By Anis Hipni
CREATIVITY often emerges from moments of stillness and for Tina Chua, the COVID-19 lockdown was the unexpected spark that reignited her passion for clay.
Originally from Sarawak and now based in Kuala Lumpur, Tina, 52, is not only a part-time university lecturer but also the artisan behind The Clay Addict, a small-scale brand that celebrates Malaysian identity through miniature clay art.
“I was a full-time university lecturer for 16 years but I decided to take very early retirement earlier this year to prioritise my well-being,” she said.
“That didn’t last long though — I was back teaching part-time the next semester,” she added.
Despite returning to academia, her hands have remained busy crafting, sculpting and shaping clay into wearable pieces of art that are both playful and meaningful.
A new chapter during lockdown
Tina’s foray into polymer clay began almost by chance.
“Years ago, while living in the Netherlands, I had taken a terracotta clay sculpting course. So, when the lockdown was announced in 2020, I rushed to Art Friend, a craft store, thinking I’d pick up some terracotta clay and get back into sculpting,” she said.
But fate had a different plan. As she browsed the shelves, she stumbled upon brightly coloured polymer clay.
A quick Google search later, she decided to give it a try.
“I walked out of the store with a starter kit instead. That’s how it all began,” she said.
From then on, Tina immersed herself in the world of polymer clay—teaching herself new techniques and rekindling skills she had picked up from previous jewellery-making courses.
The Clay Addict is born
What started as a curious experiment soon grew into something much more meaningful.
“Clay art isn’t just a hobby — it’s become central to who I am as a creator,” she said.
Although she doesn’t operate a full-fledged business yet, her handmade pieces have found their way into the hands of friends, followers, and collectors — mostly through Instagram and word of mouth.
While The Clay Addict has not officially reached international markets, Tina knows that some of her creations have travelled far as gifts.
“Now that I’m semi-retired, I hope to dedicate more time to growing my small artisan business,” she said.
Food, heritage, and creative sparks
During lockdown, her primary source of inspiration was food.
“I’m a huge foodie. Since I couldn’t get access to all the food I craved, I started making miniature versions of them in clay,” she said.
From there, her inspiration broadened.
“I’m a quarter Peranakan — my maternal grandmother was a Singaporean Nyonya — so I often make Peranakan-inspired pieces,” she said.
As a proud Sarawakian, she also draws inspiration from local folk art like the pua kumbu and traditional Sarawakian dishes such as Laksa and Kolo Mee. Her creative process is intuitive.
“I don’t always start with a fixed idea. Sometimes, it’s a festival, a quirky day like International Coffee Day, or just something that catches my eye,” she said.
Techniques and favourites
Among her favourite techniques are the swirl and extruder methods.
“I love that you can’t completely control the outcome — it’s unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun,” she said.
“The swirl technique, especially, is therapeutic. Watching colours twist and blend calms me,” she said.
When asked to pick a favourite piece, she chose her Malaysian Comfort Food series. “There’s nothing more representative of Malaysia than its food,” she said.
“It’s a central part of who we are,” she added.
The artist, not the businesswoman
Despite her popularity, Tina admits she doesn’t focus much on the business side.
“I see myself more as an artist than a businessperson. My designs tend to be bold, chunky, and a bit quirky — meant to make a statement,” she said.
She finds pricing especially challenging.
“How do you put a price on the hours of effort, creativity and yes, even the occasional tears that go into handmade work?” she said.
“It’s a balance between fair pricing and valuing the craft,” she said.
Workshops with heart
In addition to creating, Tina also runs clay art workshops. Her background in academia comes in handy here.
“Teaching is second nature to me,” she said.
“I love sharing my passion with others, and connecting with people through craft,” she said.
She structures her workshops progressively, starting from beginner level and moving into intermediate and advanced modules — just like a university syllabus.
“All workshops begin with the beginner class—it’s essential. From there, participants can choose to specialise in specific techniques,” she said.
“It’s like choosing electives,” she said.
The highlight of her workshops is the hi-tea.
“I always include it! It’s a lovely break while the clay cures in the oven and it gives everyone a chance to chat and bond,” she said.
Empowerment through creativity
Tina’s values as an educator and artist shine through in her sessions.
“I value patience and encouragement. Everyone learns at their own pace, and I want participants to feel empowered, not intimidated,” she said.
She hopes to expand her community involvement.
“Now that I have more time, I’d love to conduct workshops for single mothers.
“Clay art can be more than just a creative outlet — it can be a stepping stone to independence and a small business of their own,” she said.
More than just art
Working with clay has transformed Tina in many ways.
“It’s therapeutic. It has helped me slow down, reconnect with myself and let go of perfection,” she said.
Through clay, she has found confidence and purpose.
“It reminds me that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
“Creativity can be healing, expressive and deeply fulfilling,” she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes that handmade art receives the appreciation it deserves.
“There’s still a gap in how people value handmade work versus mass-produced items.
“Every piece I make has heart and soul in it,” she said.
As for The Clay Addict, Tina hopes to continue evolving — experimenting with new techniques, connecting with others and uplifting communities through her art.
“My advice to anyone looking to pursue this path? Know that it’s not easy. It takes passion and perseverance. But if you love what you do, it can be incredibly rewarding,” she said.
