Article on Michael Gagne Come to Malaysia

Article on Michael Gagne
By: Rozalee Ismail

Michael Gagne is one of renowned contemporary artists that are successful in painting career. In 1985, he began a highly successful career drawing characters, special effects and conceptual designs for companies such as Don Bluth Animation, Warner Bros., Disney, Pixar, Cartoon Network and many more. Gagne's work has appeared in films such as "The Iron Giant", "Osmosis Jones", the "Star Wars: Clone Wars" animated short films, "The Land Before Time", "All Dogs Go to Heaven", "An American Tail", and numerous others. His 3 ½ minute independent short film, "Prelude to Eden", is a favorite among animation students and teachers, and has played in festivals throughout the world.

Surprisingly after all his success, he suddenly decided to migrate to Malaysia and spend the rest of his life here. As soon as he arrived at the airport, I took the opportunity to interview him and these are what I got from the Q&A session;

Q: Of all the countries, what made you come and choose Malaysia as the place for you to settle down?
A: I have heard a lot about Malaysia while I was back in Canada, the government and tourism industries did a lot of advertising. But I’d never thought of actually having the chance to come here, especially making Malaysia as my 2nd home. I was really busy back then.

Q: There are also other Asian countries that share almost the same attributes as Malaysia, why not them? What makes Malaysia your home for home?
A: Now that I’ve refined from my job, I feel like traveling, and visiting new places, especially Asian countries. I wanted to experience move before I leave this wonderful world and close my eye forever.

Q: Have you been to Malaysia before?
A: I did went to other Asian countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesian, and the Philippines, but this is the 1st time I actually step my foot in Malaysian soil.

Q: So far, since you are just arrived here, how do you feel about Malaysia?
A: I see Malaysia is a fairly civilized and multi-cultural country. People of different religion and culture get to live peacefully. No war or anything. The history of Malaysia makes it more interesting. The fusion between the East and the West even affect the food and the building. Malaysians really manage to blend well.

Q: Does it seem to be what you have been expecting?
A: After being here for the first time, I can’t really say it’s what I have been expecting because it is far too interesting to be described in any sort of media.



Q: Will you get use to the humid tropical weather?
A: The weather is good. Although it doesn’t snow, it rains, which makes it even better, because I’m so sick and tired with the blistering cold. I really love the sun shine on my skin.

Q: Which part of Malaysia do you feel most likely to build your house?
A: I prefer to locate my house in between the city and country because it’s not too hassle and not too quiet as well. And it’s easily access to both urban and sub urban area as the transportation system here are fairly effective.

Q: Last but not least, do you have anything to say to rep-up our session?
A: Certainly! I’m really looking forward to be one of the communities of this delightful and peaceful country since everything that I found out interest me a lot.


Brief on house

Must be simple (not too contemporary in design) and single storey. Overall of house not too big or less partition (less confusing). Interior must have enough natural lightning (but not too glary because the client is half blind).

General
· Adapt lower floor of home for possible one level living
· Increased incandescent general and specific task lighting
· Easy garage or parking access
· At least one entry is without steps
· Doorways 36" wide with off-set hinges on doors
· Levered door handles instead of knobs
· Electrical outlets at 18 inches instead of 12
· Easy to open or lock patio doors and screens
· Light switches at 42" instead of 48
· Adjustable controls on light switches
· Luminous switches in bedrooms, baths and hallways
· Strobe light or vibrator-assisted smoke and burglar alarms
· Lower window sills especially for windows on the street
· Programmable thermostats for heating and cooling
· Contrast colors between floor and walls
· Color borders around floor and counter-top edges
· Non skid flooring
· Matte finish paint, flooring and counter-tops
· Non-glare glass on art work
· Peep hole at a low height
· Incorporation of emergency response system installed or wearable
· Veneer floor
Bathroom
· Lever faucets and faucet mixers with anti-scald valves
· Temperature controlled shower and tub fixtures
· Stall shower with a low threshold and shower seat
· Grab bars at back and sides of shower, tub and toilet or wall reinforcement for later installation
· Bathrooms with turn around and transfer space for walker or wheelchair (36" by 36")
· Higher bathroom counters
· Telephone jack
· Installation of medical response device
· Railings mounted in walls and floors
Kitchen
· Kitchen cabinets with pull-out shelves and lazy susans
· Easy to grasp cabinet knobs or pulls
· Task lighting under counters
· Cook top with front controls
· Side by side refrigerator
· Adjustable upper shelves and pull out lower shelves
· Variety in kitchen counter height - some as low as table height (30 inches)
· Gas sensor near gas cooking, water heater and gas furnace
· Color or pattern borders at counter edges
Living Room
· Seating at least 18 inches off the floor
· Chairs with sturdy arms