Looking for interesting experiences for your children? Book a printing session tailored made to your group! In this recent workshop, I had parents with children as young as five years enjoy a two-hour session of printing. It was a fun and satisfying morning for both parents and children as they produced some colourful works as part of a home schooling art activity. It's also a good way for kids to connect to Singapore's heritage since many of the rubber blocks we use in the workshop are inspired by Peranakan tile design.
World Printmaking Triennial in France
I'm excited to be selected as one of four artists representing Singapore at The World Triennial of Prints and Original Engravings in September. Looking forward to creating some new works especially for this show! I'd also like to thank LUDO Gallery for their support.
I've always been keen on many aspects of French culture including architecture, interiors and fashion. It's ironic that my interest in floor and wall tiles in Singapore led me to the fleur-de-lis or flower-de-luce. The fleur-de-lis symbol depicts a stylized lily or lotus flower, and is said to represent French royalty as well as perfection, light, and life. Elegant floral tiles inspired by this motif can be found in many traditional Peranakan shophouses. We'll see what the next few weeks in the studio produce for this show!
The Next Generation - LASALLE College of the Arts
Love teaching the next generation! I recently enjoyed teaching Fashion Diploma students at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore. Seems like just yesterday when I was printmaking student at university! It's great to see students from Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Singapore learning together.
It was really interesting to see what kind of motifs the students came up with. Some also used my Peranakan tile inspired rubber blocks along with their own blocks, and the results were amazing. I hope the overseas students learn all they can about the various cultural influences behind modern day Singapore while they are here. I look forward to seeing the fashion lines that they produce in the near future!
Chinese New Year Printing
I always enjoy running my Chinese New Year printing workshops in January. Students recently enjoyed a special series of seasonally inspired printing sessions to make decorative table runners. Students used a library of Peranakan tile designs, Chinese auspicious flowers and Chinese written characters to create gorgeous personalised designs. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Three Things You Wondered About Chinese New Year in Singapore
Why Are Winter Flowers Popular in Singapore?
Since the government ramped up its anti-mozzie campaign, my house has been proudly pot-plant free. It suits my less-than-green thumb, but I admit that I miss having flowers and plants in the house. A recent visit to Fairprice Extra (the Super K-mart of Singapore) saw me come away with a huge bunch of peonies and plum blossoms - all created from hardy plastic! The saleslady and I had a good time chatting about the play on words for ‘flower’ in Chinese. There is a saying "Hua Kai Fu Gui (花开富貴)", which means, ‘When Flowers Bloom, Prosperity Comes’. In addition to looking nice, these flowers each have their own symbolism. For example, peach blossoms symbolise growth, prosperity, long life and romance - and thus popular with some single people! At any rate, these cold climate flowers remind me of a Chinese winter land, which is a refreshing thought in the tropical heat of Singapore.
Why is (Australian) Abalone Everywhere?
I’ve often noticed the expensive cans of abalone in glass cabinets at the supermarket checkout, but packing crates full of the stuff is suddenly almost blocking aisles. Another homophone (words that share the same pronunciation but have different meanings), abalone is known in Chinese as baoyu, which can also mean "assurance" (bao) and "surplus" (yu) in the year ahead. It’s a popular food to eat for business people, and since SMEs make up 99% of business in Singapore, that means almost everyone! In fact, you’ll see it commonly in new year corporate hampers and auspicious gift packs.
Why So Many Broomsticks?
Brooms of every kind are still popular in Singapore, even the type made of long twigs seen more often in children’s story tales. At this time of the year, they feature prominently at the front of our local hardware store along with cleaning cloths and storage baskets. I haven’t lived in China, but I noticed that as a high-school student in Japan, cleaning in mid winter was a big deal. I have clear memories of cleaning dusty old classrooms while shivering in my plastic slippers and school uniform. Wringing icy water in the winter wasn't much fun - but I guess was good for the soul! At least in Singapore, the weather is a bit more conducive to cleaning. And for those with a more relaxed outlook on having everything in its place, you could put off cleaning until the last minute. Why? Because after Chinese New Year arrives, one is not supposed to have any brooms around lest your luck is swept away. But with all the floral decorations and goodies around, you won't be short on that!
Peranakan Prints - new collection out soon!
If you're looking for unique textile pieces with a Singapore flavour, visit the Raffles Hotel Christmas Bazaar to see my new Peranakan tile inspired fabric prints! I'm very excited about my latest project - translating fabric designs into useful interior items to bring a bit of Peranakan inside our homes. These prints have been created by hand using rubber blocks carved by myself with a lot of love and patience!
Details: Raffles Hotel Christmas Bazaar, Raffles Arcade North Bridge Road Atrium, #01-16/17 on 10th & 11th December 2016, 11am to 9pm
Sizes include: Small Square 40cm x 40cm | Small Table Runner 30cm x 90cm | Medium Table Runner 30cm x 130cm
My ever-energetic and talented friend Mishell Leong of Milc By Mishell will be kindly displaying my handmade creations at her booth at the Bazaar. You won't be able to miss Mishell's table - it's sure to stand out with her lively and cheerful artwork that includes her popular peony coasters! Mishell is a fellow artist whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know through the networking group BWNSG. It's so nice to support other creatives and help each other out. Mishell is an amazing go-getter and I've always admired her positive outlook on life!
Peranakan Prints collection will soon also be available online!
M.C.Escher in Singapore
EXCURSION - M.C.ESHER EXHIBITION
I'm excited that the ArtScience Museum is showing the works of M. C. Escher, one of the world’s most famous graphic artists! I plan to have a look-see in November and would love to have some company!
Date: Thursday 24 November, 2016
Time: 2:30pm sharp at the lower ground level of ArtScience Museum. Please buy your ticket beforehand and be ready to be amazed!
RSVP: Please email me by 22 November. info (at) jenniferlimart.com
Who Are The Peranakans?
Spicy dishes, tropical coloured outfits and grand shophouses - the Peranakan Chinese feature frequently in Singapore tourism brochures but their true identity still remains mysterious to many. My research into my father’s background has helped me to discover that this intriguing culture extends well beyond just prawn paste and beaded slippers. So who are these Chinese-looking people with unique tastes influenced by Chinese, Malay and European elements?
Read MoreTile Trade Series - New Work Coming Soon
The latest print in the Tile Trade series is on its way! Wealth & Luck was the first print I made almost a year ago after discovering a connection between Singapore and Japan in the form of wasei (Japanese made) majolica tiles. It seems that these relief tiles were customised to feature auspicious fruits, flowers and symbols commonly seen in Chinese culture.
This 'sibling' block also has a terrific story that I unearthed after making some amazing discoveries about my family history in Singapore. It was inspired by a tile I discovered at a temple built with donations made by people including my great grandfather, Lim Nee Yam. The original tile is from Holland and is also a design popular among Japanese visitors.
Take a peek at the process behind making my first block!
Melbourne Specialist International School Art Exhibition 2016
Doing good with my Mind Map III print at Melbourne International Specialist School's recent fundraising event. Held at RedDot Fine Art Gallery, it was a great turn-out with many of my artists friends including Julie Williams, Michelle Mah, Linda Preece, Toni Lopez, Merryn Trevethan and Tatyana Kildisheva also donating work. A great night for a worthwhile cause - and lovely to meet some of the students from the school!
The Mind Map series was inspired by my years of traveling between Singapore and Japan. The watery landscape seen from above reminds me of my personal connection to nature. With three generations of my family in Singapore having worked in the maritime industry, to me the sea is symbol of history and life.
Art Workshop FAQ's!
Workshop FAQ
I’m confused about which workshop to do...
- I want to carve an image and print on fabric! Join Heritage Fabric Printing (4 hours).
- I want to carve an image and print on paper! Join Heritage Linocut Printing on Paper (4 hours).
- No time to carve a block? Use pre-made blocks and join Express Linocut Printing (2 hours) to make art prints on paper.
- No time to carve a block? Use pre-made blocks and join Express Fabric Printing (2 hours) to make prints on fabric.
What is Block Printing?
Block printing is a technique where you use a block made of linoleum, rubber, metal or wood to stamp a pattern with ink onto material, paper or any other suitable horizontal surface. As the block is held in the hand, it is usually of a considerable thickness for better grip. You can buy decorative pre-carved blocks, or carve your own design in a rubber blocks to create truly customised patterns. It’s a fun and quick way to make large work, especially for fabric!
What is Linocut Printing?
Linocut is another way to print and uses a large metal press of hand-held baren to transfer the inked surface of the linoleum or rubber block onto paper. I use only a new rubber type linoleum that is easy to carve - none of that dangerous old-skool linoleum! You can make a multiple coloured print by creating several blocks and assigning a certain colour for each part of the image. My beginner classes focus on creating a single block and learning the techniques of image transfer, carving with specialist tools, and the tricks of printing without creating a mess!
Can I wash my fabric?
Definitely! We use special textile inks on that become colour-fast once heat is applied. It’s advisable that you use an old handkerchief between the paint surface and your iron, and make sure that the iron is set to a high dry heat.
Can I keep my block?
Of course! The great thing about carving your own block is that you can use it for so many other projects. Print on greeting cards, envelopes, bookmarks, wrapping paper, placemats and cushions. Or print on a t-shirt and wear it around - I do!
Are your workshops monthly?
My workshops are seasonal so it depends on my exhibition and travel commitments. I limit participant numbers because I like to give each student lots of attention so they can pick up as many skills as possible.
How do I book?
All my workshop are on my website. I accept online payments and will respond with details such as location after your booking is made. See upcoming workshops!
What is the CMIO model in Singapore?
Some foreign residents to Singapore might be surprised when they are asked to state their race on official documents. For many, the idea of ticking a box to determine their ethnicity is strange and wonder why nationality is not enough for official records. Singapore currently uses a system of racial categorisation when it comes to the government housing system and probably in other areas not publicised. I know from personal experience that this Chinese-Malaysian-Indian-Other model dictates the ethnic quota for persons buying a government flat.
When I bought my HDB in Toa Payoh two years ago, we noticed terms like 'Chinese quota filled' and 'all races welcome'. Luckily for us, my husband and I had decided to state 'Eurasian' on our identification cards. I'm not sure how I feel about this term as it's a bit vague but that's another story! Also, my mother taught me at a young age that 'Eurasian' in a Singapore or Indonesian context traditionally mean something else - see the Eurasian Association's website for more details! And once you've done with the academic stuff, have some sugee cake...yum!
But I digress, sorry. So when our agent told us that the flat we were interested could be bought by 'Others', we were relieved. Because there are so many Chinese living in Toa Payoh, the 'Chinese' quota for our building had already been filled, meaning that only non-Chinese were allowed to buy the flat. In fact, had we followed traditional Chinese thinking, my husband and I should have both written 'Chinese' on our ID card as our fathers are of Chinese descent.
I was recently asked to give my views on issues related to the CMIO categories at a discussion initiated by Singapore University of Technology and Design on mixed marriages and parenting in Singapore. It was interesting to be with a roomful of mixed race parents and hear about their diverse experiences growing up in terms of language, culture and education. The debate about whether this model suits modern Singapore will no doubt continue with business leaders such as Ho Kwon Ping saying that, "The CMIO model ... has helped to create common ground among those of different tongues and dialects, but it also has had the effect of oversimplifying the diversity that is our social mix. How we define people often shapes how they behave, so the less we pigeonhole people, the more chances we have for a cohesive diversity." The CMIO model has worked in many ways, and it will be interesting to see what changes will be made to it in the future.
Peranakan Printing Takes Over Toa Payoh Library!
I was invited to teach linocut printing to senior members of the community last month as part of Silver Arts Festival 2016. It was a privilege to be with different member of the community and watch as they got the hang of transferring their designs, carving and printing. Many were first-timers to taking an art class, and we had a really enjoyable afternoon together.
If you missed out this time, join my other workshops or subscribe to my monthly newsletter for future events.
What is the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Singapore in August can be an eerie place with the sound of wailing and wisps of smoke filling the nighttime sky. The arrival of the Hungry Ghost Festival is marked by various rites and rituals as believers of Buddhism and Taoism welcome visitors from the spirit world. For about one month, pedestrians must dodge candles lining the footpath and random plates of food on the ground as followers make elaborate offerings of food, paper money and entertainment to the departed.
The festival is celebrated by Buddhists as a time to comfort and remember deceased family members who have come back to ‘visit’. Taoists believe that during this time, ‘wandering spirits’ let out from the netherworld must be appeased and ‘fed’ so they do not cause trouble or misfortune. This inauspicious month has many superstitions still observed by some Chinese such as refraining from moving house, getting married and even swimming. In fact, some say that non-Chinese may even benefit from buying a house during this time due to less competition!
This festival has made a great impression on me since I started living in a housing development estate in the older suburb of Toa Payoh. I’ve been amazed by the array of practices carried out around my neighborhood and keen to learn more. Last year, my daughter and I watched the Chinese opera troupes singing at a stage set up right outside my apartment building. We felt sorry for the performers as no-one seemed interested in listening to them despite their determined singing for hours in the heat. I hung around taking photos of preparations for some kind of party at the apartment block opposite but was too shy to ask any questions.
It seems that my ‘kaypo’ (sticky beak) presence was noticed by locals and this year I was honoured to get two invites to attend the same block party! One was from ‘Ah Pong’, a friendly neighbour who works at the nearby mini-mart and is the neighborhood beacon for intelligence and gossip. I’m only assuming this as I’ve yet to actually exchange more than a few sentences with her in Mandarin. I attempt to chat with Ah Pong at least twice a day when I pass by her shop on the way to childcare. She’s always got health advice for me and biscuits for my kids and I feel lonely during the day if I can’t hear her booming voice from the sixth floor of my apartment! I also got an invite from an Indian Singaporean ‘brother’, who is interestingly one of the few non-Chinese living here.
I bought my ticket from Ah Pong’s shop despite feeling that $100 price was a bit steep. Over the next few days, I saw the large marquee erected and small shrines set up inside. A large number of red plastic buckets appeared outside Ah Pong's shop and were gradually filled with a variety of goodies. I was surprised to see very practical items including household staples such as oil, rice, biscuits and fruit. I then realised that the ticket price covered the banquet as well as enough basics to last quite a while.
On the morning, a Wayang Chinese opera troupe began their performances at the outdoor theatre. My two-year-old son didn’t think much of them but we stayed to watch for while. Like last year, there wasn’t a soul around (that we could see!) but the singers took their job very seriously and were there for several hours. Before the banquet started, they came over to the marquee and to pray at the shrines set up inside. I also saw a man chopping up piles of cold meat - I guess that it had been offered to the deceased in the afternoon and was then being cut up to give to guests. I was told to take a pack home and saw that it contained several kinds of cold meat.
That evening, I brought along my children and sat with Ah Pong. Our table was at the back and it gave us a birds-eye view of staff preparing food on site. University students had also been hired to serve us and my children got an orange ‘moustache’ caused on the bright orange soft-drink! We should have come starving as there was a lot of food and strongly urged to eat it all up! I hear that there are usually 8-10 courses and it seemed like at least that many.The food was very mild without any chilli and a lot like the banquet food I’ve had at Chinese weddings.
The cheerful announcers at the banquet used a mixture of Mandarin and Hokkien - none of which I understood but I got the general gist of things. A brisk auction got underway as ‘lucky’ items including a bunch of leeks, charcoal, a giant baked cake, whiskey and framed LED flashing pictures containing images of banknotes were sold off. Ah Pong urged me to get something by saying, ‘money buys money’ and that I could pay up next year! When it came time to announce the wine, the auctioneers suddenly announced in English that the wine was ‘made in New Zealand’! Apparently the money raised in the auction is used to subsidise the banquet for the following year and some also given to charity.
We really enjoyed the atmosphere and it was nice to feel part of the community despite not understanding much. My direct neighbours looked amused to hear that we had attended the party as I told them of my experiences. When I chatted to a Peranakan neighbour with an English education, he commented that he didn’t partake in such ‘Chinese’ things. A nearby Chinese shopkeeper who runs a soybean stall and is a ‘freethinker’ (this is Singaporean for atheist or non-domination) said that he had never even been to such an event. It’s fascinating to hear about the individual differences between Singapore Chinese themselves towards various customs. As an outsider, I must admit that rituals I didn’t grow up with always seem more interesting than those back home - and my family is certainly always learning something in this established nook of old-time Singapore!
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Printing on a High - National Gallery Rooftop Studio Workshop
Teaching art in Singapore was a particularly amazing experience recently during my linocut workshop at National Gallery Singapore. The gallery's rooftop studio was the scene of much carving, printing and laughter as students learnt basic linocut printing. I was delighted to be invited to create a series of images inspired by architecture features of the two national monuments that form Singapore's largest art museum. Students created an amazing variety of prints and I love how many shared blocks and inks - spontaneous artistic collaboration!
Missed out? Like my Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with workshops and events!
Linocut Printing - Combined Paper and Fabric Workshop
Printing your own fabrics and stationery is such fun - and it was great to recently combine two workshops so that students could get an insight into each technique. The same 'linocut train' takes all the students to the transfer, tracing and carving stops. Then there are two tracks - one for printing on fabric and one for printing on paper. Same, same but different as some might say!
The good thing about the type of lino we use is that it can work with both paper ink and fabric ink. It's nice to know that students who print on fabric this time might be sending friends some handmade cards in the same design next time! My new stationery set with greeting cards, envelopes and wrapping paper comes with instructions and an envelope template - great for putting your own touch on presents!
Being creative with other like-minded people is something I really enjoy about my workshops. It's relaxing to make things on your own, but sometimes a studio environment is just what you need to being out the (efficient!) artist in you. It's also lovely to see students making new friends as well as enjoying time with friends that they bring along.
Heritage tiles are the inspiration for many of the designs we use in my workshops. It's one thing to admire the beautiful designs (beneath your feet!) but it's another to take the time out to carve and create these designs. The process of mixing colours and working out patterns really makes these architectural features 'yours' in my view. To think you can take incorporate a little of Singapore in something you make is special. Try your hand at a unique art workshop by subscribing to my newsletter or check out upcoming workshops!
Creative Corporates - Team Building Workshops & Printing events
Team bonding! As a former corporate warrior (in Japan!), I know how important it is to be able to work with people of different nationalities and backgrounds. It's vital to allow colleagues to develop stronger bonds - outside the office kitchen! I love seeing how art can help people to get to know each other in a relaxed and creative environment.
Art workshops can also be a feature at events. I was recently invited to host a Peranakan tile inspired printmaking session for a media launch at Hotel Indigo Katong, a new boutique hotel in Singapore. Members of the press used linocut blocks that I custom-made based on designer tiles at the hotel. As you can see from the photos, the event was a lot of fun!
Contact me to learn more about my tailored art workshops for companies.
Team Bonding, Corporate Events, Team Building, Art Workshops
Sarong Kebaya Exhibition in Tokyo (日英文)
Singapore, Sarong Kebaya and Style: Peranakan Fashion in an Interconnected World
The Shoto Museum in Tokyo is to launch an exhibition curated by Singapore author and collector Peter Lee and the Asian Civilisation's Museum from July 26th to September 25th, 2016. See more details in English.
Eustacia Tan also has some great photos of this show on her blog.
サロンクバヤ:シンガポール 麗しのスタイル
2016年7月26日(火)〜2016年9月25日(日)
18世紀から20世紀にかけてのシンガポールのプラナカン(中国やインド系移民の子孫)の女性用民族衣装「サロンクバヤ」やジュエリー、ビーズのサンダルなど約140点を展示し、ファッションという視点から、シンガポール文化の重層性や日本との関わりを読み解きます。本展は2016年の日本・シンガポール外交関係樹立50周年を記念して開催するもので、シンガポール国立アジア文明博物館とプラナカンの名家であるリー家のコレクションを中心に紹介します。
ワークショップ「華麗なるプラナカンビーズ刺繍で小物づくり」、館内のツアーもあります。
Peranakan Beadwork: Heritage Art, a talk by Bebe Seet
[Go-Stun] Peranakan Beadwork: Heritage Art, a talk by Bebe Seet
Date:Saturday Jul 30, 2016
Time:02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Venue:Imagine in library@orchard
Lang: English
Note: Registration is closed.
The ‘kasut manek’ or beaded slippers which is the creation of the nyonya’s hands, is a material link to the past, becoming in itself a visible symbol of the Peranakan’s proud ancestry. Documentation on beadwork is scarce, but researches on old beadworks provide some history on beading techniques, materials and designs. This talk revives the dying art form of Peranakan beading, and tells of its continuation today as historical artefact and a craft activity.
- About the Speaker -
Bebe Seet founded Rumah Bebe in 1995, after she was spurred to learn about the Peranakan art of beading slippers when she could not find herself a pair of antique ‘kasut manek’ (Malay for ‘beaded shoes’) traditionally worn by Peranakan women. Bebe’s first teacher was the mother of a friend. After the elderly lady’s death, Bebe made further progress with aid of research into the history of ‘nyonya’ (female Peranakan) beading. She began giving classes to share the joy and passion of the craft, and from there expanded into independent retail of beaded items and other related Peranakan heritage products. Rumah Bebe is currently housed in a 1928 shophouse in Katong, which opened in a new location with the visit from delegates of the 2003 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Convention, an event supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.
- About the Series -
‘Go-Stun: Heritage Artefacts’ – talks organised in collaboration with the Friends of the Museums.
The Friends of the Museums return to the libraries again in July 2016. This time, we welcome local cultural advocates to tell us about heritage artefacts that underlie the region’s rich diversity. Head back in time, while keeping a view ahead for the contemporary potential of vanishing art forms and trades.
- About ‘Go-Stun’ -
‘Go-Stun – Amazing Stories to Live By’ is a curated series of programmes happening at the Public Libraries and beyond, targeted at bridging youths to the cultures and heritage of Singapore. Go-Stun workshops, talks, performances and walking tours intend to revisit the past, evoke nostalgia, commemorate iconic places, and unite personal memories with shared experiences.
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For further information about Go-Stun and other arts programmes at the Public Libraries Singapore, please email arts@nlb.gov.sg.
「プラナカン展」〜マレーシアとシンガポールのババ・ニョニャ〜
「プラナカン」とは、15世紀後半からマレーシアやシンガポールにやってきた、中国系移民の子孫のこと。中国、マレー、そしてヨーロッパの文化をミックスさせた、独自の華麗な生活スタイルを築きました。プラナカン男性はババ、女性はニョニャと呼ばれます。
プラナカン文化は、建築、ファッション、料理まで、生活の様々な場面で見ることができます。写真や雑貨の展示、セミナー、ワークショップを通じて彼らの洗練された美しい文化をご紹介する特別なイベントです。目を見張る華やかな歴史とデザインをお楽しみください。
【日時】 2016年8月
【場所】 日本アセアンセンター アセアンホール (アクセス)
【入場】 無料 (※セミナー・ワークショップは事前登録要 )
申込サイトよりご登録ください
【主催】 国際機関 日本アセアンセンター