MELAKA: For someone with an eye for art, there is beauty in fallen leaves.

       Book store assistant Low Kiah Hong would pick up fallen leaves from all over the place and use them to craft portraits of leaders such as Tunku Abdul Rahman.

       Low, 41, started his newfound hobby during the series of movement control orders since 2020.

       “Covid-19 made me feel uncertain about my future. Initially, I thought would lose my job.

       “But staying at home gave me an opportunity to acquire the skill of creating ‘leaf art’.

       “It took me several months to master the art and I am really glad that I have learned it,” he said.

       Low explained that each leaf design had its own story.

       “Some of my creations need to be viewed using light to enjoy the tiny details,” he said.

       Low said he had learned to be patient and focused, as it took time to make one piece of leaf art.

       “The art has taught me to be a better person,” he added.

       A bachelor, Low is planning to turn his house into an exhibition centre for people to view his artwork.

       Low added that he hopes to raise funds for flood victims and those who are unable to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year due to financial hardship.

       “I don’t intend to sell my art for the time being but I am willing to help non-governmental organisations raise funds for the needy.”

       “Since I am still employed, I just want to help those who were impacted by the pandemic and floods,” he said.

       He has applied to be listed in the Malaysia Book of Records for turning leaves into art.