TIN MAN • Tinsmith Craftsman • George Town • MALAYSIA
Channel: Oxlaey
Date: 2015-09-14

After fighting for many years - an old tinsmith gives up his shop and retires. 

Dan Wojahn was the Sound Editor. Listen to more at: www.soundcloud.com/dajahn 

TIN MAN is part of the mygeorgetown film project, made possible by a grant from Think City (www.thinkcity.com.my). Thanks also to Team 108 in Singapore (www.team108.com) for loaning equipment for the production and audio mastering. A big thanks also to Canon Malaysia (www.canon.com.my) for supporting the screening of the mygeorgetown films by providing a 5000 lumen projector during the 2015 George Town Festival.

"My name is Chee Hwa. Khaw. Tinsmith. That’s what you call it. These days you can’t earn any money. 

You know, factory-made things like these are well made and inexpensive. 

I’ve been doing this for decades, since my childhood. When dad ran the shop, we’d have to come home and help after school. When I was in my 30s, I got sick. Things were difficult because I had a young family and the kids were in school.

I became anxious… nervous. When I went to go outside. I became nervous. I got so scared, I couldn’t leave. As soon as I walked out the door, I’d break out in a sweat. I was so scared, I thought I would die. The doctor said you have an anxiety disorder. The doctor said you have to walk on your own. No friends. On your own without accompaniment. No friend to accompany me. I had to do it on my own. 
I just had to keep walking. Sometimes I’d start to walk, get scared and run back. The doctor said you have to stand and not run. 'If you run, you’ve lost.' I had to listen to the doctor. I had no choice. Bit by bit it worked. 

Old things were made very strong. Even when they’re old they don’t break down. Things made today aren’t made to last. They break down easily.

These kind of hand made things take time. 

That’s enough. Finished." 

One month after this interview, Mr. Kaw closed his shop and retired.