a Haunted House where visitors can witness Shalane’s creative touch through spine-chilling creatures and ghosts she has meticulously crafted.
For more information, call 011-1750 4480. – DayakDaily
