Brushes To Stitches

What brings you to the Singapore Art Museum today?
I’m an ’A’ Level art student at Hwa Chong Institution, so I’ve come to take a look at more art from Singapore Art Week because, well, I’m a sucker for it (laughs).

When did you first become interested in art? Is it something you wish to continue pursuing?
I’ve been drawing from a young age, but it wasn’t until secondary school that I realised art was offered as a subject in the curriculum. It’s like pursuing my hobby and studies at the same time, so of course I decided to take it!

At least for university, I definitely want to continue doing art; math and science are just not my thing (laughs).

What inspires your art?
Life in general is a big inspiration for my works, which are more biographical in nature. I sometimes take real life experiences, like a big quarrel with my mum for instance, and insert them into my art.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing?
I crochet and knit a lot, maybe too much as I sometimes get distracted from school work (laughs). It’s a hobby I started when I was about 12 years old and something that I do solely for myself.

I love to make sweaters, but I’ve never really thought of selling my pieces since I don’t circle back to correct my mistakes.

Share with us the most special piece of work you’ve done.
Once, I casted my best friend in a pet project about being comfortable in solitude, which involved sitting alone, eating alone, and crocheting alone.

We spent the day around Singapore and had a really fun time together. It was really meaningful to be able to hang out with my friend and have something tangible to remember the day by—in my case, a six-minute short film.

How would you describe your style?
One word—androgynous.

What are your hopes for the year?
For my art coursework this year, I’m planning to move away from my previous specialisation in watercolour and delve into fashion. Hence, I’m trying to refine my sewing skills as I think it’ll be important for my work.