Since March, she has embarked on a journey to immortalise Klang’s charm, and her work now stretches nearly 60.96 metres in length.
She sketches the facades of shophouses and other buildings along Jalan Besar, Jalan Stesen, Jalan Stesen 1, Jalan Tengku Diaudin, Jalan Dato Hamzah and Jalan Tengku Kelana in south Klang.
“Although others have sketched Klang before, they have often focused on a single site or building. I wanted to capture entire rows of old buildings instead, because they are part of Klang’s heritage,” Soo told FMT Lifestyle.
Some of these streets are steeped in history: it is believed that Tun Perak, the famed leader of the Malacca Sultanate, lived along Jalan Tengku Kelana in the 15th century. Loke Yew and Loke Chow Kit also constructed shophouses here after the Klang War in 1874.
One might assume that Soo is a Klang native, but she actually grew up in Jugra, Kuala Langat. It was only after her marriage that she moved here, and nearly four decades later, she has come to love the city deeply.
“This is a royal city. Istana Alam Shah is located here, along with other interesting sites,” explained Soo, a retired teacher.
She said she had always been captivated by Klang’s beautiful buildings and longed to sketch them. And one day, after stopping by Jalan Stesen to buy a cake, she decided to just do it. Encouragement from a fellow artist helped firm up her commitment.
Her sketches capture the vibrant tapestry of everyday life in Klang – from people chatting and strolling along five-foot ways to cars parked along the roadside.
She said she loved sketching the shophouses in south Klang as they were old and constructed in long rows – picturesque features that were a joy to sketch.
She sketches for four hours at a stretch although her recent cataract surgery has meant she’s had to cut back – for now, at least.
Preferring to sketch using pens and pencils, she has taken to using watercolour pencils recently, adding pops of colour to her work.
Naturally, the sight of her sketching often draws curious passers-by who stop to chat. And sometimes, she gives children a quick lesson in sketching.
She hopes her sketches will someday earn her a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records. Besides this dream, she hopes to stage her 10th solo exhibition before she turns 70.
Apart from her present sketches, Soo has also painted iconic Klang landmarks: the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, the Kota Raja Fire and Rescue Station and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, among others.
She said she was absolutely delighted when the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, signed her painting of Chong Kok Kopitiam, a beloved spot in Klang that dates back to 1940.
While it may seem as though Soo has been an artist all her life, she only began sketching less than a decade ago at age 59.
She remembered it was a difficult period for her. She was going through a divorce and stressed at work. To help deal with her depression, she enrolled in Chinese calligraphy classes, and found it to be therapeutic.
She began painting in oil, watercolour and acrylics before eventually discovering the joy of urban sketching.
To date, she has participated in numerous competitions and staged nine solo exhibitions, generously donating most of the proceeds from sales to those in need.
Looking back, Soo said she had always loved art but could not afford lessons. To finally uncover this talent in her golden years, she added, brings her much happiness.
“If you’re going through a difficult time in your life – whether it’s a divorce or struggles with mental health – try art. You may just rediscover how beautiful the world is,” she said.
