The WTM, which is the second biggest exhibition in the world, would also see the participation of representatives from Tourism Malaysia, tour agencies, hotels and other players of the hospitality industry based in Langkawi.
Amanda, who has a degree in Business and Banking Studies, said she was overwhelmed at being chosen by LADA and that she would be taking more than 50 pieces of her work for display at the exhibition.
"I'm trying to bring as many coffee paintings in three different sizes for the exhibition and for sale. " So far, I have 38 pieces ready," she said adding that she was in the midst of doing at least 20 more in time for the show. She leaves for London on Nov 2 and will be back in Langkawi on Nov 11.
Born in Taiping but grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Amanda decided to settle down in Langkawi where she operates her cafe, Amanda Coffee at Pekan Rabu in Kuah. It was at this cafe where Amanda was inspired to promote her coffee painting drawn using the leftover coffee residues.
Her love affair with art started during her childhood when she entered numerous painting competitions.
In 1983 and 1984, she sent her painting to Tokyo for the Unesco children painting competition and managed to win a consolation prize. "I never stopped painting since. I have never been to art school and am guided purely by my interest and love for the art. "It's just a hobby and I simply love to paint," she said.
Amanda said she had sold 200 pieces of coffee paintings since she started two years ago. "Basically, most of my buyers are collectors and tourists from all over the world who visit Langkawi for holiday," she added.
Amanda's work caught the eye of Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen who bought two pieces during 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism (MCAT) exhibition during LIMA 2011. "My objective of going to London is to promote Langkawi as a holiday destination as well as an art haven for artists."
Tracing the history of coffee painting, Amanda said this art medium using coffee had been in existence since 1920. "In Malaysia, this medium is still relatively new and that is why I'm trying my best to promote coffee painting," she said
Amanda, who is also a member of the Langkawi Visual Arts Association (LAVAA), said she was lured by the beauty of Langkawi where her paintings were mostly inspired by the water buffaloes, padi fields and beautiful beaches. "I hope one day Langkawi would be an art destination for artists and painters from around the world to gather here for workshops and to share their works and experiences," she said.
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