NEW BOOK: Slow Looking At Birds

Which one came first? The words came first? The art came first? The birds came first?

The art came first. Then looking at the real birds.

I didn't really started off with the intention of writing a book about this topic. It was just sketches and sketches of birds from a book. Slow looking at birds from a book called "A Naturalist's Guide To The Birds Of Singapore" and sketching them out.

These sketches turned into paintings and then into mixed media artworks. And it was until I finished the artworks, that I thought, why not write a book about looking at birds.

Slow looking is simply learning through observation. And birds would probably make a bad subject to observe since they fly off so fast. We've to thank the bird photographers for making slow looking at birds possible for us.

The next question that comes to mind will be, "Okay, I'm looking slowly but is that all to it?"

Hence, I've written 12 creative exercises based on E. Paul Torrance's research on 12 skills that children employ when they are being creative. Torrance is known as the “Father of Creativity”, defined creativity as “generation of novel and useful ideas”. Just as we exercise to keep in shape, we also engage in creative exercises to continuously be creative.

I hope this book will inspire you in slow looking at the world around you and also develop your creativity!

This book is suitable for both the young and old to exercise and express our creativity. Bring it with you 'on-the-go' when you need to take a break and engage in one of the creative exercises. Gather your friends and colleagues for a creative challenge at work or at play. Bond as a family to create together! BUY HERE

Ladies Night Art Jam @ Tekka 1001

Last month May at Tekka Place, we spent a night with a group of wonderful ladies who expressed their thoughts and feelings through abstract art inspired by the artist Jackson Pollock.

What makes this Art Jam different from others is that there is no copying of photographs, every expression is from within. And guidance is provided in terms of creative exercises as a warm-up at the beginning and prompts given at every step of the way. And they each create a piece of artwork on canvas with various tools and materials.

Making every stroke, every mark with much courage in this safe space. Some strokes might be experimental, some marks might be exploratory but all purposeful and meaningful. Even if no words can be expressed, the process is an expression of one's thoughts and feelings.

Many thanks to Tekka Place, Millet Group and Tekka 1001 for this cosy place for art making

Our art jam sessions are designed to develop and exercise your creativity while caring for your mental health. Do contact us if you would like a session at your school, workplace or organisation.

Galaxy Art @ Jurong Playgrounds

It was our first time having an art workshop at the Jurong Playgrounds Weekend Market during the March School Holidays and it was such a fun venue to be at!

An Art Making Session for Multiple-Aged Kids

When I first planned this Galaxy Art Workshop, it was meant to be for preschoolers. But having multiple aged kids myself, I really hope that siblings, no matter how far apart their ages were, could attend the workshop together and that would mean a lot to parents! No need to stress over what the younger or older child have to do while waiting for the one attending the art making session!

Most people would also think that preschoolers can't create together with older children. But the magic of process art bonds children together! It was truly amazing seeing 4 year old to 11 year old kids creating together at the same table with the same amount of focus and concentration.

Always Wonder and Be Curious

Parent's participation was optional but I was so heartened to see parents staying beside their kids and observing their creativity flow. Process art is indeed a family affair. To all kids (and adults), never stop wondering and being curious about the world around you!