New look!

As you may have noticed, my blog has a new look!

Yup, finally got down to using Blogger's "Layout" function where it's supposed to be easier to edit the look in future. However, I had to forgo much of the customisation I did previously through editing the HTML code, which was a tough job as I had to learn to decipher the code and try to tweak the code to suit my preferences. It was rather fun actually, but tedious for me as I'm not a source code expert.

Here's what my old blog looked like:
Well, I must say I'm still not quite satisfied with the new look as I had to omit some of my sidebar info as I couldn't find some templates for them...unless I decide to use the HTML box. But well...

Please feel free to comment on the new look.

Music · Museum · Cafe

I have this brilliant idea...ok, not really brilliant (not sure if it's original), and it's more of a concept, but I'm getting all excited just visualizing it.

A few days ago, I was pondering over why we don't have a Singapore Music Museum. We have museums for visual arts (e.g. Singapore Art Museum), literary arts (National Library), but why not Singapore music? I had actually forgotten about it but today it came to mind again and I started developing it in my mind and the concept came while I was on my way home. Ok, here's the layout...

I'm envisioning this 2-storey space which is circular in design, with an atrium in the centre (i.e. the 2nd floor can look down into the centre space of the 1st floor). On the 2nd floor are the main exhibits about Singapore music. We can have displays on the rock-n-roll era, pioneers of Singapore music, NDP music, and the development through the years to the present day. The "through the years" display will likely be the permanent exhibit (though we will rotate the items being displayed), but we would also have a segment for special exhibits (maybe a special showcase of a personality in the Singapore music scene, etc.). I'm even contemplating using soundscaping for the "through the years" part where when someone steps into a certain zone, music from that era will play. (Hee...this was an idea I never got to use previously - the "envelop effect"). I think that's how music can be "showcased". It's not visual like the other art forms, so soundscaping is 1 of the ways.

Then downstairs, it would be like an interactive zone, or I would say activity zone.

There will be a small recording studio which people can rent to record their songs. A demo room/library, where singer-songwriters can deposit their demos and whoever's interested or talent scouts can come in to listen to these demos. Eventually, the old demos will be moved to become part of the museum's exhibition collection.

There will be a cafe selling some simple stuff. Ok, basically I'm thinking of selling some of my more successful culinary dishes like (my mum's) chicken curry, potato gratin & lasagne. And who can go wrong with toasted sandwiches? Of course with some coffee & tea, fruit juice and maybe some other drinks like soy bean milk as well. Don't need to serve too many things coz less variety sometimes means better quality.

And the best part is the centre area. It's part of the cafe (seating) but there is a stage on 1 side facing the bar/kitchen. So people can sit facing the stage & not be distracted by the kitchen. We can have open mikes, music talks, mini-concerts, etc. I think the circular design will also help with the acoustics and maybe create that "envelop effect" as well.

Feasible? Ok, if anyone wants to capitalise on this, you can, coz I myself will not have the resources to set up something like that. But if possible, leave a job vacancy for me. :)

PS: This is so much more dynamic, meaningful & cool than a book cafe, which I used to dream about. And I like the concept of creating spaces.

Logo for Songcraft (2)

Did more try-outs for the design. (Do I not have other things to do?...ok, once I start, it's hard to stop, and wanted to do something productive & fun after work, at home)

By way of putting simplicity into the design and explore the guitar tabs concept, here are 2 logos that I found alright.

For the 2nd design, I kinda like it. It was a different attempt with a guitar tab from the 1st one coz I tried different fonts for the word "Songcraft". Rather than use the treble clef for "S", I used another musical symbol, the Segno. Also used a semibreve for the "o" and the forte for the "f". I initially intended a harp-like design for the words "Songwriting Circle", but as I worked on them, I decided that they are like headphones and sort of create the suggestion of a circle.

Logo for Songcraft

Our chairman was calling for a logo for our little group, so I thought why not try something? So here's what I got.

Well, it's a bit too colourful & big for a logo, and it totally doesn't look "simple" which he wanted, but it's a nice try-out just for fun...an excuse to do something. So what's the concept behind this and how was it done?

Actually the backdrop was from 1 of my photos of a sunflower and I inverted the colours. Looks nice right? The idea was also because we're a "Circle". The centre part looked like a circle and I liked the surrounding blue (petals) coz u see different shades and a nice glowing effect. There's also some contemporary, yet mysterious but also vibrant feel to it. I also liked that stray petal that is slightly in the circle. It makes the image seem less dull and adds some quality to it which I can't describe. Hmm...come to think of it, maybe it can mean we're open and inclusive.

As for the design proper, well, I chose to do a (music) staff/stave-like circle to indicate we are a music group and doesn't it also reflect composition since we use the staff/stave to write our music? Also, it being in a circular form signifies continuity (that's what this Circle should have).

Next, I tried to fit the words "Songcaft Songwriting Circle" into the staff. The mirror image of the words was purely accidental coz I over-pulled the words while trying to make it into a curved form and it suited the purpose coz I needed to put the words at the top & bottom and having it twice seemed... So the mirror image made it all the more interesting and looked logical...hmm...it might give some other meaning too like being reflective, or the sharing atmosphere as peers, as we face our own group of audience...well, the explanation is rather abstract but think you can imagine what I mean.

As for the centrepiece "Songcraft", it was really trial & error. See the guitar tabs? Well, it was also another "accidental" attempt. I was scrolling through the various fonts for a nice one for the word "songcraft" and I chanced upon this font (Seville). It depicted the word as guitar tabs which was pretty cool & relevant. So I used it and put the word "Songcraft" in English over it instead.

Yup, it sure was fun trying out for this. I tend to follow themes so given a theme here ("create a logo") gave me an excuse/opportunity to find some inspiration to do something artsy. :) Some of the ideas seem a bit abstract and requires some thinking, but I like to do stuff like that...gives the piece of work a deeper meaning.

Talk by Moshe Safdie

I took half-day today to attend a talk by Moshe Safdie, the world renowned architect who designed many famous buildings like the Salt Lake City Public Library, National Gallery of Canada and now, our Marina Bay Sands.
All I can say is, it was well worth the going.

It was amazing as he talked about his designs and one can truly see a real architect. He was so down-to-earth and you can see the essence of architecture through him; you can see his heart and the meaning behind it all. Each of his designs had such depth in them, and he always relates to the place where the design is (contextual), such that there is a blending and his creativity is immense to bring the place, the meaning, the essence of the intended architecture together. The most touching design in the presentation was Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, which was so meaningful and significant. It's a tunnel-like structure through a mountain in memory of the victims of the horrifying Holocaust. I nearly cried when he showed how when one reaches this point after walking through the whole museum (there was a sequence "set" by the design) and ending with the Hall of Names, and you look out from the end of the tunnel into the beautiful light of the landscape. He said something in the lines of 'there is hope and light at the end'. It was beyond words. The Hall of Names is another phenomena, with it reaching to the water table. I must go visit that place some day.

He's really an architect with a heart and throughout, I could only "wow" as he presented his creations and the concept behind them, and was rendered speechless. The vision he has is ... and the keeping true to the art.

A fine day

Today's weather was really nice, and a blue sky with clouds like cotton were dominant.

Anyway, saw this postbox near the Central Fire Station the other day...think it was part of some design competition some time ago.

PS: Just realised that my last post was my 100th. :)

Article on my art installation

Oh dear, the description of my piece is wrong in the write-up of my work in Straits Times today.

It wrote:

"... features several rooms in a house, such as the bedroom or toilet, where people can be alone....to create boxes for the different rooms"

At no point did I mention "house" as my display included other places like a chapel and park, and I never thought of "house" as part of my display. My emphasis was on personal spaces & solitude and I used photos of sceneries! How then can it be in a house? (maybe the chapel looked like a house?)

I understand it might be the reporter's own interpretation, but it misleads people. :(

However, I will give credit to the picture.

Self . Spaces . Shut (Bear Fruit - Designing Leisure)

I won!

Still can't believe it, but I won! Never thought myself to be able to create a visual art piece (well, except maybe photography), not to mention winning a prize, coz I'm someone who can't draw at all - more of a lit & music person. And I did it on my own! Cutting the acrylic sheets, design, everything! It was fun & amazing too, being able to translate my idea into something solid. Did you know that I couldn't properly explain my concept when I first presented it to the provocateurs & participants? Few could get what I was trying to describe. Think it had to do with my verbal skills; I had it all in my head but didn't know how to express it explicitly. I even received a comment that it had turned out very well, especially when it came from the point where I couldn't draw it out at all to the physical thing.

Now I can talk more about the process and my idea after the actual presentation to the judges (previously couldn't organise my idea in a way to describe it properly). It might read a little long though...

Let's view some shots of my piece first...

Inner circumference:

Outer circumference:

It's a bit hard to see the effect from the photos so you need to experience it personally. It runs till 26 Apr 2007.

Basically, the theme is about solitude. The idea was to create personal spaces to depict solitude.

The whole process was very exciting, from my vague keywords to actually conceptualising it into something visible. Initially, I had many keywords and "envelop" was one of them. I was thinking of an "overwhelming" effect that surrounds you and in a way, solitude does that. At the prompting of 1 of the experts, I realised that I was actually looking at the use of spaces. When she said it, I was like, yes! That's really IT! Spaces!

So from there, I went along developing this idea - it was more of a one-track mind thing as my concept never really changed much over the whole process. As I moved along, many ideas of what effects I wanted to use came up. I thought of mirrors, creating illusions, soundscaping, etc. My 1st thought was actually making a booth to "enclose" the viewer, But then reality set in and I knew that with limited budget, I would not be able to make it. Also, it might not be that aesthetic. I thought of soundscaping like playing a note when people walked in to give them that "envelop" effect & prepare them for the experience. Eventually, it was scraped, mainly because of budget & technical difficulties. However, I was glad I didn't use it. It would have crowded out the effect (too much of a thing) and my display wouldn't be as thought-provoking. I think the sound would also have "disturbed" the solitude aspect which normally gives you that quietness, mentally or physically.

Following that, I knew that I wanted to use a see-through mirror and showcases. I had thought of using glass fish tanks at first for my showcases, to put miniature models in them. Then practicality set it. I couldn't really find the right size and as I thought about it, they would be too heavy (for me to carry around anyway, as I needed many) and expensive (our budget was $500). Eventually as I did some footwork, discovered acrylic sheets & I could use different textures & degree of translucency to create my piece, taking into consideration how and the amount of light that can get it, including certain faces which I did not want the viewer to look in.

Then, I had to resolve another problem. This was crucial as my project is dependent on the see-through mirror effect. I was not sure how to create it or if a material actually existed that could actually help me make it. I only recalled I saw some sort of packaging for hard disks last time that had that effect. I searched the art shop but they didn't have anything. So I thought I might have to improvise by using silver stain glass paint. However, the big breakthrough came when I was at Compass Point doing some other things. GOD knows why I decided to enter HomeFix to look for suitable material & there I found the perfect thing I needed...solar film! And it was adhesive! Just what I wanted. And they had different types like reflective or not, colours and even the amount of light that can get through. Imagine my elation. My idea is going to come into being!

Ok, more about the concept. As mentioned, my theme is solitude, and solitude is like being in your own personal space, where the experience surrounds you in the form of a space, physically or mentally, or both. To me, leisure is found in solitude, and it has something to do with being yourself and about yourself in your own time & space. So to bring this out, the layout/shape of the display actually “creates” a space and I have built spaces in showcases to depict places that one can find solitude. I have used miniature models and photographs that I’ve taken for this purpose. I have tried to keep the contents at a minimum like using solitary objects, as depending on the audience’s past experiences and perceptions of leisure or solitude, he/she can interpret each space differently. The minimalist approach also compounded on the idea of solitude. Of course, the things used were rather related to me - a bed, a cafe/pantry, a chapel, a bench in a park, a toilet bowl. Photos used were actually sceneries from my Europe trip that gave me the feeling of solitude and leisure. My father even commented (upon seeing the exhibit) that it felt like it was my room!

Initially, I had wanted to create a half-hexagonal shape, so I would have needed 6 showcases of models. However, I realised the space created for someone to view it would be too small, so I expanded to having a half-octagonal shape using 10 showcases (it's a 2-layered display). Then a problem came as to how I was going to make miniature models of 10 places, and I already had no ideas of what other places (I wanted things that were easy to make lah), so I thought of why not use photos? Hee...it was also a chance to show some of the photos that I had taken before that I felt were quite well-taken (I love to take sceneries). Then I thought, how do I create the see-through-the-box effect (will come to this later)? Then, the use of transparencies came about.

I also wanted a total see-through effect, not just into the box, but also beyond. This served a purpose, like a peep-hole. Let me give a description of the total effect I wanted to create.

At 1st glance from the inner circumference, you will see the mirror effect. This builds on the point that leisure and solitude is about you.
However, the “mirror” is actually translucent, where you can vaguely see through the mirrored surface and view the models or photographs. You can try to project yourself (with some imagination) into the scenario too. This is using the idea of reflection within oneself.
You can also vaguely see anyone who’s on the other side, like an insider looking at the outsider. This peeping effect works too from the outer circumference but there is a difference (for viewer to find out).
Hence, the display actually allows viewing from both sides, but you will discover there are different effects, experiences & even interpretations. Day-time & night-time viewings are also slightly different.
If you really reflect on it later, you might eventually realise that while viewing the exhibit, you have actually become part of the exhibit whether through seeing yourself in it or being seen in it. An "as one", blending-in effect.

So yes, this is my design. I had everything well planned, how to create the effect I wanted, the consideration of light, etc. After creating my props, then came one of my most 'down' part of the whole project - the set-up of the exhibition venue. We didn't know what the set-up would be like until only 2 days before, when we were actually able to see it. You could have seen my dejection when I saw the platform with the lights from underneath. The direction of the lighting totally destroyed the effect I wanted coz the mirrors would have been too reflective (can't see through)! Also, at night, the surroundings were too dark to be able to see my transparencies through the boxes (the venue was surrounded by glass windows). I was like, oh God, how am I going to create the effect I wanted? Then I started to try figuring out how to resolve these problems. How do I reduce the extensive mirror effect that I didn't want? The transparencies? I spent 2 sleepless nights on this. and I finally managed to do it. Thank GOD!

The reflectiveness part was easier. I used black felt to cover the light from the inner circumference to reduce the reflectiveness. Then came the problem of the transparencies. The light from the bottom didn't help much. I needed lighting from the outer circumference, but how? standing lamps? table lamps? I was thinking of the space constraint and the blending in with my exhibit, not to mention the possible safety hazard (if I used standing lamps). I actually borrowed someone's table lamp to try out if it worked and waited till nightfall to test it out. The light musn't be above the height of the showcase or else it wouldn't work. The question also was what kind of light? Thank GOD that I discovered that Ikea had a lamp that looked similar to my showcase which would blend in perfectly. And I rushed down to Ikea the night before the exhibition to purchase the lights.

I tell you, the next day was still a worrying day. Even though I had the lights, I still needed an extra long extension plug & other stuff. My mum told me that the maximum length on market seemed to be 5 metres. So on the day of the exhibition itself, I went in search of the 5m extension plug. I went to Courts first but they only had 3m. After that, I went to NTUC. I asked one of the staff there if they had 5m extension plugs. She said no, they only had 3m & 6m. Even better! 6m! I said I'll take that and can you believe it, it was the last piece hanging there! And also, it was fortunate too as 5m would have been too short (found out after I tried it out at the venue).

On my way walking from Bugis station to the venue, I was still worried. I really prayed to GOD that the lights would really help make my display work. After all, I have not actually used these specific lights to test out the effect. And eventually, all things fell into place & the desired effect was created. Phew!
Here's the write-up used for the display (which pretty much tries to sum up the concept & effect I was trying to create):

"Leisure is about finding and being yourself in your personal space. Places of solitude are represented by objects & scenes that give a solitary feel. The “mirror” reflects that it is about you, also projecting you into the scene. You see too as an insider looking at outsiders (or vice versa), blending in as it blends into you." 
I actually wrote another write-up, a more poetic one, but it was not used eventually...a little abstract lah.

"IN the mirror, you SEE yourself.
Find your space, your mind, your solitude.
Is this your personal space? Vaguely, outsiders pass by, maybe peeping in. But in your space, you peep out, at a distance from the comfort of your world, as one. "

So, what does Self • Spaces • Shut represent? "Self" is about yourself, solitude; "Spaces" is personal spaces; and "Shut" means away from the outside world.

Ok, now comes the comments of the judges. On presenting the prize to me, one of the judges said that they found my work profound, a very well thought-out piece. They could really see the effect of an oasis of personal space and solitude.
I think it was also partly the "mystery" of how I actually built the effect using the materials & what materials that let me win too. Not that all asked, but when I told them, they were like "really?"
Also, not forgetting GOD's help. I believe He helped a lot in giving me inspiration and the whole process of getting the materials. He knew that it was important to me, exploring the arty side of myself. That was why I chose to include a chapel and built it myself, placing it right in the centre of my display.

I guess I was happy not because I won (I didn't know there was a prize at the beginning), but I managed to do it & the satisfaction that I eventually got the effect I wanted. I wouldn't have won if not for the extra lighting coz the effect wouldn't have been created. I'm also happy that people actually liked it and enjoyed the experience.
This was such an enriching experience that I would do it all over again.

Designing Leisure - Bear Fruit project (2)

The presentation was over on Thursday. My concept? The Envelop.
Honestly, I can't draw. So I used a mind map to present my idea in keywords. As it came out, I find myself presenting the concept quite badly (I'm quite bad at presenting verbally...nervous) & everyone was trying to figure out what I'm describing and visualise it. Well, the panel tried to help me a bit, like making me draw (which was a flop) and using paper to create a shape. They tried to prompt me in further developing my idea, sometimes to bring me to be more practical. 1 of them even tried to draw it out for me.
Really, by the time I finished my presentation, I thought "ok, everyone seems to be a bit clueless of what I'm talking about, so my design won't be taken up". However, it turned out that it was accepted, but I really need to fine-tune it to be more concrete to let people see what I really want to do. Of course, I will be getting a helper who can help me draw. Haha....Not bad eh?

After that, my brain started working again & I considered what materials to use and also incorporated some of the comments of the panel to enhance my design.

Yesterday, I was affirmed that the panel actually liked my idea though I couldn't draw it out. Hey! hopefully, they see what I see in my design concept even though I couldn't express it.

This is so exciting. I can do something out of my ordinary life.

The next session will be doing a mock-up of my design. Have to do some research of what materials to use & take into consideration the cost.

Designing Leisure - Bear Fruit project

Recently, I signed up for a Bear Fruit project (1 of many) where we are supposed to design an art installation around the theme "leisure".
It's rather interesting as people from different walks (design students, lecturers, producers, musicians, etc.) gather together to create something. Well, basically each of us is supposed to come up with a concept and eventually, a few designs will be selected and we will be broken up into groups to work on the selected designs.

The 1st session was an intro and site visits (2 places) to try to "inspire" us. Well, I wouldn't say the site visits actually inspired me coz I started forming ideas before we set out & the places are well... We ended up at Clarke Quay anyway at this place called Highlander (where the drinks menu was predominantly whiskey) and discussed our concepts. At that point of time, my idea was quite vague and abstract. I couldn't even explain it properly! Just some thoughts here & there. Amazingly, 1 of the experts (who are like advisory consultants) seem to get what I am saying and gave me some tips (she seemed to like my concept...hope I don't disappoint her with what I have). If she didn't prompt me about the use of "spaces", I think I wouldn't have my current more concrete idea.

Anyway, it was really fun & refreshing to get my creative juices going. It gives me headroom to think about something out of my daily going-ons, to create something. Somehow, I felt exhilarated and feel on-the-go for it, putting my mind into developing the idea my concretely. Although I think my design might probably be over-budget & over-sized, and also it might not express what I mean fully, it's a good & new experience.

This experience has inspired me to take more time to explore my creative side this year...a sort of new year resolution. You might see it as escapism, but it is also development.