My art is about self discovery and identity. It often celebrates my Straits Chinese heritage.
Kitchen Qing: blue and white porcelain used for simple meal.
Sketch of the day no 1263 in my moleskine sketchbook is of what we fondly refer to as the “batik” plate, which are inspired by chrysanthemum flowers.
May you be blessed with love, good fortune and happiness.
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal is of the classic combo the Phoenix and Peony ❤️🌹❤️
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal are Peranakan or Nyonya Peony flowers.
I’ve been a bit busier recently as I’ve started working on my first solo art exhibition. The reality of it is still sinking in as I didn’t plan for it but when the time feels right and the door opens, I felt confident enough to venture into the unknown.
The exhibition is still a long time away. It’s next February 2018 but i need to pull myself together and have a full body of work by year end. That’s just 4 months away! So I have been trying to get into work mode which is easier said then done.
What does an artist do all day?
I’m not sure what other artists do all day but I think a lot. I think and read more than I create. I’ve spoken to a few of my artist friends about this and they are similar.
The thought process takes up most of the time and the actual execution of the artwork is the easiest part. I let ideas perculate in my head. It rolls and bounces around when I’m awake, when I’m asleep, when I’m talking to people. It takes on a life of its own. Finally when it’s ready, it emerges like a newborn. Crazy as I am, I consider all my artworks my babies. It comes from within me, it is me.
My daily sketches have helped in the creative process. By sketching daily and doing the homework subconsciously has helped me formulate ideas and concepts faster. By retrospectively analysing my sketches, I have uncovered the reason for them. What started as a challenge, became my therapy, to learning about myself and a sense of nostalgic interest in my heritage. In essence a philosophical question of finding who am I.
My ideas may change by year end. Let’s see what comes out of this.
And now back to work! Or thinking…
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal is of the Peony and bird. A symbol of a Happy and properous union. This is a common pairing in Peranakan furniture as furniture was commissioned from Chinese artisans for weddings.
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal is of the Golden phoenix a mythical creature. A symbol of peace and prosperity.
Symbolic meaning is an integral part of Peranakan decorative arts.
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal is of a Peranakan or Nyonya spoon with Peonies and a phoenix.
Vintage Floral design Nyonya wall tile influenced by art nouveau style.
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal is of a simple antique floral Nyonya/Peranakan wall tile. 🌸🌼❤️
Cultural heritage is not only about material objects or property but also the spirit and identity.
Sketch of the day in my moleskine art journal is of an antique Nyonya hair pin. This is from the Treasures of the Peranakan auction by Henry Butcher on Sunday. It was the first auction of Peranakan ceramics, furniture and jewellery.
Treasures of Peranakan online catalogue by Henry Butcher auctioneers.
