by Cassie Forsythe
Tell us a little about yourself. Let’s start from the beginning. Where did you grow up, and what were your dreams as kids?
Sazlin: We often move around with our father. We were born in Utah when our parents were studying in the States. Then we moved back to Tawau, Sabah, for 10 years, then moved to Kota Belud for another 9 years, and finally settled down in Kinarut, Papar. Since we were little, both of us were always into drawing, colouring, and doing creative things together.
Sazwin: We were also the type to decorate random things at home for no reason. Since we’re twins, we basically did everything together growing up.
Sazlin: Our dad also played a huge role in shaping our love for art. He used to bring us outdoors a lot and taught us how to appreciate colours in nature and small details around us.
Sazwin: Our childhood dreams changed all the time honestly, but creativity somehow was always there in one way or another.
How did y’all get involved in art?
Sazlin: While studying Visual Art Technology at UMS, we were exposed to different creative projects and slowly started seeing art as something bigger than just a drawing. We learnt different perspectives of art such as animation, ceramic, sculpture, videography and much more.
Sazwin: One experience that really stayed with us was when one of our lecturers selected us and several classmates to work on a mural project at a primary school.
Sazlin: Before that, we were more used to drawing on paper and canvas, so painting directly onto a huge wall felt very different for us.
Sazwin: Honestly at first we were nervous, but once the mural was completed, seeing how the whole space changed felt really rewarding.
Sazlin: It was also the first time we realised mural art could actually influence the atmosphere of a place and emotionally connect with people.
Sazwin: The students were so excited over the mural too, and that feeling really stayed with us. From there we started taking mural art more seriously.
What is your inspiration?
Sazlin: Honestly, inspiration comes from a lot of everyday things around us.
Sazwin: Nature inspires us a lot, especially growing up in Sabah surrounded by beautiful scenery and colours.
Sazlin: Music, films, fashion, architecture, and even emotions can inspire new ideas for us too.
Sazwin: But one of our biggest inspirations will always be our dad because he introduced us to creativity from such a young age.
Sazlin: We also admire creatives who stay authentic to themselves and create meaningful work from genuine experiences.
Twin personalities… tell us about yourselves.
Sazlin: Sazwin is definitely the more playful, spontaneous, and energetic one who is always hyper-active when surrounded by people.
Sazwin: While Sazlin is calmer, more organised, and usually the one making sure everything is under control.
Sazlin: But honestly, that balance is probably why we work well together creatively. Sometimes we already know what the other person is thinking just from eye contact during projects.
Sazwin: And our style of artistry are very different. Mine is more to illustration and doodle style. While my sister is more to painting, semi-realistic art and playing with colour.
Share a memorable moment in your career.
Sazlin: One of the most meaningful moments for us was definitely our “Give Back to School” mural project at our former school. That project felt really personal because we wanted to give something meaningful back to a place that was once part of our own journey growing up.
Sazwin: The reactions from teachers and students reminded us that mural art can create an emotional connection beyond just visuals. Seeing students taking photos and getting excited around the mural made us really happy too.
Sazlin: Another memorable moment in our career was when we did a project for South Jetty Jesselton Point Terminal Ferry. It was the biggest mural we have ever done since the mural covers both the interior and exterior of the building.
Sazwin: Some days were challenging. We were doubting our ability to do this large scale mural since it was our first time and there was a lot of trials and error in the process.
Sazlin : It really taught us teamwork, patience and confidence. We’re very proud that we were trusted with such a big responsibility.
What’s the toughest part about being artists?
Sazlin: One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was proving that mural art could actually become a serious career path.
Sazwin: We started with smaller projects, so we had to slowly build trust with clients and people around us.
Sazlin: There’s also a lot happening behind the scenes that people don’t really see. The planning, physical work, managing projects, and trying to stay creative at the same time.
Sazwin: But every project teaches us something new, and we’re still continuously learning and growing through the process.
Sazlin: This also is our full-time career and we have our contractor licence.
What advice would you give someone who’s just starting their journey?
Sazwin: Don’t pressure yourself too much.
Sazlin: We feel like people compare themselves a lot nowadays, especially online, but everyone’s journey is different.
Sazwin: Start slowly, stay consistent, and focus on feeling healthy and happy instead of trying to be perfect immediately.
Sazlin: And most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout the process.
Any companies or brands you’d love to collaborate with?
Sazlin: We’d love to collaborate with brands that value creativity, storytelling, and visual experiences.
Sazwin: Fashion, beauty, lifestyle, cafés, boutique hotels… honestly anything creative sounds exciting to us.
Top 3 places people should explore inSabah?
Sazlin: Some of our favourites would definitely be Kundasang because it feels peaceful and calming.
Sazwin: Semporna too because the water there honestly looks unreal.
Sazlin: And we both really enjoy hidden cafés and sunset spots around Kota Kinabalu.
We all love food! What would you recommend?
Sazwin: Sabahan food never disappoints.
Sazlin: We’d definitely recommend fresh seafood, Hinava, Mee Tuaran, Ngau Chap noodle, Ambuyat, Bambangan, Kota Belud soup and local traditional kuih, such as Kuih Cincin and Penjaram.
Sazwin: Especially seafood by the waterfront at night. Good food just makes everything better.
Sazlin: And also, the food in Tawau!
Discover more about Le Sibs Art and their journey of new projects.
