Tell me about yourself. describe your journey as an artist.

My grandmother who raised me as a child said I could draw before I could write. My great grandfather from my father’s side was an artist in China. My mother was also very artistic, I learned figurative drawing from her when I was little. But she gave up her artistic pursue to work in a bank all her life for the sake of family (Singapore wasn't a place for artistic careers back in the 70s, unless you are from a wealthy family).

I went to art college in Singapore for 3 years, originally intended to study fine arts but I later chose the 'sensible' option in Graphic Design as it was easier to make a living. I later came to London to do my BA(Hons) in Central St Martins. Then started my career in London as an art director.

Inflation 1
Inflation is the topical subject today. It is real, but is it really? I use the cat as an observer,
looking at a human struggling with an enormous inflated balloon to make the point.

How have your roots as a Singaporean influenced your artwork?

In some aspects, yes. SIngapore is a multicultural country. I also speak multiple languages. In my Art, I lean towards diversity of styles and subject matters.

Staring Into Space
The artist's friend is mesmerized by a ramen bowl which looks like planets orbiting in space. Shortlisted for Gemini Art Prize 2021, and Refresh Awards 2021

Has your artwork changed since moving to England?

Yes. In Singapore, my art is more ‘craft’ based, meaning the emphasis was on technique (how well you draw, eg. making the art look photo realistic etc), after being in London my work leans more towards conceptual/emotional art.

Beyond Blue
This piece shows a person standing at the edge of a sky or ocean (up to viewer's interpretation) looking down at another world beyond her own. I use shades of thick blue oils to bring out the depth of the sky and deep ocean. And if the viewers take a look closer there is a city at the bottom. The theme is inspired by the feeling of hope and longing.

What is the significance of the cat in your work?

I have had a strong affinity with cats since I was a child. I also have a cat now called Pixie, she is in quite a few of my paintings. I think there is an authenticity in the way animals live, especially with cats; they never do what they don’t want, the exact opposite of us humans.

What messages are you trying to convey with your work? Do you have any common themes?

I like to tell a story in my painting. I draw inspiration from observing life, exploring a concept or a current topic. I don’t think I have a common theme per say, I do use my cat Pixie as part of the character to tell the story sometimes.

Describe your creative process; from start to finish of one of your pieces. Where do you find your inspiration?

I’ll use the piece you like ‘Social Distancing’. This piece was inspired by something I saw when I was taking a walk during the pandemic. I saw someone walking ahead of me, as we made a turn another person was walking towards us, the one in front of me literally leaped out of pavement onto the road, (the pavement was wide enough for 2 people to walk side by side and remained a safe distance). The sudden leap was quite comical. Hence I thought of using a smiley, harmless balloon and a person trying to avoid it in an awkward pose to capture the comedy in my head.

Social Distancing
This piece captures the mood of the Covid pandemic in a light-hearted way.

Many of your works feature women, why is this?

My mother used to draw pictures of princesses when I was a child. Hence the first figure I learnt to draw was a women. I do paint portraits of men now, but somehow I like feminine features that are more intuitive to me.

What do you think helps you stay motivated as an artist?

For me, immersing myself in another art form really helps. I was once a classical chorister in the national ensemble of Singapore and later on a manager of a Hip Hop dance company in London. When I get stuck on a piece, switching to something else helps me get inspiration.