Bernice Wong’s path to becoming a renowned sand animation artist is a journey shaped by resilience, creativity and a passion for storytelling. She has previously worked in the banking industry and had experienced a major financial setback following a failed business venture. She found solace and inspiration in an unexpected art form—sand animation. What began as a way to heal from personal loss soon became a transformative career, as Bernice immersed herself in learning the craft and honing her skills. Today, her work is not only a personal expression but also a powerful medium for conveying emotional stories. In an interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Bernice shares her journey, the challenges she’s overcome and her vision for the future.
“I was born into a medium-sized family background and due to financial issues, my family encouraged me to pursue higher education at a university in Malaysia,” reminisces Bernice, who holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“After graduation, I worked at a bank for a year before starting my own business with my boyfriend (now my husband) and some partners. Within six months, we lost all my money in the business. During this painful period, I discovered sand animation on the internet and that’s how my journey in sand art began.”
Bernice wanted to study something artistic, like interior design; however, her parents encouraged her to pursue a more conventional field, such as business or finance. “Their mindset was, ‘You won’t be able to survive if you study in the art field.’”
“My husband and I were cheated by our business partners, and we lost all our money. To lift our spirits, we went on a holiday trip to Genting Highlands. While there, I was inspired after attending a sand animation performance. Upon returning home, I spent hours watching sand art tutorials on the Internet. I studied the art in depth and conducted extensive research,” shares Bernice. “Soon, I began experimenting with various materials such as beach sand, river sand, salt, sugar, flour and more. I dedicated a lot of time to this process. After a while, I fell in love with sand art and started practicing for hours on end until I mastered the skill and the art of sand animation.”
A defining moment in Bernice’s career was creating a heartwarming family-themed sand animation. “This piece tells a touching story about family love, health and cherished memories. It depicts the journey of growing up, a family’s struggle with illness and their path to recovery.”
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is performing in outdoor settings, where weather conditions can greatly affect my work. High humidity can cause the sand to clump together, altering its texture and flow, while uneven surfaces make it difficult to create smooth transitions. Additionally, the wind can blow the sand away, ruining the artwork.”
Sand animation is a powerful platform for conveying messages. “By using sand, I can tell stories, express emotions and share important messages without relying on words. It’s truly inspiring when clients and audiences tell me, “That’s awesome!”.
“Confidentiality and privacy are essential values that guide my work, especially when handling sensitive or personal material. For instance, if the animation is based on someone’s personal story, it’s important to respect their privacy and obtain consent before sharing the work publicly,” says Bernice.
For Bernice, success is about pursuing what one truly wants. “Even in the face of failure or setbacks, choosing to continue working toward your goals is a success in itself. The key is to keep trying, stay focused on your goals and always give your best effort.”
“In the next few years, my goals are focused on skill improvement. I aim to master different techniques in sand animation to create smoother textures and enhance the overall quality of my work. Additionally, I plan to invest in better equipment, such as high-quality cameras and lighting, to ensure that my animations are of the highest standard. Finally, I am eager to explore new forms of art to expand my creative horizons and incorporate fresh ideas into my work,” says Bernice excitedly.
Bernice’s advice for those who are starting in her field: “Keep trying, never give up and be patient. Experiment with different techniques and materials, and most importantly, follow your passion.”
