Made for Genxster

When Genxster asked me whether I am interested to trade card with her, I was jumping with joy, especially when she said she do take request. I have always waiting for this opportunity as I really admire her works on potraits. So without any hesitation, I request for a potrait of me and hubby, and she agree. This is the card she made for me. Tadaa!!

Genxster told me that she saw a series of Harajuku Girl cards in IllustratedATCs and request me to draw something like that. One day, I happened to wander in a survenir shop and saw a set of five or six little handcarved wooden dolls, dressed up with different Sabahan ethnic traditional costumes. They looked pretty gorgeous in a set. The moment I saw these cute dolls, I knew I would want to draw something close to my own root for Genxster. She love drawing and collecting potraits, as according to her, "faces never failed to fascinate me". I just hope this potrait of Sabahan Girl will be a good add to her potrait collection.

Sabah's population is heterogenous and culturally diversed with more than 30 ethnic races and 80 local dialects. Some ethnic groups, for example Kadazan, the dialects spoken and costumes are different between districts. At the beginning, I wanted to draw the most common Kadazan costume but after I saw a photo this one, I am attracted to the colorful beaded collar, hairband and most importantly, earings. I am unable to point accurately this costume belongs to which indigenous group, but after discussing with Debbie, we came to a rough conclusion that it may be a fusion between Sabah and Sarawak traditional costume elements (maybe?). To any Sabahan who read this post and knows better, let me know okay.