Revival

Tell us more about how you became a full-time artist.
I used to work as a customer service officer and wasn’t active in the arts until 2012 when I also became interested in sustainability.

It started when I noticed many old cookie tins and packaging at home that were not getting any use, and I thought it would be such a waste to throw them away, so I started painting them for fun. Slowly, I moved on to t-shirts, tote bags, and shoes, and I started to sell my works at a community flea market at the void deck.

After contemplating pursuing the arts for a long time, I eventually decided to quit my job in 2017 to become a full-time artist.

In 2019, I had my first solo exhibition organised by Art Outreach at Gillman Barracks. Although I was nervous about how the public would perceive my art, which is mostly made from trash, the exhibition was a success! It gave me a lot of encouragement and motivation to do better.

Do you have any regrets in taking the plunge to pursue your passion?
No, I don’t regret my decision. Being an artist has taught me to be patient and resilient in the face of setbacks, especially when I had zero income during Covid-19, so I take things one day at a time. I’ve learnt to accept that some days my art sells, and some days it doesn’t.

How would you describe your art style?
I like to challenge myself to make unconventional and abstract art that is intuitive and does not abide by any rules.

Instead of flat drawings and paintings, I prefer working in 3D. As mentioned, I usually use a lot of waste materials like old clothing and even fishing nets, while experimenting with acrylics, enamels, and emulsions to create textures. I don’t need new things because anything and everything can be used in art.

What’s the biggest piece of work you’ve done so far?
My biggest piece was done on a 150cm by 120cm canvas that sold for almost $3000, so I’d say it was also my biggest achievement.

What are you hoping to achieve in the next five years?
My goal is to create a big sustainability project which involves the entire community, maybe in the form of a collective art installation made out of used items. I hope that people can learn to better appreciate the environment through my art.

Are you participating in any upcoming exhibitions that we can look forward to?
I’ll be a part of a group exhibition called FOOLS held at Mr. Lim’s Shop of Visual Treasures at 8 Haji Lane. It’ll be happening on the 21st of July and will feature 15 artists, including established artists like Tang Da Wu and emerging ones such as myself, so come down to take a look!

That aside, I’ll also be co-curating the Goth Art Bazaar happening at Studio NEON at 32 Haji Lane on 15 and 16 July. We’ll have a bunch of goth makers and artists showcasing and selling their works, which will be really fun!