Beautiful inside my Mind

I've moved

2010-07-07T15:21:00.001+08:00

http://linsstudio.wordpress.com/
Got bored of the blogger format and now I'm tinkering with wordpress.

2010-05-02T08:57:00.002+08:00

Gestures from my last day of life drawing class (I'm going to miss it so much this summer!). If you can't tell, our model was a ballerina. Loved her graceful poses.

Can't believe I'm going home in the coming week. This has been a year of amazing change for me.

2010-04-17T00:52:00.005+08:00

Just completed this group project, which proved to be really fun. Also, managed to finish my first larger-than-life figure drawing.

I feel so disconnected from the contemporary art scene now. I've no idea who are the movers and shakers, if Damien Hirst is still the richest living artist alive etc. There's a couple of paintings by Wilhelm Hammershoi I'd like to share in an upcoming post.

2010-04-11T04:51:00.008+08:00

Just an update on what I've been doing in this crazy period (3 more weeks to the end of the semester!) I took time off to attend the Fashion Jury show, which showcases student work for final selection to be in the actual show. Design mentors included Anthropologie and Armani Exchange, also this label I'd never heard of called Patagonia. It's not a fashion label in the conventional sense as it focuses on organic outdoor apparel, but it's expanding its offerings to include more stylish options. It's particularly known for its eco-friendly slant, which is definitely the direction I think fashion should take. It was fascinating to see how the students recycled outdoor garments and gear into wearable clothes.

On Friday I went apartment-hunting in the Downtown area. Two of the apartments were particularly impressive. One of them was right next to the Museum of Contemporary Art (the door literally opens onto the museum courtyard!), and close to a music school and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I heard that they have free concerts outdoors in the summer. The other apartment was in this medieval palace style and had its own small private park for residents, complete with park benches and barbecue grills! It was a little too much for me. The one we settled on is pretty cute with bright lights and cheery colours.

Honestly, sometimes I question what I'm doing and if I'm fit for such a competitive industry (this happened after I nearly fell asleep at the table for the upteenth time doing homework). It's not the work itself but the pressure to perform that daunts me. Moreover, I'm paying a heck load of my parents' money for it, with no guarantee of a job in future and little respect from some people. Incredible as it sounds, I actually miss studying things like literature in depth. I'm trying to pinpoint what exactly it is about fashion design that I like. Not the social aspect of the industry, for sure. I think admire the artistry of fashion designers and I'm intrigued by the transformative power of clothes. I've also been talking to my church friend about reconciling our Christian faith with fashion. Have I found an answer? Not really.

2010-04-05T22:04:00.016+08:00

I experienced earthquake tremors for the first time yesterday. And let me tell you, though it lasted for only a minute or so, it was pretty scary. Things were swaying and creaking. It felt surreal, like "Is this really happening?" I think I said a prayer but I'm not sure because my mind was blank.

It's times like these that remind me to show love and appreciation for my family and friends, as life can be extinguished in an instant. I'm very lucky to have just made a new friend and future roommate, someone who shares common values and interests. We had such fun and meaningful time together the past weekend, and I think she is someone who can enrich my life. It seems that there's someone constantly watching because everytime I need something it's given to me, though it may not be in the form I expected. Sometimes I don't even realize that my life was lacking in a certain aspect until I receive it.

On another note, I've been following British chef Jamie Oliver's TV show 'Food Revolution', in which he tries to change the school food of America. I watched the original one set in Britain, and while I thought the situation there was preposterous, it seems that the U.S. might be worse. Many people don't even seem to perceive a problem with their eating habits. Two high school girls ("obviously foxy young ladies", Jamie said to them) weren't concerned that their lunch tray was piled with French fries and no vegetables. Well, like Jamie sniped, "Enjoy it while you can." Youth and health is not going to last forever.

Honestly, I was rather appalled with the food options when I first arrived. There was an entire aisle devoted to frozen foods, which are all processed and nutrient-deficient. I saw people piling boxes of those in their trolley. Whoa. This made my resolution to eat healthily rather tricky, especially with the discounted Ben & Jerry's and Haagen Daaz ice-cream. At the same time, I found out that a healthy eating culture does exist here, one associated with organic supermarkets like Whole Foods and fresh produce from the Farmers' Market. I think my diet is better than many college students, but still not ideal. At least I'm not eating instant ramen all the time (would you believe I've eaten it only once since I came?) Hopefully I can work towards that next semester.

2010-04-04T22:59:00.005+08:00

My memories of a place are often tied to a certain song. Is it just me? For example, 'Lemon Tree' stands for Australia (specifically Melbourne and Sydney), and Cliff Richard's 'The Young Ones' is for Malaysia.

Now, Fleetwood Mac's 'You Make Loving Fun' will always remind me of a sunny afternoon, cruising down the streets of Los Angeles. Fleetwood Mac is a Southern California blues band, which explains why the song's vibe suits the mood of LA so well.

"... I never did believe in miracles
But I've a feeling it's time to try
I never did believe in the ways of magic
But I'm beginning to wonder why...

You make loving fun..."

Unfortunately, Youtube has disabled their function which allows me to post videos directly to my blog. Instead, here's a link to Fleetwood Mac's live performance of the song in 1977: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoMWa3jRtLo&feature=PlayList&p=6C35C37A4A3DCDDA&playnext_from=PL&index=1

P.S. I finally had the chance to buy from a taco truck on Thursday. Yay!

2010-03-30T02:59:00.003+08:00

Last week's activities included visiting the Santa Monica Aquarium, and having Vietnamese food (pho/ beef noodles, rice paper rolls and a desert of fresh coconut milk and ground beans) for Sunday lunch. Delicious!

Did I mention how delighted I am that spring is here? I'm enjoying the warmer weather, longer days, blossoming flowers and the feeling of sun and air on my skin. I like the ease of wearing looser clothes and fewer pieces, plus putting on my pretty jewellery. Somehow I don't wear much jewellery in colder months, because they get lost among the layers anyway.

Can't believe that I'm headed home in little more than a month. I still have so many matters to deal with. The days have really flown by. I longed to return terribly when I first came, but now I find that I'm actually enjoying myself. The kindred spirits I've met so far are a major part of my positive experience. There are still so many things I haven't discovered about LA.

What I love about LA

2010-03-22T07:25:00.003+08:00

1) Great shopping. One can find fashionable clothes at great prices. The Urban Outfitters store's lifestyle concept is a revelation. I'm always tempted to walk out with an armful of clothes, bottles of nail polish, quirky books and a film camera.

2) Eating places with great atmosphere. Whenever I pass by the streets in a car I always see some place interesting that I want to check out. Also, there's such a variety of cuisines available- ethnic, deli, diner food etc. The best thing to do, really, is to grab a spot at a cafe and order a coffee.

3) Farmers' Markets. I love to buy fresh produce there, and sometimes grab a snack or two. Oh, did I mention that you can find jewellery as well?

4) Mexican food! Tacos, burritos and tamales (my favourite) that are cheap AND finger-licking good. I want to buy from a taco truck but I never see one in my area :(

5) Sunshine and good weather. It makes every day seem so pleasant.

6) Being surrounded by both mountains and beaches. I like seeing the mountains in the background when driving, and the calmness of the beach (if you can find a quiet spot) is lovely.

What else?

2010-03-22T06:56:00.004+08:00

As part of my pledge to watch more films, I suscribed to Netflix this spring break and managed to finish:
The September Issue
Julie & Julia
Up
Pan's Labyrinth

All were delightful. I think I'll cancel my subscription though as I highly doubt I'll have the time when school starts.

Films have been on my mind lately, including classic ones. I enjoyed both Federico Fellini's 8 1/2 and Alain Resnais' Last Year at Marienbad, which I saw for my English class. Wish I could take film classes.

I also had a marathon of Anthony Bourdain's travel television show, No Reservations. Love that guy's meat-eating, mouth-cussing swagger. It reminded me how much I've yet to see of the world. I mean, Azores? Sardinia? Where on Earth are they? Yet they were two of my favourite episodes. So I'm really excited to be (tentatively) visiting Abu Dhabi this summer. My mum is tantalizing me with descriptions of yummy Middle Eastern flatbreads, dates, olive oil and hummus already.

2010-03-17T07:49:00.003+08:00

The light in California is so wonderfully rich and golden. I love how it casts a magical glow on anything it hits. Now I desperately want a film camera to capture the raw feeling of everything I see.

Spring break has been amazing so far.

Elie Nadelman

2010-03-12T22:40:00.006+08:00

I recently discovered the Polish-American sculptor Elie Nadelman's works. I'm frankly much less acquainted with sculpture than I am with painting, which is a pity because sculpture can have such a commanding physical presence. I'm intrigued by how classical references have been distorted into something savagely beautiful in these figurines. Tradition and Modernist traces in the form of rough, expressionistic surfaces and simplified forms coalesce into works that are subtly powerful.

2010-03-10T13:00:00.002+08:00

The mix of textures, industrial and organic, in this house is so inspiring. Can't remember where I got this photo from.

Spring break starting this weekend. Yay! I'm celebrating by grabbing green tea latte with a friend on Thursday afternoon, and Korean barbecue for lunch on Friday.

California Dreamin'

2010-03-08T22:46:00.002+08:00

I love gazing at the mountains and wilderness as I drive by.

P.S. You can check out some of the work I've been doing in foundation year at http://yilincheng.daportfolio.com.

Model Drawing

2010-02-01T22:52:00.002+08:00

I'm too impatient for progress. It's only been three lessons.

Figure drawings

2010-01-25T00:17:00.005+08:00

Samples of my work from life drawing and model drawing class. I'm working on taking photos of the things I have now, and I should have more to show soon. I like that we have more freedom to experiment with different techniques and mediums this semester. It's a shift from the fundamentals towards personal expression and finding your own artistic identity.

2010-01-19T00:31:00.002+08:00

These beautifully-printed silk scarves from Swash deserve to be hung on the wall as art. I love the pastel colours and quirky mix of objects.

Degas' Pastel Drawings

2010-01-15T13:42:00.003+08:00

My recent visit to the Norton-Simon Museum reminded me of the sensitivity of Degas' drawings. He is uncomparably skilled at capturing the gait of a ballerina and the sheer, floaty quality of her tutu through spare, suggestive lines. Also, the addition of dints of highlights emphasizes the pose and gracefulness of her limbs. We're starting to use pastels now in class and these drawings demonstrate their expressive potential.

2010-01-14T11:44:00.003+08:00

I'm back from another gruelling day at school, and already it seems that we have a ton of work to do. I started my model drawing (aka fashion drawing) module yesterday and it was very interesting to experiment with different ways of depicting the subject and her mood and clothes. For life drawing we're working on a larger scale and eventually life size. I'm slightly daunted by the prospect, but I trust that everything will work out well as long as I practise.

Form and Space class seems much more bearable now that we're not forced to work with certain materials. I'm thinking of wood here. Cutting and fitting together pieces of wood was the bane of my existence in first semester. My palms often got pink from abrasion with the wood after working for some time. This time we're given a lot more personal freedom. We're about to start on a sculpture project based on our own theme, and using materials of our choice. Further on we'll construct a form out of textiles and fabric, which sounds pretty intriguing.

An addition to my bookshelf

2010-01-12T23:01:00.006+08:00

I received Julia Child's memoir My Life in France as a Christmas present from my friend. The title was my request; another option I considered was The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I'm having a lovely time reading about Child's culinary adventures in France (Paris and Marseille especially), and the book is a great inspiration to anyone who wants to learn how to cook i.e. me. Why does it seem that fiction which revolves around food appeals to me? Under the Tuscan Sun comes to mind here. The rustic simplicity of Italian food described in the former and the elegant sophistication of French food in My Life in France are equally intriguing. For that matter, my taste buds appreciate almost any kind of cuisine. Maybe it's because memories of a place, for me, are intimately associated with the local food that I understand the spirit of these books.

Waiting for Summer

2010-01-12T00:53:00.003+08:00

Browns

Though winter here is extraordinarily mild and I don't have to put up with a perpetual feeling of stickiness (aka sweatiness), I can't help missing the ease of throwing on a tank top and breezy skirt and waltzing out the door. I miss the feel of the sun on my legs. I bet I'll be eating my words when I get back to the sweltering heat of Singapore, but right now I'm pining for summer. Maybe looking at these simple and strappy summer-appropriate shoes will help to cure my longing.

Akira Isogawa S/S 10 Collection

2010-01-11T12:41:00.007+08:00

http://www.akira.com.au/

Isogawa manages to keep things fresh each season with interesting and effortlessly-stylish draping, and splashes of vibrant colour and prints. These garments are perfect for dressy events in summer like a night barbecue- light, breezy and not too formal.

My cousin's wedding is coming up in July (and I hope my brother's is not too far from that). Hmm, what should I wear? I'm thinking of re-wearing my prom dress but it's fun to consider other options.

Wonderful things that happened this holiday

2010-01-08T01:22:00.007+08:00

Picking oranges and persimmons- I know this is no big deal for locals, but it's a novel experience for someone from Singapore. It was so sweet (literally and figuratively) to taste a fresh fruit that I had picked myself, rather than one that is imported.

Visiting Old Town Pasadena- the atmosphere of that place reminds me of Europe, especially when night was starting to fall.

Exploring the Botannical Garden- I realized how long it's been since I was in contact with nature and the outdoors. This place is huge compared to the one in Singapore and boasts a fascinating array of flora and fauna. I love rubbing lavender and rosemary between my palms in the herb garden and leaving a lingering scent. I spotted mandarin ducks, herons and a bluejay!

Opening presents under the Christmas Tree- Again, all-too-familiar for some, but a new experience for me. I received a lovely pair of flats from my aunt and uncle.

Visiting the Norton-Simon Museum- Great to see artworks that I know in person. This museum has an especially expansive collection of Degas' drawings, paintings and sculptures.

Riding the train on my own- It felt so relaxing just to read a magazine, watch the scenery flash past my window and observe fellow travellers. Even better when I opened the lunchbox that my aunt packed for me.

Having delicious food- An essential element of any holiday. Highlights include assam laksa, Ipoh hor fun, dumplings and radish cake. The taste of Chinese home-cooked food is so endearing to me.

The best part of the holiday for me? Realizing that there are people out there who are always ready to open their hearts and doors to someone they barely know. Since arriving here, there have been many occasions which made me feel how large the world really is, and how small and insignificant I am in comparison. I'd really been living a sheltered and privileged life. It's amazing to say that here, in the sprawling expanse of the U.S., I've found another family. The thought of having a place always welcome to me is immeasurably comforting. It sounds cliche, but now I think it is true that it all comes down to love. There is plenty of love in the world to go around.

The Castle House

2010-01-08T00:32:00.002+08:00

I passed by this amazing house while walking to the Rose Parade. Doesn't the front gate (which is really tall) seem like something out of a fairytale? It feels like a modern version of Wemmick's Castle in Great Expectations. Utterly surreal.

2010-01-07T14:39:00.002+08:00

Some events I went to: the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, and 'Kooza' by Cirque du Soleil in Santa Monica a while back.

Art

2010-01-07T14:32:00.002+08:00

Top: my little cousin's version of 'Mona Lisa',

Below: Degas' 'Little Ballet Dancer' in the Norton-Simon Museum in Pasadena

Tribal flavour

2009-11-15T00:27:00.002+08:00

African-inspired wrap dresses from Vintageous.com. So simple yet chic.

Nocturnes

2009-11-08T09:37:00.004+08:00

Before there was Monet's 'Haystacks' series, James McNeill Whistler painted many versions of night scenes which he dubbed 'Nocturnes'. The hazy quality captures the uncertainty of night vision and creates the impression of a dream-like inner world, which is characteristic of Symbolism. Of course, the loose, unpolished brushwork has a direct relation to Impressionist technique. I really love how Whistler portrays the velvety night sky, tinged with a multitude of shades and hues. It takes on a life of its own, drawing the viewer into its depths. Visually seductive is the word to describe it.

Money Money Money

2009-11-06T11:27:00.003+08:00

Excuse the cheesy title, but that is indeed what's on my mind. It drives me insane to be constantly so calculative with money. Everytime I pick something off the shelf at the grocery store I'm calculating how many meals I can get out of it and comparing the price to other items. I always try to buy whatever's discounted for that week. I don't even get lunch from the school cafeteria because it's pricey. Instead, I cook and pack my own lunch. And still I feel like I'm spending alot.

It's the little snacks and drinks in school that add up, plus the meals I have outside during the weekend. Why is food here so ridiculously expensive? Not to mention the art supplies I have to stock up on regularly. Now I make sure that I eat every grain of rice, finish every last sip of my drink, and have the waiter pack any leftovers I have when I eat out.

I've resolved to take biscuits to school for snacks. I'm even wondering if I should bring my own drinks. Not sure what to contain them in though. My water bottle?

Sigh. I need to learn to be more savvy with my finances. When adult life rolls around there'll be even more things to manage like investment portfolios and insurance.

Lost In Translation- 'More than This'

2009-11-05T13:46:00.001+08:00

There's nothing more than the meeting of two hearts.

2009-11-05T11:54:00.006+08:00

Saw this photo today in a post titled 'The Design Student' on The Sartorialist and laughed because I recognized the toolbox- I have a similar one. Plus the roomy bag and cup of coffee. Doesn't that just scream 'design student'? We lug a load of art supplies to school everyday and survive on coffee to keep awake during marathon studio classes and while doing assignments.

So I just returned from my longest day of the week- a 6-hour life drawing session followed by English Literature class. Though such days are draining, they're also very fulfilling. Both are my favourite classes, and I always feel that I've achieved a lot in one day. We had a female model today called Yuko. I really do get a sense that both my gestures and long drawings are improving. For English class, we discussed two short stories- 'How I contemplated the world...' by Joyce Carol Oates and 'The Garden of Forking Paths' by Jorge Luis Borges, the latter of which I found pretty fascinating.

'The Garden of Forking Paths' derives its name from the fable of a Chinese man named Tsui Penn, governer of Yunnan, who withdrew from public duty to write a novel and construct a maze. After his death, his descendants found only a heap of seemingly contradictory drafts, and no physical maze. It took a Sinologist, Stephen Albert, many generations later to discover that the novel was in fact the maze. Unlike conventional stories in which the narrator chooses one option out of those presented and eliminates the others, Tsui Penn's novel diverges into all possible outcomes the way a maze 'forks', only that the forking exists in time, not in space. To sum it up, Tsui Penn's novel presents parallel futures that exist simultaneously.

I broke out my snuggly thick knitted cardigan today, also bought over the weekend. To enliven the grey colour, I pinned a faux jewel brooch to the 'lapel' (the collar area) and the effect worked well I think.

The Power of a Good Coat

2009-11-04T06:12:00.002+08:00

So we had a few days of freakishly windy weather here in LA last week, and not being able to stand the cold, I ran to the mall and bought a dark blue coat and a wrap cardigan with a chunky knit. Yesterday in the elevator after class, I put on the coat in anticipation of the chilly evening. Here's the reaction it elicited from one of my male classmates:

A: "Oh my god, where did you get that coat?"
Me: (slightly stunned) "Um, Forever 21? I just bought it over the weekend 'cos I was cold."
A: "I've been looking for a coat like that forever. How much was it?"
Me: "Like, 30 (USD)."
A: "Dude, I'm so getting that coat."

I guess I could see why he wants my coat. It's a classic cut, mid-thigh length, that you can button up and belt in colder weather or leave it open. It's snuggly, slightly oversized, basically everything I want in a coat. Plus, it's dark blue, one of my favourite colours.

I'm not selling that coat to him.

2009-10-27T00:44:00.006+08:00

I was having brunch at a crepes cafe run by Japanese women when I heard the theme song for one of my favourite Japanese drama serials, Love Shuffle. It felt so familiar and strange at the same time. I feel detached from the person I was before I came to L.A. I've changed more in the past two months or so than I did in the past year. Before this, I never even looked at my bills. When anything went wrong, I'd automatically run to my parents or my brothers for help. The experience of living alone in a foreign country has forced me to grow up and learn to deal with matters myself. It was something that I recognized as lacking in myself and it really spurred my decision to leave my comfort zone and go to a new place.

This seems frightening and daunting, but it can also be very liberating. Eating in a cafe with friends, walking in a shopping mall thousands of miles away from home, exploring the streets- these activities give me a great sense of freedom. Sometimes I wonder if I'll be able to live permanently in the States. I do miss Singapore a lot and I consider myself a Singaporean girl at heart. But there are times that make me think, This isn't so bad. Maybe I can live here after all. I wonder how I'm being remembered by those back home. I wonder if I'll return and find that things have changed and people have moved on.

On another note, I visited a new mall in Culver City and went crazy in the huge (2-storey) Forever 21 store. The offerings are SO much better than those in Singapore. I also found an Indian restaurant and got my Indian food fix. Yay!

2009-10-02T22:47:00.006+08:00

I woke up last Saturday morning with a MAJOR craving for roti prata. For those who don't know what it is, it's a fried Indian flat bread that you usually dip into curry. But where was I going to get prata? The closest thing I could find in my vicinity was Thai food so I dragged my friend there for dinner.

The place made me feel like I'd been transported back to the Orient. I love the dark wood, hard-backed furniture, high ceilings, and plants. I'm more used to such details than carpeting and sofas (as comfy as the sofa in my apartment is).

On the recommendation of my friend, I tried Thai iced tea for the first time and it was delicious. I almost didn't want to drink it because of how pretty it looked when it arrived. Look at the layers of colour! The rich sienna is so enticing.

Then the food came and I was so excited to dig in that I totally forgot to take photos of it. I shared green curry and rice, spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, tom yam soup and coconut ice-cream with my friend. Here are two shots of our nearly-finished food:

Happy, satisfied me!

Figure drawings

2009-09-26T22:51:00.003+08:00

Samples from my most recent life drawing session. Basically there are three types of drawings- gestures, medium and long drawings. Gestures or gestural drawings are quick 1-2 min. sketches to get the gist of the pose (eg. the first photo). Long drawings are where you can go into detail and define the human form more clearly. We haven't really progressed to that stage yet.

Drawing the human figure is an ancient practice and actually a science- we deal with anatomy, measurement and proportion. Precision is key. If a foot is not placed at the right angle, it throws the entire drawing off. At the same time, it's definitely an art as one can show the spirit of the pose and even the model through expressive lines. One can experiment with different materials like charcoal pencil, graphite pencil and china marker and achieve a variety of styles. New models sometimes call for a new way of seeing and drawing. So far we've had a yoga practitioner, bodybuilder and baseball player. Somewhere down the line we'll have a ballerina I think.

My apartment

2009-09-26T09:30:00.006+08:00

View from the entrance.

Kitchen area.

Dining table.

Living room.

My room (my bed's the one on the left).

Our walk-in closet. My area's the one on the left- you'll notice it's very minimal compared to my roommate's. I have four pairs of shoes in total- the two I wear most often are in the entrance area.

The view from our room's window. In the distance is the airport. I can see the lights flashing from planes at night.

View from our window, continued. Facing us is a boutique hotel (the black building).

The balcony that connects to our living room.

2009-09-25T18:58:00.003+08:00

I've been reading Mitch Albom's books lately as it turns out that one of my flatmates is a fan. For One More Day was my favourite out of the lot, as it really resonates with how I'm feeling now. Being away from home means that I've learnt to appreciate my family and friends much more. I miss little things like my sis grooming my eyebrows and my mum's cooking, which is funny because my mum hasn't cooked for years.

Life drawing yesterday was really enjoyable. For some reason I felt much more relaxed than in regular class. The instructor was playing some music on a stereo and suddenly Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game' came on. The sound of it in that silent, spacious room was magical.

I'll be posting some shots of my apartment soon.

2009-09-24T11:28:00.002+08:00

Time passes so quickly- it's exactly a month since I arrived in Los Angeles and nearly a third into the semester. Wow.

Just returned from a marathon life drawing session, english lit. class and dinner at Taco Bell. I had chicken quesadilla- first time eating meat in... 2 or 3 weeks? I find meat too troublesome to prepare so I usually stick to eggs.

During lunch break I went shopping for fruits at the Farmers' Market opposite my school. The strawberries I bought are so sweet and juicy. Delicious. Strawberries were a luxury to me back in Singapore so I'm delighted that I can now have them whenever I want.

I think I'm going for an extra life drawing class tomorrow. Feel like I need more practice. I must conquer life drawing. It's definitely the toughest art class I've ever had.

Essentials of L.A. Fashion

2009-09-21T22:50:00.003+08:00

1) Sandals (who wants to wear covered shoes in the heat of summer? I've seen all kinds of styles from woven thong sandals to strappy lace-ups)

2) Denim shorts (this seems to be a staple around here; usually paired with button-down shirts or tank tops)

3) Sunglasses! (essential for shielding the glare)

4) A cardigan, lightweight sweater or some sort of cover-up (it gets chilly when it's windy, or when night approaches)

You know how in Singapore people will stare if someone has the audacity to don a hat or a pair of sunglasses in public? Well here no one will bat an eye. In fact, you're an anomaly if you don't own a pair.

2009-09-21T04:06:00.005+08:00

I grabbed a bite from Taco Bell near my apartment the other day and suddenly recalled that Taco Bell once could be found in Singapore. The memory is so distant that I'd almost forgotten it. Strange how our mind connects things. In my case, how I find links to home in my environment even when they are seemingly non-existent. My apartment is near the airport, so when lying in bed at night I spot the occasional flash of lights from aeroplanes. When that happens I instinctively think of myself returning on a plane. It's not that I'm really homesick, or that I really want to leave this place. It's just a mental connection I make with everything back home, a connection that transcends miles.

Despite the mostly mundane quality of daily life, sometimes it still feels surreal to be here. I guess after planning something for so long and that thing actually happens, you find it hard to believe. I never really gave much thought to the consequences of my actions, or at least I thought I understood what those consequences were. I just focussed on getting here. But now, with people's exclamations of astonishment at how far I came (all the way from Singapore!) and the fact that I'm the youngest child, have never lived by myself and don't know anyone in the immediate vicinity, I started thinking. They say I'm brave or, as my aunt put it, I'm not 'simple' (translated from Chinese). Sometimes it takes sweat and tears to step out of your comfort zone, but I can say that it's well worth it. Even if I were to fail in my studies (I certainly hope I don't), at least I can say that I tried, instead of spending the rest of my life wondering about what could have been. And already, I've learnt so much about the world and myself just by coming here. I now know what's important to me, which some people take a lifetime to discover.

2009-09-16T07:31:00.008+08:00

School's been going well and I'm enjoying my lessons more and more, as well as the company of the people. I've been graded on a few assignments and received mostly Bs and an A, which is pretty good. I like picking out my outfits every day. This may sound trivial, but it's a freedom that's heaven to someone who's been wearing uniforms all her life.

How else have I been spending my time? Well, checking out the new collections for spring, because New York Fashion Week is going on now. If anything catches my eye, it'll appear on this blog soon :) By the way, my school library has a great collection of magazines covering art, design, architecture, fashion, popular culture etc. I was just checking out the September issue of Vogue.

On the advice of my brother, who spent a year in the US on an exchange programme, I bought Ben & Jerry's ice-cream, a bag of tortilla chips and salsa from the supermarket. Ice-cream is way cheaper here- the Ben & Jerry's were 2 for 6 USD which is about 4.50 Singapore dollars each tub! WOW. I dipped the tortilla chips into the salsa for a quick snack and they were so yummy. Seriously, you find it hard to stop.

Ok, this is turning into a post about food. By request, here's some pics of the food I've eaten lately:

A scrumptious Chinese-style dinner. Credit for cooking it must go to my marvellous flatmate. Love the dark noodles! Chinese and Singaporean food has become a luxury to me now and I find myself craving all kinds of dishes I never particularly liked before.

Cereal with a sprinkling of blueberries. They eat a lot of cereal here. I try to make mine healthier by avoiding the sugary flavours and adding fresh fruits.

Sandwich with dark lettuce and ham, a slice of watermelon and milk tea for breakfast. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and I wake up early to prepare something nice.

Veggies drizzled with Thousand Island dressing, and bread with olive oil for lunch.

Inari sushi and stir-fried kangkong for dinner! The sushi is not of my own making, though I wish it were.

I frequently get hungry because classes are physically and mentally draining, so it's a challenge to find snacks that are quick and easy. Hence things like granola bars and fruits.

Sightseeing in Downtown L.A.

2009-09-14T12:48:00.019+08:00

On Saturday I went on a cultural tour of some well-known spots in the Downtown area. First up: the historic Bradbury building. The intricately constructed, somewhat gothic interior space is astonishing, and its antiquated appearance belies the fact that the upper floors actually have office tenants.

Arched doorways, stairs with ornate black railings (they look like iron to me), equally ornate mouldings, and ancient elevator with black gates (third picture) which doesn't seem to be working anymore...

Then it's the Walt Disney Concert Hall with its shiny, undulating curved facade, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry:

Very clean and modern, in total contrast to the Bradbury building. In Downtown one finds a juxtaposition of the old and the new; tradition with modernity.

We also visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. I don't know much about the Catholic tradition, but I'm told that it's a new-age cathedral. The interior feels like a crypt, and there are all kinds of religious touches- wall scone-like lamps, oil paintings, murals, stained-glass arches etc. I was slightly overwhelmed by the atmosphere.

We also went to the African-American National Museum (no pictures of that though). I like how the figure is stylized in African art and their ritualistic masks.

Last stop: Olvera Street, with its Hispanic flavour. I tried a tamale (like a corn pastry) for the first time, and really liked it. I'm really getting into Mexican food- tacos, tortillas, rice and beans etc.

The street is lined with stalls selling Mexican wares like ruched tops with colourful embroidery, straw hats and sweets.

My buys! A studded black pleather cuff, and two beautiful silver bracelets and a ring which I plan on wearing together. I think the silver jewellery would go great with my long-sleeved gray top with the sleeves rolled up.

It felt good to get away from school for a bit and explore the place, which I frankly haven't done much of. Looking forward to doing more shopping when I find the time.

2009-09-11T23:49:00.006+08:00

Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been having some mood swings (a.k.a. homesickness). It's a lot better now though. Life is tough but there are times when I really love what I'm doing. I truly want to stay.

The second week of school is almost over, so I thought I'd talk a bit about my life. I usually wake up around 6.30 in the morning to prepare for my lessons, which start at 8am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I pack my lunch and art materials (which are a LOT). My hands are almost always full and for the first few days I suffered from body aches because I wasn't used to the weight.

I take my own lunch because the food over here is expensive compared to Singapore, and because I'm spending a lot on supplies and school fees already. Lunch is usually leftovers from the previous night's dinner, or a quick sandwich. In the morning we have to wait a while for the elevator in school, because there are many people getting to class at that time. For studio classes I arrive 10-15 min. early to set up my working area.

I have 7 classes in total- 4 studio (art) classes and 3 liberal studies classes. And I consistently have homework for all of them. The studio classes are Drawing and Composition (perspective), Form and Space (constructing basic forms), Life Drawing (analysing the inner structure of the body), and Principles of Design (basic design theory and expressing simple concepts). The bracketed words are what I'm doing for each class now- we'll progress to doing other things like constructing more complex sculptural forms in Form & Space, doing more expressive figure drawings in Life Drawing and using design software in Principles of Design.

My favourite studio classes are Life Drawing and Design. For Life Drawing we literally draw 'life' from a nude model. Last week we had a female model; this week a male one. We study anatomy and the mechanics of the body in order to illustrate the figure accurately- it's all very scientific right now. For example I can name all the major bones of the skeleton already, and some time later we have to draw the skeleton from memory in a test (?!). Life Drawing is immensely frustrating but potentially very rewarding. Design class is fun- we get to play around with how to express certain concepts and use varying shapes and lines to come up with original and interesting designs.

My liberal studies (academic) classes are Visual Culture/ Art History, English Lit. and Cultural Studies. All of them are pretty interesting. We do weekly readings and blog responses, and later on we'll have to submit papers. But the papers are not in 'paper' form- it's in electronic format (sort of like a website) which is more fun as we can play around with visuals like font and graphics to best express our ideas. I think it's more useful for our role as artists and designers as well.

Wednesday is my longest day as I'm in school from 8am-6.30pm. But on the morning of that day there's a Farmers' Market opposite the school. During lunch break I'd walk over there to check out the food. There's a combination of fresh produce and prepared snack food like tamales and lemonade. It's a great way to get away from lessons for a bit.

I'm usually exhausted by the time I get home. I do some homework, shower and have dinnner, clean up and read a little of my notes before I sleep. There isn't much to do at night without a car as it's dangerous to go out. I go to bed at 10.30-11 to get a good night's sleep. I'm an anomaly though as my friends often stay up til 1 or so.

Ok so I've described a good deal of my life already. I'll try to blog a few times a week. In the following posts I'll be showing a bit of my apartment and the food I eat.

2009-09-07T12:38:00.002+08:00

Designs for my Principles of Design class. The bottom two are supposed to display a conventional figure/ground relationship while the top ones are figure/ground ambiguous. This is just a sampling of the load of homework I have.

The beach in Santa Monica

2009-09-04T23:57:00.001+08:00

At sunset. I love the silhouette of the mountains in the background.

Muji

2009-09-01T12:02:00.004+08:00

The Muji store in Hong Kong international airport

I love browsing Japanese stores like Muji and Uniqlo which offer a wide range of 'basics' or utilitarian products. In Muji one can find stationary, clothes and food items all within a single space. In a way it's comforting to see everything nicely compartmentalized.

Perhaps the question is, why should one venture beyond regular supermarket or drugstore products and pay for 'branded' basics (I'm talking about Muji here)? As cited earlier, the neat arrangement and clear, even aesthetically pleasing display of goods creates a unique shopping experience. Also, the simple, fuss-free yet stylish packaging offers a refreshing alternative to overt brand advertisement and the proliferant use of logos.

In fact, 'Muji' literally means 'no brand'. Nothing is overly processed- notebooks are covered in raw brown paper, clothes are lightweight and made of breathable cotton etc. It's the promise of a clean (some might say no-frills), contemporary lifestyle that draws consumers to Muji. Simplicity in itself can be a form of elegance and luxury worth paying for.

Greetings from LA

2009-08-31T04:16:00.005+08:00

I've been in Los Angeles for only about a week and it feels like a lifetime. The place in the second photo is the apartment I'm living in. Things here are so different and I'm still making new discoveries about the culture everyday. Do I miss home? Sometimes I do think of jumping on a plane and returning to the life I knew so well, but I wouldn't trade anything for the adventure I'm having here.

Blythe, the Love of my Life

2009-08-22T18:43:00.008+08:00

Pardon the lame rhyming in the title. I just meant it to convey my newfound obsession with Blythe dolls now. Something about their wide-eyed stare and ethereal beauty just captures me. I think it's because they're so different from other dolls out in the market. They're more like works of art than playthings. Their mesmerizing eyes are also capable of changing colour when they blink. How cool is that?

The things that people manage to do with Blythe astonishes me. They go through a long process of creating exquisite outfits for them, doing their hair in an array of styles and colours, and photographing the finished product in carefully-staged settings. Some apply 'make-up' (paint) and eyelashes on their doll's face or even perform 'plastic surgery'- hair root transplants, alteration of the eye sockets etc. There is an annual Blythe beauty contest in which participants submit their creations based on a theme for public voting. Blythe is truly a cult phenomenon.

Unfortunately, at a few hundred dollars a pop, I can scarcely afford a Blythe doll of my own. Here are some photos of other people's dolls, sourced from Flickr:

'Arctic Victoria'

'Antique Rose'

'Beluga Babuska'

'Sayuri' (from Memoirs of a Geisha)

Aren't they all amazing? I can only imagine the amount of time and effort that went into them.

This will be my last post before I go to L.A. Hopefully I'll be able to blog about my adventures there very soon. See ya!

Ghostly film

2009-08-21T19:09:00.005+08:00

I hope you aren't tired of Luc Tuymans' works yet. I titled this post 'Ghostly film' because these paintings remind me of film photographs with their quotidian subject matter, gritty feel, imperfect lighting and candid angles. The stillness of the scene gives them a poetic quality, and the rawness makes them feel intimate. I think Tuymans is unconventional in his frequent use of small canvas sizes. His success as an artist reveals the fact that paintings do not need grandeur to touch a chord in the viewer.

2009-08-21T11:11:00.002+08:00

I finished Life of Pi and my first Haruki Murakami book. I didn't manage to get Kafka on the Shore from the library, so I settled on Sputnik Sweetheart.

I'm reminded of the old adage 'never judge a book by its cover'. The bright colours and cartoony illustration on the cover of Life of Pi gave me the impression of a quirky, delightful book. The synopsis certainly sounded quirky: a 16-year old Indian boy trapped on a lifeboat in open sea after a shipwreck, with the company of a Royal Bengal tiger. The contents were actually quite grotesque with Pi descending to a level of primitive savagery and even cannibalism, all described in a graphic manner. Want a taste of it? Here's an excerpt of Pi slaughtering a sea turtle:

"I took hold of a hatchet and brought it down on the turtle's neck, gashing it. Bright red blood shot out. I grabbed the beaker and collected about three hundred millimetres, a pop can's worth... I took a sip. It tasted warm and animal... I drank the blood to the last drop."

I think what gets me is not only the vivid descriptions but the matter-of-fact tone, as if all these are just routine activities and part-and-parcel of life (which they are for Pi). As passive readers sitting at home, we can't help but shift uncomfortably in our seats. Our sympathy for Pi can only extend to a certain point. The fact is, unless we're in the same predicament ourselves, we can't imagine behaving the same way. I don't think I'll be flipping through Life of Pi much. I'm too weak-hearted to stomach the violence depicted, however necessary it is.

I'm drawn to Murakami's writing, however. I find that it has verisimilitude tinged with edginess. His novels seem to contain dark, surreal elements that add another dimension to the real world. There was one part of Sputnik Sweetheart that struck me particularly- the image of a young woman trapped in a Ferris wheel at night, who looked into her own apartment and saw her doppelganger with a man. To me it's a disturbing, surrealistic touch that reveals the inner fears and desires of an individual, and perhaps offers an insight into human nature as well. I'm sufficiently intrigued to want to read Kafka on the Shore now.

Rick Owens

2009-08-19T19:53:00.008+08:00

Gorgeous close-ups of Rick Owens jackets from his fall collection. The craftsmanship is subtle yet incredible. The fluidity and suppleness of the leather and the way it moulds itself to the body is so unlike the bulky leather jackets I've seen.

I came across an informative article on Owens in The Fashion Spot forums. Here are a few choice excerpts:

'... Owens let his clothes speak for themselves, and people responded to his language of destroyed luxury. His talent for combining elegance with grit manifested itself in washed shrunken-leather jackets with super-slim arms and cashmere T-shirts whose seams were irreverently shredded. This was beauty of another sort, without the fatuous glitter.'

'Owens draws inspiration from different sources - his own life is obviously one of them. Goth culture is reflected heavily in his designs, but also punk and glam rock. Modernist architecture and sculpture are among his other influences. "It's like a little ritual for me - I look at the work of Brancusi, Le Corbusier, Luigi Moretti; all of these clean lines that are in exactly the right places in their work remind me that I don't have to make a lot of changes, I don't have to add some more straps to make it interesting, I don't have to do anything superfluous. And all of their creations fit in perfectly with the environment they are in, and that's what I try to do. Of course my environment is a fantasy." The fantasy that Owens manifests in his clothes is apparent in everything he does - from his fascination with artifice and camp, to the names of the colors he uses for his designs: "milk," "pearl," "dust" and "dark shadow." The only color untouched by a name is black.'

"I love the raw feelings of Rick's clothes, the sharply cut forms and his ability to play with proportion that goes to the extreme without becoming cartoonish," he says. "The clothes are both refined and crude, graceful and gothic - there is a balance between heavy brutalism and grace."

The article offers an insight into the personal history and fascinating psyche of Owens, and also touches on the unconventional business model of his eponymous label. A very interesting read.

2009-08-16T08:58:00.003+08:00

Books I want to read:

Life of Pi
The Time-Traveller's Wife
Kafka on the Shore

Has anyone read any of these books and would like to offer an opinion? I'm thinking of buying one of them to bring on my epic 19-hour flight to Los Angeles (with a transit in between of course). Yup, for your information, I'll be heading there this Sunday for college. I really don't know what it's going to be like but I hope to blog about my adventures there.

You may wonder why I'm taking the trouble to travel to a faraway land for my studies. The thing is, I feel that I won't get any closer to the life I want in future by staying here. I don't just mean career-wise, but also the person I aspire to be and my lifestyle as well. By moving away I'll have the chance to try a new way of life, meet different people, challenge my thinking and start being the 'me' that I want. It's hard to change when you are surrounded by familiar things; it's hard to develop creatively when you don't have the freedom you need. I sense that I need to take an initiative in learning to be independent because it won't happen otherwise.

There are so many things I can do there such as cooking new dishes, incorporating exercise in my life, doing creative writing, drawing and getting back in the water because I once loved to swim. I stopped swimming after developing eczema and strangely, it's a different health problem that got me thinking about it again. I have a mild spinal curvature and was recommended by the doctor to pick up swimming. Maybe it's serendipity. With a fresh start I'll finally have the courage to put in action the things I've always thought of doing.

Portrait

2009-08-15T14:04:00.004+08:00

The first thing that struck me about Luc Tuymans' portraits is how spare they are. They possess a kind of minimalist elegance that's both poetic and charming. A baby can be represented solely by its head, suggested by a few sensitive lines and two dabs of pale marigold for the eye area. In some portraits the surrounding area is left bare, such that the subject seems to be suspended in a void. This deceptively simple but bold move creates an interesting mood- one of unconsciousness, deep thought or a cathartic state. Instead of framing the face nicely, Tuymans is not afraid to zoom in and crop it at the sides, an artistic decision possibly inspired by photography. His work introduces novel ideas for the treatment of an age-old subject; ideas that work surprisingly well.

Spirituality

2009-08-14T18:03:00.008+08:00

I've just been acquainted with Belgian contemporary painter Luc Tuymans. I'm wondering how I could have missed him all this time considering his status as one of Belgium's greatest artists, along with Rubens and Magritte. Possibly the most intriguing aspect of his work is the incorporation of techniques from photography and film, such as cropping, extreme close-ups and desaturation. It's very interesting how his paintings can embody abstract moods and emotions such as melancholy and catharsis. This is partly due to his raw, flat, undemonstrative style of painting, which creates a haziness that obscures the subject.

Because I'm not nearly as knowledgeable nor eloquent as I wish to be, I'd quote the comments by some critics. This was used to describe another work, but I think it fits the above images very well:

"The simplicity of Luc Tuymans's composition alludes to a pure and uninterrupted world order; the ephemeral light, with which the canvas seems to glow, places it as an epic masterpiece of metaphysical and spiritual contemplation. In response to unimaginable horror, Luc Tuymans offers the sublime. A gaping magnitude of impotency, which neither words nor paintings could ever express."

Also:

"Luc Tuymans paints the indescribable. His dark muted scenes seem vaguely familiar, distant, like haunting memories. Drawing his inspiration from grand themes, Luc Tuymans taps into a universal social guilt: from the Holocaust, or imperialism, to child abuse. By minimalising his images, he creates a raw emotion through paint; each painting linking spiritually, somehow instinctively, to the rest."

--- Saatchi Gallery

I feel that his paintings have a sinister undercurrent even if the subject seems quite innocuous initially. In this sense he is akin to Belgian Symbolist artist Leon Spilliaert, one of Tuymans' inspirations. The feeling of anxiety, the lurking sense of menace, and the combination of violence and poetry is classic Symbolism. Formally, Tuymans' washed-out palette seems to have been inherited from Spilliaert as well.

I'll be writing more about Tuymans in the next post, including his influence as a contemporary artist and his treatment of the portrait.

Luxirare

2009-08-13T10:11:00.008+08:00

This one has been making the blogger rounds but still I feel that it's entitled to a post. I'm talking about Luxirare, that genius concoction of a blog. Its name is presumably a combination of the adjectives luxurious and rare, those two elusive qualities we seek in our lives and the things we possess. Rarity is an easier word to define- something that's exclusive, precious or exotic; available in limited supply and possibly difficult to obtain. What about luxury?

Luxury connotates wealth and abundance but as Luxirare shows, this is not necessarily the case. Sure, Luxirare owns an array of spiffy, high-tech and no doubt costly home appliances to assist in her food preparation, and her ingredients are top-grade. I'm certain that she uses high-quality fabric for the garments she creates as well. Still, to me luxury comes not from the cost required to upkeep her lifestyle but from the enjoyment and sense of refinement she creates in her life. Her taste and appreciation for finer things like exquisite flavour in food and beautiful, immaculate construction in clothes separate her from vulgarity, and what you get instead is quiet luxury. If you think about it, having a really good dish where the ingredients are fresh and blend together perfectly is a luxury in itself, especially in modern life whereby mediocre-tasting takeouts or fast food is common. Likewise, the feel of a beautiful garment on your skin is magical, particularly if that garment is the only one in the world (as Luxirare's clothes are).

Enough with me talking and on to the visuals. When visiting the page, one is greeted by this bold header which sums up the essence of her blog. Killer clothes and fine cuisine- an intoxicating mix, if you ask me.

Luxirare likes to reinterpret traditional dishes and put her own twist on them. In the most recent post she makes her own version of potato chips: thin wavy strips of potato with flavourings like cilantro, red peppercorn, prosciutto and vanilla seeds embedded in them. If these names are drawing a blank in you, then you definitely need to check out her blog. You'd emerge better informed about gourmet food.

Compared to some other blogs she doesn't update that frequently, but everytime she does it's a real treat. The stunning photography alone will leave you amazed by the detail in food that you've never noticed before. I think the right word here is pornographic. The process is a work of art in itself and the final product always blows my mind. Besides, Luxirare's work is hardly conventional and often avant-garde. Her past creations include a pyramid-shaped pistachio cake and a jacket embossed with names of Michael Jackson's famous songs as a tribute to the music legend.

Of course, another signature feature of Luxirare is the lovely packaging. She puts a great deal of thought and effort into it and tags everything she makes with her own label, as if to affirm her authorship or ownership or maybe just to finish it off nicely. I don't know if she realizes that this induces a craving in me to own her products.

I think that bloggers like Luxirare are constantly experimenting with the possibilities of the medium in terms of both form and content. The success stories that emerge are changing perceptions of what a blog can and should be. I'm excited to see what crops up next in the blogging world.

Akira

2009-08-12T09:41:00.008+08:00

My current designer obsession is Akira Isogawa from Australia. When I think of Australian fashion, words like fun, flirty, and breezy come to mind. I think of cute dresses or separates that one can throw on easily and look effortlessly stylish in. Well, Isogawa's designs possess those qualities and much more. They exemplify the Australian aesthetic of casual chic and romance, infused with traditional Japanese flavour drawn from his background. His Japanese sensibility is evident in the kimono-like jackets, dramatic cuts, long floaty layers, dyed prints and intricate stitching among other features. I noticed that his work also has a refined elegance associated with the traditional Japanese aesthetic. This mix of the East and Down Under makes his garments that much more interesting.

Here is his design philosophy, quoted from the website:

“A garment can transcend, giving it a soul. I translate fabrics into soft and romantic silhouettes, using natural fabrics like silks and cottons, which are kind to the skin. Distressing fabrics and alchemically treating them, gives the feeling of already ‘being loved’, thus evoking emotion. Even one-off fabrics found in flea markets can be given new life.

Richly embellished fabrics echo Eastern influences, and I have great respect for their traditions. Inspiration can be found from the past – re-using vintage textiles and sometimes creating replicas of them, incorporated with specific craftsmanship. The number of hours someone has spent on manual work like this makes it priceless. I see craftsmanship as an implement with which to realise one’s vision. Past, present and future; that slogan continues in almost everything around which my work evolves. Timeless beauty and femininity in my design is profound, in a way for the wearer to express their inner soul.”

Two of my favourite looks from his S/S 09 collection:

I must credit my discovery of Akira to fashion blogger Brigadeiro. She religiously wears clothes from Akira and Dries van Noten (one of my favourite labels) with aplomb. Even her wedding dress is from Akira- it's absolutely beautiful and refreshingly different from conventional bridal designs. Here it is pictured below:

Isn't the soft, flowy silhouette and the applique detail just lovely? Too often bridal gowns make the wearer look fussy and uncomfortable, whereas this one is unrestrained and natural. I also love the flash of red at the bottom which adds drama and romance. In my opinion, it looks even better on Brigadeiro. The red dresses of her bridesmaids accentuated the colour of the hem nicely.

Love Shuffle

2009-08-10T14:25:00.010+08:00

I just finished watching a Japanese drama serial called Love Shuffle (ラブシャッフル). I normally don't fancy romance-centered dramas because they tend to be formulaic and cliche, but this one succeeds in being fresh with sufficient twists to keep you riveted. The concept is quite novel- four young working adults, slightly jaded with their love lives, decide to try swapping partners with one another i.e. a 'love shuffle'. This experiment tests whether there is truly a sole fated partner for every individual, with very interesting results.

Some of my favourite aspects of the show:

The pajama party that the central characters (who live on the same floor of an apartment) have almost every night in the common area outside their units.

The indoor swimming pool. With its modern fittings and panoramic night view, it's simply SURREAL.

Yukichi + Usami. Yukichi's surveillance habits and Usami's facial expressions are hilarious. They are even funnier as a duo and their friendship is really sweet.

Usami + Airu. What can I say, they're really cute together.

Yukichi's dress sense! The combination of his geek glasses with velvet jackets, funky-coloured pocket hankies, striped bow ties etc. is deliciously wacky.

All Saints - Pure Shores

2009-08-09T09:52:00.003+08:00

Moby - Porcelain

2009-08-09T09:52:00.001+08:00

2009-08-08T09:11:00.004+08:00

"I've crossed the deserts for miles
Swam water for time
Searching places to find
A piece of something to call mine...'

--- Lyrics of Pure Shores by All Saints

I've been listening to Pure Shores and Moby's Porcelain from the movie soundtrack of The Beach recently. The funny thing is that I'd liked these two songs before I found out they were both part of the soundtrack. I like ambient forms of music hence my appreciation for jazz, lounge, and songs like Coldplay's Clocks and Spandeau Ballet's True.

I must say, The Beach has grown on me with each reading and it's one of my favourite books now. Though edgier than what I normally read, it has opened my eyes to a new literary genre. I like how one critic described it as 'imaginative travel writing'.

I've always known that I'd write a novel sometime in my life. It may sound presumptuous, but I often have a strong instinct for things which I find hard to explain to others. Writing a novel sounds easier than what it really is, though. I've filed away numerous story ideas, but everytime I try to realize one of them I get stuck. I guess in any creative endeavour there's always the fear and dread of the 'block'. Besides, I can't stand any distraction when I'm writing so I think I'd have to escape to an island in Greece one day to write my book.

The reason I'm saying this is that yesterday, a new idea for a plot occurred to me as I was daydreaming in bed. Hopefully something substantial comes out of it this time.

Kenzo Ad Campaign

2009-08-07T08:59:00.004+08:00

The sumptuous fabrics and colours lend these ads a rich quality reminiscent of the Japanese painting above. A great way to showcase Kenzo's prints which are the brand's signature.

2009-08-06T14:03:00.006+08:00

I went swimming last Sunday evening for the first time in almost two years.

It was only when I slipped into the water did I realize how much I'd missed the sensation. As a young girl, I used to swim every week until I was hit with a serious bout of eczema. The water was torturous on my raw, weeping skin so I had to give it up. It was never the same after that. Even when my eczema went away, I found it hard to get back in the water. Somehow you develop a block to things you've stopped doing for a long time.

No doubt my swimming skills have become rusty, but I still enjoy the calming effect that water has on me. I love to float on my back and close my eyes. That swim allowed me to release all the stress I've been feeling lately and the coolness was delightful in the hot weather. I found myself thinking, "I should do this again sometime." The subsequent soak in the jacuzzi was great as I'd never been in one before. As I rested my head on the edge of the jacuzzi, I could see the newly-risen moon through the bushes. I thought about my life.

It's strange that there's stress in my life now. When I was schooling, stress was of a different nature, and somehow good. Stress came from rushing to obtain good grades and meet deadlines, and that was fulfilling in a way as it prompted me to work hard and produce results. Now, stress comes from the anxieties I feel about going to college, which are often caused by what others say. I'm constantly overwhelmed by the negativity of my mother, who doesn't seem to have a single positive thing to say about me going to college. The problem in our relationship is a lack of balance. She doles out critiscism but doesn't give praise. I often think to myself, "You're hardly even home to talk to us and this is what you choose to say?" This is invariably something negative.

This situation is nothing compared to what has happened between me and my aunt. I'm shocked at the extent to which prejudice can blind people. It's not as if I'm a total stranger to her. Honestly, I'm not so much angry as hurt at her judgement of my character. I can forgive, but I don't think I can ever forget her words. I don't think I can ever talk to her again, knowing what she has said behind my back.

You know what they say about not letting yourself be surrounded by people who make you feel inferior? But what happens if those people are your family or relatives?

Whimsy

2009-08-05T11:04:00.007+08:00

These two paintings by Aya Takano have a whimsical flair that I enjoy, featuring dangling beanpole-like girls set against quintessentially Japanese city or suburban backdrops. The cartoon-ish air is characteristic of the Superflat style to which Takano subscribes.

Superflat is a Japanese art movement founded by Takashi Murakami. In an unlikely marriage of classical taste and kitschy pop culture, Murakami's brightly-coloured, cutesy characters have been emblazoned on the famous Louis Vuitton monogrammed handbag. The term 'superflat' is no doubt a reference to the influence of graphic or 'flattened' forms in Japanese anime and manga on the art produced by members of the movement. It is often treated as a metaphor for the shallowness of Japanese consumer culture as well. Other than Murakami and Takano, Yoshitomo Nara, whom I've written about before, is a prominent artist of the movement.

Superflat goes beyond defining a common artistic style to uniting themes such as infantilism and repressed sexuality; the undercurrents of modern Japanese society. Superflat images might seem sweetly childish initially, but their outward appearance belies the underlying anxieties present. Sometimes the images are obviously grotesque or highly sexual in nature. The creation of the Superflat movement also poses an interesting study as a successful effort to market Japanese contemporary art to Western audiences.

2009-08-04T20:23:00.006+08:00

Thank you to all who've left nice comments on this blog. It feels great to receive support and encouragement from people I've never met. I know that I'm not as rich or pretty as others may be. I'm the fourth child in a middle-class family hence I can't afford expensive clothes. I've struggled with acne and other skin problems for the past nine years, which has affected my appearance and self-confidence. Mine is not an 'outfit photo' blog because I don't look perfect everyday. What I do possess is intellect and talent. These gifts can't be bought with money, so I'm going to treasure them and use them well to enrich my life and the lives of others. Beauty may fade, but I like to think that I'd still have a brilliant mind and a creative spirit in my old age.

Visited the Page One bookstore in VivoCity today for the first time. It's much more spacious than I expected yet has a cosy feel. Maybe it's all that brown wood. I loved it the moment I walked in, when I caught a whiff of the distinctive smell of book paper. The selection of books on fashion, art and design is brilliant. Now I'm kicking myself for not visiting it earlier. I wore the high-waisted checked skirt pictured above that looks even fuller in person. It's seriously very cute.

This is ANREAL(AGE)

2009-08-03T10:20:00.012+08:00

The Fashion Spot

Anrealage is a Japanese label established in 2003 by a graduate of Waseda University. His F/W 09 collection pictured above, named '凹凸' (which means concave and convex respectively), is conceptual yet surprisingly wearable. Each piece of clothing can be stretched to fit a certain configuration of rectangular shapes. When removed and placed on a human form, the excess volume drapes nicely to create a new silhouette. What an ingenious idea.

2009-08-02T09:44:00.002+08:00

I've been busy learning to create garment flats on Adobe Illustrator lately so I haven't had much time for drawing. This is something I did a while ago. I'm not entirely happy with it, but I do like the candylicious colours which are evocative of the spirit of summer for me.

Aubrey Beardsley

2009-08-01T17:16:00.005+08:00

Artsy Craftsy

Wabi-sabi 侘寂

2009-07-31T08:55:00.020+08:00

A comprehensive Japanese aesthetic comprised of two concepts, wabi (rustic simplicity) and sabi (beauty that comes with age). When applied to man-made objects, wabi also refers to the imperfections arising from the process of construction, which are believed to add uniqueness and an understated elegance. Likewise, sabi can be found in the patina and wear of aged objects. Wabi-sabi nurtures beauty with authenticity by recognizing that imperfection, impermanence and incompletion are facts of life.

The influence of the wabi-sabi philosophy can be glimpsed in many areas of Japanese craft, culture and the arts. Let me focus on something I'm familiar with- fashion. I shall use the labels Commes des Garcons, designed by Rei Kawakubo, and Aski Kataski (a Japanese brand, despite its Greek name) as examples. Characteristic features of Kawakubo's work include assymetry, misplaced garment details and an 'unfinished' look, as if to emphasize the imperfect quality of the garments. I find this perspective highly refreshing and consistent with the wabi aesthetic.

Aski Kataski clothes illustrate wabi in a slightly different manner. Made with raw-looking natural fabrics, they possess that rustic simplicity characteristic of wabi and, in addition, often come in shades suggestive of the patina that age brings (the sabi aspect). It is no surprise that deliberate rips, frayed hems and other forms of wear-and-tear usually induced by the passage of time are present in the garments as well. Each garment is unique and hence a work of art in itself.

In short, instead of striving to achieve a smooth polish like their Western counterparts, many Japanese designers embrace the anomalies of construction and the ageing process as design concepts, transforming that which is undesirable into something beautiful. I think the wabi-sabi philosophy deserves contemplation, as it helps us to appreciate the uniqueness of objects and to find beauty in imperfection. On a higher level, it may spur us to look beyond the material dimension of this world, for there is a Zen-like quality to wabi-sabi. What I find most illuminating is its emphasis on quietness. It reinforces the fact that things don't have to be loud to be worthy of attention, and that it is often the most simple and common things that escape our appreciation.

PS. 錆, the word for rust, is also pronounced as sabi. How apt, considering that sabi is associated with the natural process of aging.

Japanese aesthetics

2009-07-30T09:43:00.009+08:00

Picture source: Atlantis Home (top), TFS (bottom)

I've been reading about Japanese aesthetics out of interest. The values and concepts are deeply fascinating, and I can certainly see their influence on Japanese culture, art and fashion. Here are some prominent ones to begin with:

Yugen- 'barely glimpsed rich and mysterious beauty'

Furyu- 'refined manners, as reflected in things regarded as tasteful and elegant'

Sabi- 'a slightly bleak quality suggesting age, deterioration, and the passage of time'

Wabi- 'a cultivated aesthetic that finds beauty in simplicity and impoverished rusticity'

Mono no aware- 'a slightly sweet and sad quality as appreciated by an observer sensitive to the ephemeral nature of existence'; 'the pity of things'

--- 'Miyabi' on TFS

These concepts might seem foreign initially, but I think they resonate with all of us regardless of the culture or society we come from. I'll be going into detail on select ones in coming posts.

I studied Japanese for six years as a third language, hence all things Japanese occupy a special place in my heart. Studying another language from scratch was a very different experience from learning my mother tongue, which I did unconsciously from young. I think it allowed me to examine the nuances in meaning and structure of the language and to draw connections to Japanese culture and history. This was partly because of my matured perspective and developed analytical skills, and also because it was just so new to me. It's easier to digest something when it's fresh. Besides, my thirst for knowledge spurred me to seek any information that could help me in my understanding.

My sis and I desperately want to visit Japan after our college graduation, to immerse ourselves in the culture that so fascinates us and hone our (by then) rusty language skills. The last time when we were in Tokyo, we made a silent pact to return. Have you ever experienced what it's like in a foreign country, when a scene overwhelms you and you feel the strong pull of the place? I felt that in Japan on several occasions. Someday I must fulfill our pact.

Infinity

2009-07-29T10:13:00.002+08:00

"If you accept that the universe is infinite, then that means there's an infinite amount of chances for things to happen... if there's an infinite amount of chances for something to happen, then eventually it will happen- no matter how small the likelihood.'
...

'Interesting,' she whispered. 'In these planets, everything that can happen will happen.'
...

I leaned over and kissed Francoise. She pulled away, or laughed, or shook her head, or closed her eyes and kissed me back.
...

Light-years above our bin-liner beds and the steady rush of the surf, all these things happened.

--- Extract from Alex Garland's The Beach

2009-07-28T08:45:00.007+08:00

'Goth'- pen and watercolour

I like the stylized drips and spidery lines on this one. It has a gothic look with a feminine touch.

I was checking out the trailer of the upcoming Sherlock Holmes movie (I'm a closet fan of the stories). Don't think I know anyone in my circle who reads Sherlock Holmes though, except for my sis who loves it as much as I do. I must say, the movie seems to have a very different feel from the stories, though the costumes and sets are quite convincing. Much of it has to do with the casting, which I find surprising. Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Doctor Watson? Never would have thought of that. I'm unfamiliar with the former's acting, but my friend assures me that he's a brilliant actor. He better be, because I wouldn't want to lose Holmes' distinctive character and idiosyncracies to the adaptation process.

On another note, why is Irene Adler (played by Rachel McAdams) dressed like some kind of high-class hooker in the trailer? I envisioned her as a beautiful, elegant lady and not a seductive vixen. Hmm. I know Holmes is fascinated by her in one of the stories, but I really don't think he'd go so far as to have a romantic interest in her, considering his suspicion of and general aversion to women.

Seems like the movie plot isn't from the series, as I see some unfamiliar character names like 'Lord Blackwood' who I assume is the main villain. I guess the purpose of the reinvention is to appeal to a wider audience; to make it more 'Hollywood', if you will. A straightforward adaptation might be too staid, given the era in which the series was written. I'm sufficiently intrigued by the trailer to give it a go. At least I'd have something to look forward to at the end of this year. Good to know that the stories are still alive in some people's memories, and not just collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. A movie adaptation might very well generate interest in the series among the younger generation.

Prada F/W 09 Lookbook

2009-07-27T13:59:00.006+08:00

Prada website

I wasn't impressed by the Prada F/W 09 collection, but its recently-released lookbook has inspired me to view it in a different light. Existing runway and backstage images have been altered to produce a dark, brooding mood, an elemental theme and a slight surrealism that I love. It's a perfect synthesis of art, graphic design and fashion. The use of visual effects, including adding or subtracting elements, casting shadows and eliminating the distinction between the foreground and background, is rich in variety but not overdone. Some have that wry touch which reminds me of Surrealist painter Magritte's works. It's astounding how clothes can look so different when placed in another context.

Letter from a Disgruntled HP Fan

2009-07-26T08:51:00.006+08:00

Dear David Yates,

I'm not happy. I'm not happy at all. After making me and other Harry Potter fans wait an additional six months, this is what you give us? Plot changes without reason and the abbreviation of the climaxes of the book, the cave scene and the battle at Hogwarts. If you can still call it a battle, that is, seeing as all they did was kill Dumbledore (oops, spoiler), set Hagrid's house on fire and kick glass goblets off the long tables in the Great Hall (courtesy of Bellatrix). I felt so let-down and the word anti-climax is definitely appropriate here.

Ok, I accept that it's an adaptation which means rewrites are inevitable, and that the story has to be distilled to fit within a reasonable movie timeframe. Still, changes are only reasonable, only logical, if they better support the development of the movie compared to the original. What point did the Burrow attack serve? Everything just went by too quickly for any sort of impact to sink in. What point did overhauling the entire Harry-Ginny relationship serve, for that matter? It doesn't seem to add value to the plot. It was so ironic how their book kiss, which occured after a successful Quidditch match, became Ron and Lavender's kiss. It was as if the scriptwriter went, "Ho hum, I'm tired of everything so I think I'll just switch up their parts."

Remove that irritating waitress scene and the attack on the Burrow and there'll already be additional minutes of screen time which can be used to supplement other parts. Stop changing lines senselessly and giving one character's lines to another (Ron was practically mute in the last scene). Do that and I'd be a happier fan. Seriously, the next movie's got to be better, though I don't have high hopes.

All this sounds very pessimistic, but that's just me judging it critically. It's good if you counsider it in terms of entertainment value, and the acting was great, especially Rupert Grint's performance. Despite its flaws, it's still one of the better HP movies to me (the first two were too Christmas-y for my liking, if you know what I mean). Just that I'm not so rabid a fan as to rush out to catch it again.

Blogger Products

2009-07-25T09:56:00.006+08:00

The blogger who gave definition to the word 'streetstyle', the Sartorialist, has released a book compiling some of his shots as well as his thoughts on style. I'm planning to build my own collection of books and this seems like a great addition. Other titles I want to acquire? Under the Tuscan Sun (love its descriptions of rustic Italian cooking) and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as a coffee-table book on modern Japanese houses.

Danny Roberts of Igor and Andre is probably the most famed illustrator in the fashion blogosphere and a great inspiration to me. His beautiful art is now emblazoned on a T-shirt and two Harajuku Lovers bags. How cute are they for school?

You know what? It'd be cool to have products featuring my own artwork. Just like it's my dream to produce my own line of clothes.

2009-07-24T12:57:00.006+08:00

I was woken last night by the pattering of the rain, and lay listening to that reassuring sound for a while. I love rain- the sound of water drops splashing, the smell of a gathering storm, even the 'teethy' feel of it on my skin. I also like how everything seems clean after raining. It's something I'm gonna miss when I go abroad to study in slightly less than a month. I think what I'll miss the most is my twin sis. The longest period we've been separated for is one week, so I can't imagine going for one year without seeing her. I've accepted, though, that sometimes you've got to make sacrifices to attain certain goals.

I just finished reading The Beach by Alex Garland. Truth be told, I found the novel too disturbing, but that's just me. The concept is unique and well-developed, and overall it's a darkly fascinating, haunting piece of work and a searing commentary on human psychology. The mood is slightly thriller-like, as even moments of peace are tempered by a sense of lurking danger. I felt that the human dynamics illustrated were similiar to those in the TV series Lost. Maybe the writers of Lost were inspired by it?

The protagonist of the novel is a backpacker in Thailand named Richard, whose true adventure begins when a fellow hotel occupant commits suicide, leaving behind a mysterious map to a mythical 'beach' for him. The beach is claimed to be beautiful and pristine, untouched by human civilization. Given the increasingly crowded beaches of Thailand, that means a great deal to travellers seeking their own private paradise. With the map as their guide, Richard and a young French couple successfully reach the beach, and find a small community of people already living there. They assimilate themselves quite smoothly, and initially it does seem like paradise to them as they forget all about their previous lives. Gradually, though, a series of tragedies occur, and paradise starts turning into hell. The people there live in constant fear of having their secret beach exposed, a fear so strong that they can be savage towards potential threats. Eventually, the place becomes unbearable for Richard and his friends, and they finally manage to leave the beach.

I found it highly ironic that the beach, the supposed paradise they tried so hard to get to, is the one from which they have to escape. In some ways it's even more difficult and dangerous to leave the place than to find it. It just shows how perverse things become. I think it all starts with an innocent desire to possess one's secret space, something probably shared by many. I guess it's never that simple. Even when one wants his or her own private sanctuary, one is forced to share it with others. The secrets and insecurities of individuals, and tensions in human relationships prove to be the community's undoing. The most disturbing part was when they turned on one of their own, viciously attacking him for what they perceived as a betrayal.

I think I need to indulge in more light-hearted content now.

Woodcut

2009-07-23T14:02:00.003+08:00

This paper that I painted brown has an interesting texture- it feels slightly rough and reminds me of wood. I decided to go along with the woody feel by keeping the colours minimal. Really like how it turned out.

Feeling a little fatigued now from a sleepover at a friend's house. We stayed up late having a mini concert and watching Princess Mononoke. From there I heard some not-so-pleasant things about recent local university camps, like how students got so drunk that they puked everywhere and had to be fetched from the bar in the back of a lorry. Ugh. I just want to stay out of all the politics, drama, partying etc. in university and focus on my work.

Featured on Teen Vogue website

2009-07-21T08:47:00.004+08:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see my photo pop up on the Teen Vogue website's Snapshot Blog. Thanks to the dear reader who alerted me. I sent it in for fun and didn't expect to be chosen at all. Fortunately, the comments so far have been very flattering. There's a slight mistake in the info, though- I'm 19, not 20. Just turned 19, in fact, as my birthday was on July 16.

Also, here are some illustrations in a slightly different style. I tried to draw the lines quickly to capture a sense of energy. I used a thin paintbrush dipped in black watercolour paint for the first, and a fine-tip black pen for the second.

There are still many works that I just did and want to share, including my favourite which is a woodcut-style illustration done on handpainted brown paper. Will try to get them up soon.

Mexican top

2009-07-20T21:15:00.004+08:00

I really like the embroidery on this top. Here I've paired it with a gold heart necklace.

Close-up of the shoes which are actually men's from Cotton On (or at least, they were found in the male section). This was about the only size left, maybe because guys obviously have bigger feet than me.

With a different necklace, one that's made by my sis. It consists of white, silver and faux red coral beads strung on black cord. As you can tell from the photo, my hair's in an awkward growing-out phase. I'm thinking of cutting it like the one below (photo from Style Arena). A little hesitant because my haircuts rarely turn out the way I want them to. Maybe I just haven't found the right hairdresser yet.

Common Totes

2009-07-18T11:28:00.003+08:00

Common Totes is an online community where you can submit your designs for printing on a tote bag. Every month two designs are selected by public vote to be put into production. I like the concept for a few reasons:

1) There's prize money, obviously.
2) It's a platform for showcasing the design work of individuals like me.
3) It helps to promote the use of totes in place of plastic or paper bags. This is very important to me. I have a few cloth bags on hand for shopping purposes and I ensure that I carry one with me everytime I'm out.

I've submitted some designs which are adaptations of my fashion illustrations and I'd probably do a few more. It'd be great to receive some votes.

Illustrated ads

2009-07-16T10:51:00.003+08:00

I couldn't resist drawing these beautiful ads. Going out for Japanese food tonight because it's my birthday.

Exotic Locales

2009-07-15T10:25:00.005+08:00

Experimenting with chalk pastels. Off to Art Friend to pick up some soft pastels as well as other supplies today (I wonder when my membership card expires?).

Illustrations

2009-07-14T20:49:00.012+08:00

Recently I've started doing fashion illustration. I'm relishing the creative freedom I have now, not having to worry about schoolwork and grades. These two are examples of my early efforts (click to enlarge). Looking forward to growing as an artist and designer in college.

America

2009-07-13T14:35:00.006+08:00

Eggleston Trust

In a little more than a month's time I'll be on a plane headed for Los Angeles. I'm not sure what to feel about it. Excited and relieved, I guess, and also scared. I can't explain why I'm doing this; I just feel like that's where I need to be right now. I always try to listen to my heart and not overanalyze things.

That being said, I need to plan the itinerary for a week-long trip as my mum's coming with me. We're probably going to get around using the Metro. Does anyone have any recommendations for where to visit (sights, shopping, dining, etc.)? Of course, I'd love places to do with art, fashion, architecture (for mum) and culture. We have pretty adventurous taste buds as well. I'm thinking of the Getty Center and Kate Spade and Coach stores for mum (apparently the bags are cheaper there than in Singapore). Any suggestions will be appreciated.

The Belgian Avant-garde- Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester

2009-07-11T10:45:00.010+08:00

The Western counterparts of Japanese avant-garde would have to be the Belgian designers, though the word 'avant-garde' and its connotations are somewhat of a cliche now. I think it simply means to offer a design perspective that differs from mainstream tastes and is hence refreshing. The Antwerp Six who graduated from Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts, of which DVN and Demeulemeester are the most prominent today, is a fine example. Those two happen to be among my favourite designers.

DVN's most outstanding works for me are the S/S 08, F/W 08 and S/S 09 collections. Each showcases a different side to the label. The S/S 08 collection is DVN's printmaking at its best. The use of bright, sumptuous colours and mixing of splashy floral prints create joyfulness and a tropical flavour. The unfussy cuts and drape of the garments bring out the full effect of the prints.

F/W 08, by contrast, shows a much darker and more decadent edge to DVN, both in the palette and treatment of materials. Its standout features include gold stitching, a glorious marbled print, knits intricately woven with many colours and necklaces made up of chunky bangles for a dramatic effect.

S/S 09 caught my eye with its clean lines and classy silhouettes. Bright colours like royal purple and tangerine and graphic checkerboard prints add contrast to the mainly monochrome palette. The hints of metallics in the 'bauble' necklaces and sequinned patches bring subtle glamour. All in all, a modern and polished collection that perfectly exemplifies DVN's easy elegance and his ability to make garments hang just right without appearing contrived.

Demeulemeester seems to be more consistent in her design aesthetic. The most interesting aspects of her work for me are the artsy, assymetrical cuts and juxtaposition of black and white. Her garments often have a raw, slightly savage quality but are curiously poetic at the same time. Her past two collections are great examples of classic Ann Demeulemeester.

The monochrome palette lends the collections a slight graphic quality that highlights the interesting cuts of the garments. The controlled volume is also very appealing.

I feel that both Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester display restraint and a good eye for styling and editing that's lacking in some other designers. Their clothes are also perenially stylish as they are not concerned with being trendy. Viewing their past collections, I spot things that I still want to wear today. That's what I like about both of them.

Reckless Ericka on Not Just A Label

2009-07-10T11:06:00.000+08:00

Singapore label Reckless Ericka, which debuted at the Blueprint show in this year's Audi Fashion Festival, has now been added to the designer directory of Not Just A Label. The web shop showcases the work of emerging designers and, like its name suggests, only a select number make it to its ranks. Great news for the designers of Reckless Ericka, who now have another avenue to sell their pieces.

Some of my favourite RE pieces (from their own website):

This draped top that can be worn in a multitude of ways (two pictured). Lately I'm fascinated with such multi-functional garments both because of their versatility and the ingenious cutting.

These two tops are actually unisex. I like the texture on the first and the print on the second.

A cool Union Jack-printed dress/tunic (left) and a floaty grey one gathered in the middle (right).

Something I've observed is that local designers lack adequate platforms for retail. The shop Blackmarket is one of the few, but it's located in Jalan Pisang, a pretty inaccessible place. I can't help thinking that online is perhaps the way to go- no concerns about high rental costs.

Semi-abstract

2009-07-09T15:51:00.000+08:00

I've posted some of Francis Bacon's figurative paintings before, but none of this type. I'm not sure how to classify them- they definitely contain representational elements, but are not realistic in the truest sense of the word so I'd settle for the term semi-abstract. I often struggle in describing works for art critiscism because I feel that I'm not paying full homage to the spirit of the piece. I think the paintings above are much about exploring composition and colour. When I think of Bacon, I always remember the combination of orange and pink (used in Dries Van Noten's Fall 09 collection) and the rosy hues of raw, dripping flesh.

I finished The Kite Runner or at least as much of it as I could bear to read. Some parts are too excruciating, not in terms of writing but the subject matter- violence, betrayal etc. I like to believe the best of human nature so when someone starts being horrible I turn the page. The idea espoused by The Kite Runner, that our lives are shaped by violent external forces as well as our own terrible impulses, strangely applies to Bacon's paintings as well. I get the same feeling for both- a sense of terrible beauty, repulsiveness, but at the same time a weird fascination and inability to look away.

My mum doesn't understand why people would want to create monsters. When I showed her Bacon's work, she exclaimed, "Why would anyone want to paint like that?!" To her, art is about rosy pictures where everything is serene and beautiful. She's confusing monsters with monstrosities. Sometimes I wonder where I inherited my taste and appreciation for things like art, literature and philosophy from. That my mum doesn't read novels at all and has never studied literature before is a wonder to me. Instead her bookshelves are filled with finance-related books and other technical stuff. It makes me feel a little lonely at times, when members of my family discuss the stock market at the dinner table. I must really seem like a wild child to them.

Multi-colour

2009-07-09T09:20:00.000+08:00

Fashion Snap

I don't think I've seen hair colour as wacky and multi-dimensional as this one. It seems to take on different shades under the light- lavender, light green, grey etc. How intriguing. Not to mention the fact that it matches the print on her top.

An Early Christmas

2009-07-08T16:20:00.000+08:00

I received my package today containing the two pieces I ordered from local site Schwing Schwing. I was so excited that I had to try them on immediately.

This white dress turned out a lot bigger than I expected- maybe I'm just petite? It's free size by the way. I like that I can wear it in loads of ways. Its potential shall be further explored.

This black vest/ top turned out GREAT. I think it looks better in person, like the white dress. It's very hard to explain what the cut is like, but the drape is nice and there's a pretty neat tab detail that you can pull out and fasten. I have absolutely no complaints to make about it and I really like it. If there's anyone who's planning to buy something from the site, I'd recommend this. In fact, I'm trying to refrain from getting more things for myself. The service was prompt and pleasant- I placed an order on Sunday night and after payment and everything I received my stuff on Wednesday morning. That's less than three days.

PS. The ankle boots I'm wearing are from Nine West in Abu Dhabi.

Givenchy HC 09

2009-07-08T08:00:00.000+08:00

Have you ever experienced times when you wake up with a jolt in the morning, as if your body has been programmed to do so, then find that you are too darn excited to return to sleep? Well, this morning was exactly like that for me. Thoughts of the newly-released haute couture collections and the Half-Blood Prince UK premiere filled my mind and I had to get out of bed. One collection certainly didn't disappoint- Givenchy's:

Designer Riccardo Tisci's signature studs of varying shapes and sizes are applied in semi-intricate patterns. In a deviation from usual gold ones, red studs are used on some garments for a strong pop of colour (right). This hint of red in the collection is highlighted by the dramatic gradient effect on the bottom of a long white gown (centre).

The three bridal gowns in this collection are simply sublime. Their sweetness and romance are tempered by a slight tough edge introduced by the studded accessories. The chunky studded hair bands remind me of the thorned crown of Christ. Tisci's work fascinates me with its seamless blend of romantic and gothic elements. Nothing is ever too pretty.

Now for the stunning details (isn't that what couture is about?): The piles of bangles create a really striking effect. Couture is when one can go over the top without worrying about being too crazy. When truly genius couture is achieved, the audience is swept up by the strength and clarity of a vision and mentally transported elsewhere, even for a brief moment. With the creative freedom given, garments that are amazing works of art can be created. I'm saying all this only because:

You may know that Christian Lacroix recently filed for insolvency, and the label is in serious jeopardy. Recession blues, anyone? It's a miracle that he managed to put on a couture show at all. I'm not a big fan of his work but it still hurts me to think of the potential loss. Couture is creativity at the most sublime level, and the Lacroix label is a stellar example of that.

Artist Workspace

2009-07-07T09:18:00.000+08:00

Yoshitomo Nara's worktable

Brancusi's studio

I'm always interested to see what kind of environment artists work in, as it speaks much about their personality and creative process. Occasionally, artist worktables themselves are converted into installation pieces. If you think about it, the process is just as intriguing as the finished works, and this is probably the rationale behind such a move. Another is to return the focus to the artist himself. While 'Death of the Author'-type notions might exist (so named for French literary critic Roland Barthes' famed essay), more often than not people want to learn more about artists- their beliefs, the impetus behind their works etc. This could stem from pure curiousity, fascination with an artist's larger-than-life persona, or from a motivation to understand the context of the art and hence deepen their knowledge. And of course, artist studios are sometimes transformed into mini museums, usually after the artist's demise. Brancusi's studio above is a great example. Other than the reasons already stated, the opening of these studio-museums can be attributed to a desire to recognize the artist's contribution and keep him or her alive in public consciousness. All too often it is only on the passing of an artist that people realize his or her true significance. Sadly I missed out on visiting Brancusi's studio in Paris as my itinerary then was too packed. Neither did I get to visit the Picasso museum. I think this calls for another trip to Paris.

WHOA

2009-07-06T17:35:00.000+08:00

I just found out that I won a LG GD900 Crystal phone in the Fashion Nation contest. Wow! I'm so psyched right now. I never expected this as I wasn't sure if people shared my taste. Thanks to all who had a hand in the selection! Here's my winning entry, created on Polyvore:

Also, I finally caved in and ordered two pieces from Schwing Schwing's new collection launched yesterday night- the white dress inspired by a similiar piece from Complex Geometries for me and the black wrap vest for my sis.

I've always admired the pared-down aesthetic and versatility of Complex Geometries' pieces so I'm happy to be able to own something similiar at a fraction of the price. They should be arriving in the mail within this week. That'd be two fantastic packages I'm receiving (the phone AND the clothes!). Hopefully they'll turn out well. I'll try to write a review and post some modelling pics. That phone will be the perfect accessory for the clothes!

Sleepless- Yoshitomo Nara

2009-07-06T08:50:00.000+08:00

Nara's style of drawing and his signature character- the 'naughty face' girl- are curiously appealing. While seemingly juvenile (and exemplary of the Japanese fixation with all things kawaii), his works display complex psychological states such as wakefulness, lack of innocence, menace and wide-eyed exhaustion. These paintings possess a dreamy, serene quality, but on closer inspection the stance appears unnatural (top), the eyes too large (bottom), the pale colours almost too harsh. It's a freaky, zombie-ish kind of dreamy, as if one has landed in the realm of the walking dead. And really, doesn't that describe our existence in modern society to some extent? We're all familiar with that soulless look of wide-eyed exhaustion; it's something we might see in the man on the subway next to us. Is it a coincidence that the above paintings have that overexposed, clinical quality of industrial lighting? Life is so full that it sometimes keeps us up at night, and we pump caffeine into our bodies to stay energized, but we're not sure what we're living for. Another day of grinding? Nara's works speak volumes about our lifestyle, and show that nothing can ever be as wholesome or ideal as one desires it to be.

Changes

2009-07-05T22:30:00.000+08:00

You'd have noticed that the blog layout is slightly different. After some fiddling with the HTML, I finally achieved the cleaner look that I wanted. I've also set up two other blogs, Painted Vision and Disturbing Muse, for posting inspiring images and my artwork respectively so as not to interfere with my main writing. The links can be found on the sidebar for your viewing pleasure. Cheers!

The new fashion icon

2009-07-05T11:34:00.000+08:00

Yeeta

Move over, Barbie. To commemorate Vogue Russia's 10th anniversary, classic Matryoshka Russian dolls received the royal treatment from famed fashion designers. The result? Unique dolls that represent each designer's aesthetic or showcase a signature look of his or her brand. The above are some of my favourites (isn't the Margiela one oh-so-cheeky?). This project is a great example of how fashion and art (or craft as well) can be fused in a creative manner.

Schwing Schwing

2009-07-04T17:28:00.000+08:00

I just discovered this awesome newly-established site through the blog Park and Cube. Shini owns one of the pants by the label. The clothes are extremely affordable (seriously, check it out!) and best of all, it's based in Singapore so prices are posted in Singapore dollars and normal local postage is FREE. How convenient! Here are the pieces I like the most:

These flashy gold rings are verging on being Ah Beng-ish (means gangster in local slang). Why do I have a serious lust for them? They look like they could cut through glass. Killer.

Paperbag-waist cropped pants are so fun to style. Looks best with towering heels.

Now a shorts version! These are cute.

What a freaking cool sweater! It's not the most original (almost every fashion blogger who considers herself 'edgy' has one) but it's still pretty rad.

I really like its versatility. The dropped sleeves give it a laid-back vibe and makes it cool enough for our tropical weather, but pairing it with bling will dress it up suitable for a night on the town.

The last dress is only available for backorder til 11pm tomorrow. Unfortunately I'm on a shopping ban so it's nada to all of these for me. I'll be checking back though; the shop updates pretty regularly and stocks sell out fast so you've got to be quick. They ship internationally as well. Their sister label The Scarlet Room is available at equally affordable prices, but Schwing Schwing's aesthetic is much more suited to my taste. Excuse me while I cry over the loss of that badass hole-y sweater and dress.

Minimalist Elegance

2009-07-04T12:11:00.000+08:00

I've developed an interest in menswear lately, which is bad news because it means spending time checking out mens' collections. I love the breeziness and casual elegance of these collections, qualities which spell 'SPRING' to me. I also like the details that punctuate the garments and make them special, be it the sewn-on patches and dangling vine cutouts at CDG or the subtle sparkles at Ann D. I've noticed that many aspects of men's clothing can actually be translated into womenswear. Things like brogues, men's shirts and boyfriend blazers come to mind. Is it a wonder that such items are considered classic, since menswear is less 'seasonal' than womenswear? Maybe the old adage that women are more whimsical holds water.

On a personal note, I just purchased a pair of striped men's canvas shoes from Cotton On. At least, I think they're men's as they were found in the male section. The funny thing is that these shoes were being ignored by shoppers in the store, who were mostly female, until I started trying them on. Then one girl spotted me, elbowed her friend, and they came over to look. I guess most people don't think of venturing into the men's section, which can be a treasure trove.

2009-07-03T09:43:00.000+08:00

I love the gloriously striking print on this dress. I wore the same outfit to my interview, except with the shirt belted over the dress using a patent blue belt and different bag and shoes (Converse high-tops). Oh, and the dress was longer as well. The good thing about this dress is its adjustable straps. Plus, it has pockets! The shirt is a hand-me-down from my brother's girlfriend and the wedges are my mum's and are really old. Not really fashion-forward but quite comfortable.

While sorting through my jewellery yesterday I realised that I have a lot of great stuff that I'm not wearing. Most of them are nicked from my mum's collection and are pretty much vintage. I'll feel something's missing if I don't wear at least one piece of jewellery when I step out the door. That doesn't include earrings, by the way, as I don't have pierced ears. Pretty weird how some people only wear earrings and I wear everything but earrings.

Portfolio

2009-07-02T11:38:00.000+08:00

This is the portfolio I presented at the DesignSingapore interview. Most are works I did recently, the figure drawings and fashion illustrations especially.

I'm glad to say that my skills have improved. The proportion of the figures is more correct and the quality of the lines has increased. I'm also able to do them at a faster speed (each figure drawing took about 10 mins, the shaded one 50 mins). I still need to work on making the lines more expressive though. I've learnt that the trick to getting the proportion right is to chart out the rough areas of the figure first, paying attention to the pivot points, as opposed to drawing one area and moving on to the next. The MRT sketching trip I went on with my art pals really reinforced this idea. In such a short time you've got to capture the gist of the pose; if you just try to draw one area accurately the subject will move and you're left with a fragment of the body. I also tried different materials like pencil, colour pencil, charcoal, fine-tip pen, chalk and chalk pastels as each produces a different feel.

I've also dabbled in fashion illustration, which is really fun. It allows me to play with expressing different moods as dictated by the clothes. I feel inspired to be more adventurous with drawing fashion figures; take more risks and try some stylization. I do want to develop my own style of illustration, which should complement my design aesthetic.

Fingers crossed that I make it to the next round!

Saturated Colour

2009-07-02T10:10:00.000+08:00

Zouk Wardrobe Series 2009

2009-06-27T21:09:00.000+08:00

What was I doing in Zouk on a Friday night? (Hint: I'm far from being a partygoer or clubber).

I attended the Zouk Wardrobe Series 2009, which featured the new collection of my art teacher's label, Yumumu. She was the mentor for my A-Level coursework and I'm eternally grateful to her. I was very much impressed by her new offerings. Especially with the number of local labels being rather limited, she is definitely an inspiration to me.

I wish I had photos to show of her collection, but it was really hard to capture good shots in that place. These are just to give an idea of what the event was like.

I've realized that there are always avenues for support and for showcasing one's work, as long as one is committed to pursuing a vision. I have to pave my own path in order to succeed. I'm truly thankful for the people who believe in my potential, as they make all the difference in the world.

2009-06-26T11:58:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the bad quality of these photos. This is a design board that I just completed. Medium: watercolours. I think my figure drawing and garment representation skills have improved.