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The Dreaming Oddities
Say hello to Joey Wong, the artist behind @dpeculiar.artist. Based in Malaysia, her vibrant art features bold strokes and odd yet whimsical creatures. She visualises her inner world through illustrations and soft sculptures.
Fascinated by human forms, thoughts, and emotions, her art sits somewhere between the strange and the playful, blending sincerity with a touch of surrealism. We were curious to learn more about her creative process and perspective—read on to discover what we found.
Hi Joey, nice to meet you :) Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Joey Wong, also known as d’peculiar — an artist who finds delight in the bizarre, the surreal, and the quietly humorous. I’m based in Malaysia, and I create illustrations and soft sculptures that often feature human body parts in unexpected forms. My works often sit somewhere between strange and playful, a balance I enjoy exploring.
What is your background as an artist/creator? How did you first get into drawing and painting?
After graduating from high school, I studied fine art, which gave me a foundation in traditional media and visual expression. But even before that, drawing was something I naturally turned to — a way of documenting thoughts, feelings, and inner worlds. Over time, my interest expanded into digital illustration and soft sculptures as a way to further bring those inner stories to life.
How would you describe your artistic style and influences?
I’d describe my style as surreal, narrative, and tinged with both innocence and unease. I’m fascinated by human forms, thoughts, and emotions — especially when they spill into odd or whimsical territory. Influences include childhood imagination, quiet absurdities, vintage toys, and surrealist artists like Mark Ryden and Roby Dwi Antono, whose works balance beauty and strangeness so delicately.
Feeding, 2023
Caterpillar, 2023
You have developed two designs for this collaboration, could you share the themes or messages you aimed to convey through each cover? We would like to understand your creative vision behind them.
Design 1 : The Garden Sees Everything
This piece imagines a surreal world where eyes bloom from the earth—a playful yet eerie take on being constantly observed. Inspired by dream logic and childhood curiosity, it reflects the feeling of being watched, even when alone.
Design 2 : The Other Side of Silence
Inspired by the quiet moments in daily life, this work explores how solitude can still feel full — with thoughts, worries, or imagined visitors. It’s about the presence we feel in stillness, and how even silence can be a little absurd.
The Garden Sees Everything
The Other Side of Silence
Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your design that you'd like to share with us?
Definitely. In both designs, eyes appear as recurring symbols — not just as literal eyeballs, but as metaphors for attention, observation, and self-awareness. In The Garden Sees Everything, the blooming eyes represent internal and external surveillance, a reminder that even nature ‘’watches’’. In The Other Side of Silence, the figures peeking through the window and the snail with an eyeball suggest how quiet moments are never fully empty — they’re filled with things we feel but cannot always explain.
What's the process like when you develop this design? Do you face any challenges or obstacles while creating the design? If so, how did you overcome them?
One challenge was balancing the eerie and the playful without tipping too far in either direction. I wanted the scenes to feel imaginative and slightly unsettling—but still inviting. I spent time adjusting the character’s expressions, color tones, and background elements to hold that tension. Trusting the process and not overthinking helped a lot.
What materials or techniques did you use to bring your design to life?
I created both pieces using Procreate. I love how it allows me to blend soft textures with vibrant colors while keeping control over fine details and layering. It suits my style, especially when building surreal environments.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists or creators who want to make their mark in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to be weird. The parts of you that feel ‘’too odd’’ or ‘’too different’’ might be your greatest strength. Also, allow yourself to evolve — you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Keep making, keep observing, and give your inner voice room to grow.
Are there any other artists or creators who inspire you in your work?
Definitely—I’m constantly inspired by artists like Mark Ryden and Roby Dwi Antono.I really admire how they combine surrealist imagery with emotional depth and symbolic richness. Their work feels like a visual poem—layered, beautiful, and haunting.
Do you have any favourite Mossery products or designs from other artists that have caught your attention?
I love the design by Phantasien — the vibrant colors and dreamlike details really caught my eye.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Mossery community and those who appreciate your work?
Thank you for being curious enough to look closer. I hope my work sparks a little pause, a laugh, or a strange thought you want to hold onto.
A big thank you to Joey for sharing her artistic journey and insights. If you found her work inspiring, we encourage you to discover more of her creations with us here!
