A photo frame is what holds life’s most precious moments, but it is more than just an occupation for the Chan brothers – it is also a way of life.
(Photo by JW for WeirdKaya)
Chan Ka Sing, 62, and Chan Ka Kee, 59, began their framing apprenticeship with their uncle in their 20s, forging a practice that has spanned for more than 30 years. Most assume that a great passion drove them to stay for so long at their job, but Ka Kee fell silent momentarily.
“I guess so? Otherwise, I wouldn’t be in this line for so long. It’s the only way we know how to earn a living,” he answered after a brief pause.
Be it for money, passion, or to pass the time, the brothers are not showing any sign of letting off. “I will only stop when I can’t physically continue anymore due to sickness or force majeure. Being fit at this age is truly a gift from God,” said Ka Sing.
Standing out from the crowd
After undergoing intense training at their uncle’s shop in Selangor, they began their own framing business named WS together, where WS stood for “永升” (Weng Seng) or “rising forever” in Cantonese. Their father gave the name as he hoped that the business would reach great heights.
Wanting to stand out from their competitors, the Chan brothers flew to America to take courses in Corporate Art Consulting, Advanced Preservation Framing Concepts and Techniques conducted by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA). “Malaysia’s framing skills were not up to standard at that time, so we had to learn from outsiders to improve,” said Ka Kee.
Armed with those skills, the brother returned to KL and gradually made a name for themselves with their superb skills and customisable services. “Back then, we were to make thousands of frames within a few months,” recalled Ka Sing.
Words about their business began to spread, and many hotels, museums, embassies, and art galleries invited them to projects to showcase their works to the public. The Star also ran a feature story about their craftmanship, which undoubtedly brought much pride for the brothers.
Tailored to your needs
As artisans, the Chan brothers seldom make ready-made frames; instead, they craft them according to the customer’s needs.
“Ordering a frame is like buying clothes; it has to have a nice fit. Be it a piece of paper or a famous painting that’s worth millions of Ringgit, we make sure that we match it with the perfect frame,” said Ka Sing’s wife, Grace, who is also in charge of sales.
“The framing market in Malaysia has been relatively small and inactive compared to European countries, which are more artistic. Most Malaysians fail to understand how a frame can enhance the appearance of a house,” she added.
Throughout the years, the Chan brothers have met all kinds of customers, from picky to downright ridiculous. “I’ve encountered some who would tell us the size isn’t right when we reach their place for installation,” complained Ka Kee. However, they have also met several customers and suppliers who have become lifelong friends.
Gone with the times?
The main challenges the brothers face now is the advancement of technology and the lack of potential successors. “Young people nowadays are reluctant to take up this job as it is physically demanding, and the pay is relatively low. Some who tried their hand at it also gave up halfway,” commented Ka Sing. “But, nothing is difficult as long as you are willing to put in some effort.”
To pique public interest in the framing industry, Ka Sing and Ka Kee are considering holding workshops to give others a taste of the framing process. As for keeping up with technology, Grace said they have discussed selling framed artwork online and believes that this will help local artists preserve their paintings using digital methods.
Nevertheless, the road ahead remains hazy for the trio as their ideas are yet to be supported by technological skills, putting the industry’s fate and sustainability in unchartered waters.
To know more about painting preservation and framing, visit WS Art & Frame Center Sdn Bhd at No. 34, Jalan Dang Wangi, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Sources: (the Chan brothers from WS)
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
