Passion for Ink: A conversation with Sheeney

In this exclusive interview, featured in Process Magazine -Volume 3, Sheeney offers a glimpse into the world of Chinese calligraphy, where tradition meets modern expression. Her art is a reflection of deep cultural roots intertwined with personal growth, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless beauty of calligraphy. Through this conversation, she shares her inspirations, her journey of blending calligraphy with other art forms, and her commitment to preserving this ancient craft in a rapidly evolving world.

When did calligraphy become a part of your life? What sparked your interest in calligraphy?

I started writing Chinese calligraphy when I was 7 years old. My early schooling years in a Chinese national primary school ignited my fascination with this ancient art. While my classmates saw the calligraphy exercises as mundane homework, I found joy in the flow of each character. My mother noticed the neatness in my strokes and enrolled me in a learning center where I practiced under skilled masters. Since then, my passion has only grown, shaped by national and international competitions, and by my evolving sense of self throughout the years.





How do you perceive the connection between yourself and calligraphy?

Chinese calligraphy has transcended from a practice to a personal identity for me. Every stroke expresses more than just characters; it conveys a balance of tenacity and softness, a reflection of life’s paradoxes. Through calligraphy, I’ve come to cherish the importance of preserving Chinese culture and language in an age where digital communication dominates. As my own writing style has matured, it’s become a vessel for personal stories and a bridge between tradition and modernity. My art allows me to express what words often cannot, grounding me in both heritage and the contemporary world.




Over the years, her connection to calligraphy has deepened, not only through the intricate techniques but through the ways she integrates her emotions, experiences, and personal history into her works. The complex beauty of Chinese characters has become a pathway for her to communicate universal themes. She regards calligraphy not merely as a series of delicate strokes but as an unfolding of personal essence—a reflection of life, culture, and the deeper self.





Beyond her personal connection to this ancient practice, the artist draws inspiration from a wide variety of sources. Nature, life experiences, and emotions fuel her creative process. When asked about what typically occupies her mind during the act of creation, she speaks about finding a delicate balance between focused intention and free-flowing inspiration. She reflects on her artistic lineage, embracing traditional masters while conveying deeply personal narratives through every brushstroke.




Your works are always vibrant with vitality. Could you share where you typically draw inspiration from? During the creative process, what thoughts usually occupy your mind?

Thank you! My inspiration comes from many places, but life itself is a primary source—my journey through different stages of life shapes my calligraphy. With each chapter, new emotions, new stories unfold onto the paper. I often draw from personal memories, be it happiness or longing, and express them visually through calligraphy. Each piece I create is imbued with a narrative, allowing me to communicate emotions that words sometimes fail to capture. Calligraphy becomes a means of translating my inner world into art, offering a personal, almost intimate, connection with the viewer.




Her works are dynamic and lively, often exploring the fusion of sound and visual art. The fluidity and rhythmic movement of the brush can be compared to a musical composition—a symphony of ink and emotion. With music as a significant influence, the artist envisions calligraphy not only as an artistic form but as an immersive sensory experience. She imagines exhibitions where her works are accompanied by the music that inspired them, offering audiences an intricate dance between the auditory and visual.




Does music play a significant role in your creative process? What kind of music tends to inspire you?

Music has always played a crucial role in my life. My background in music has shown me the parallels between the two forms—both require emotion, rhythm, balance, and flow. Often, the art I create is deeply intertwined with the music I listen to while working. Each genre brings out a different aspect of my creativity, and I’ve even done live performances where calligraphy and music blend together in real-time. This fusion of art forms is something I’m continuously exploring, and I envision curating immersive exhibitions where music enhances the emotional impact of my calligraphy.

As a bridge between tradition and modern expression, her work often evokes a sense of timelessness while remaining deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Growing up in Malaysia—a country rich with cultural diversity—she finds herself influenced by not only Chinese tradition but also the vibrant cultural fabric that surrounds her. Her calligraphy celebrates this fusion, a vibrant tapestry of her roots and the multicultural environment she calls home. She continues to find ways to make calligraphy more accessible and relevant to modern audiences, whether through contemporary design collaborations or immersive public exhibitions.

【 創 IN THE BEGINNING 】chapter 1 light | dark exhibition at Kloe hotel, Kuala Lumpur 10 – 24 August 2024

With the evolution of time, many traditional arts have been marginalized. How do you think more people can appreciate the charm of calligraphy, especially in Malaysia?

We can keep calligraphy alive by making it part of everyday experiences. Collaborations with other artists, public demonstrations, and even offering calligraphy as a service for personal events are just some of the ways to ensure that this art form is seen as more than just seasonal decor during Chinese New Year. Incorporating it into modern design trends, while maintaining its traditional roots, can help bridge the gap between past and present, engaging new audiences and keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.





Her vision is to let calligraphy evolve while preserving its soul. By weaving it into everyday life and connecting with communities, she breathes new life into the art, ensuring its legacy endures for generations in a world of constant change.