Birds flew over the Pagoda St nest, Secret Garden & SG50

The week of 23-29 March 2015 has been an emotional one for my fellow countrymen, mourning the departure of a great one whom we owe an indelible debt whatever may be said about the man. The saying that his monument is everywhere is probably something that fully hit the national conscience of many of us only now upon his passing. 

Ironically, I rarely paint Singapore, because it is simply too close to heart. And I always used to think, why is there a need to capture in images, what I already know so well and feel so strongly about, albeit mixed feelings? So my focus has always been on my wanderings, where I am but a transient passer-by to foreign lands, and will need the images to remember my feelings by when I grow old one day, sitting on that rocking chair reminiscing on my life's journey in this world ;p  But I am digressing. 

I have to admit I started painting Singapore again recently only because SG50 is the 'latest fashion', so to speak, for artistic outlet. But I am glad I did. I still stuck to material that strike an emotional chord with me, even if I have to go out and find it in our hot sweltering weather. And I do not really care if people recognise the place or not, as I was never a realist painter in the first place. There are plenty of good artists out there who can record landscape details for posterity. For me, art is and has always been about a personal emotional expression. 

Title: Birds flew over the Pagoda St nest (O120) 
Description: Whimsical painting of birds on a lamppost with festive red Chinese lanterns, over a plethora of colourful stalls tentage in Pagoda Street, a charming, touristy street market in Singapore Chinatown. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Title: Secret Garden (O124) 
Description: Blue Victorian whimsical painting inspired by a beautiful pavilion by Swan Lake at the Singapore Botanical Gardens when birds came a-chirping before the dreamy backdrop of a sculpture of swans in flight. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Title: A House at Katong (O123) 
Description: Expressionist painting rendering of an old house compound in Katong, a charming residential district in east Singapore with Peranakan (people of mixed Chinese and Malay heritage) origins. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Title: Tree Tapestry (O125) 
Description: Bright orange red abstract painting of a blue tree, in a myriad swirl of tapestry like floral emblems, inspired by lyrical tree branches and leaves by a pond at the Singapore Botanical Gardens. SG50 Series. 
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 

Dimensions: 61 x 46cm. 

Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 
* Birds flew over the Pagoda St nest & Secret Garden are currently on exhibition ~ Mosaic, an art show @ Volvo Art Loft, 2-28 April.

The Ship

I wasn't quite sure what style this painting will take when I started, as I was only intent on superimposing two images - one of a distant port city, with streaking light reflections and a twilight sun - the other, a ship inspired by a picture taken in Jeju. 

In the end, when I fused the two, it became a surreal abstract piece and the vessel evolved into a skeletal outline of imagination, nothing like the original. An artist commented that the piece is very Chagall. Interpret it how you will.  I have decided I like it the way it is and am leaving it at that. 


Title: The Ship 船 (O101)
Description: Surreal abstract painting of a ship at sea, departing from a port city in the night, with a red twilight sun, dramatic vibrant tones and hues, and a dreams style reminiscent of Chagall. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Autumn at Hallasan

The journey for this work was as convoluted as the actual climb at Hallasan that I undertook last September, all 5603 feet up Korea's highest mountain, just hoping to catch a glimpse of autumn even though Jeju was unexpectedly as hot as Singa-land during my stay there.  Well, that is "Singaporean madness" for you as we come from a land of eternal green.  

It was a small peek at fall, literally. Some fallen red leaves on a small patch of the forever rocky path.  But I was delirious nevertheless.  Even more so than when I was to later reach the summit.  

So I painted autumn again which I haven't in a long while.  While the composition came easily enough, I struggled with the colour of the ground for a while before I finally got the feel that I wanted, intentionally stark contrast and all. Lyrical yet brittle. Yup, that pretty much sums it up. 

Title: Autumn at Hallasan 汉拿山之秋 (O99)
Description: A lyrical fall painting of autumn leaves on a rocky path inspired by the artist's hike way up Mt Hallasan, Korea's highest mountain, just to catch that wee bit of fall. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
SOLD. 

Seongsan

One major highlight of Jeju that see hordes of tourists milling the UNESCO World Heritage site everyday, is the 182-metre high Seongsan Ilchulbong, popularly known as ‘Sunrise Peak’.  For me, however, the eastern part of Jeju is much more than that.

It took me more than an hour on a local bus that spouts many many little bus-stops in Korean, English, sometimes Chinese, before I arrived at Seongsan, or rather an obscure stop on a lonesome highway that I almost missed and then luckily got 'rescued' by the hotel owner who came to pick me up.

That was the start of my falling in love with this hospitable part of Jeju, which also marks the Jeju Olle Trail No. 1, the first of some 21 hiking routes encircling the island.  And the most classic one.  Unlike the other Olle Trails which feature the fantastical coastline of Jeju with almighty waves a-pounding, this route starts serenely inland with a little oreum (mountain in Jeju dialect) climb to a breathtaking view of the mountains, large fields and ocean.  I love the walk through the forest, the beautiful trees and flora, even a bright green little snake that slithered across my path at one point.  And the comradeship with fellow hikers at a delightful, and delicious, noodle shop just when I emerged from the hills, before going past bountiful farms with all kinds of vegetables and delectable produce, and arriving at the familiar coast once more.  This trail had it all.  Never mind the dramatic finish at Sunrise Peak.  I just enjoyed the quiet, the peace, the simplicity, the smells, the sounds, and the innate beauty of the countryside.  And that is what this simple painting is about. 

Title: Seongsan 城山 (O96)
Description: Tree overlooking Seongsan's farmland with Sunrise Peak in the distance, a simple painting epitomising the simple joys of hill walking and enjoyment of countryside landscape, inspired by a hike on the Jeju Olle Trail No. 1. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Haenyo

On a cab ride in Jeju, a friendly uncle driver enthusiastically told me that the island is known for 3 things: rocks, wind.. and after struggling with the korean-to-english translation app on his iphone.. women.  

He meant the famous haenyo - sea women divers who fight against the wild waves for a catch. In the old days, many men in Jeju were lost at sea. They also had to pay heavy taxes, so the diving trade eventually passed over to the women who became the main breadwinner.  A declining trade today, with tourism contributing to most job opportunities, the haenyo declined in numbers. With an average age of 65, the iconic ladies continued to dive into depths of 20-30 metres with no oxygen tank, whether for a catch, often singing a poignant song. or sadly, to the throes of tourists and flashing cameras fighting to picture the amazing feat and the prize catch of an octopus or squid.

At a particularly touristy spot, I watched but could not bear to join the mob. Amidst the madness, a solemn expression of a haenyo catches, with faraway eyes that tell of a life past that I could not possibly imagine. I knew I would paint her, paint her story, paint the beautiful bright red shoe that she wore into the waters, paint the enigmatic person behind the matriarchal symbol that may one day pass into Jeju's colourful history..

Title: Haenyo 海女 (O95)
Description: A poignant depiction of the colourful Haenyo, sea women divers iconic in Jeju, Korea, who fight the wild waves for a catch in place of the men, who are today declining in numbers and a dying trade. Jeju Notes 2014.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Wave Watch

One cannot miss the sound of waves in Jeju, ever constant, as you wander around the island.. Ever rhythmic, ever present, ever relentless, strong with the whistling winds.. sometimes pounding in all its fiercest majestic glory, evoking exhilaration and even fear at nature's power.. at other times quiet and contemplative.. yet still always unyielding and meditative.   

At the end of my stay in Jeju, I went to Udo Island and there, on Seobinbaeksa Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic backdrop from the mainland,  the surreality reaches an unusually calm beauty, eliciting much joy and happiness to the bystanders.  

And which inspired this nostalgic piece, of the simple joys of marvelling at the beauty of nature, of the whimsical fun of waves, of the child in us who was once able to appreciate things instinctively. 

Title: Wave Watch 看浪 (O93)
Description: A whimsical little painting of a couple on a beach before larger-than-life waves and an imposing conical mountain yonder, inspired by the whimsical nostalgic joy of wave watching at Udo Island. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Jeju Boats

Before visiting Jeju, I knew Korea is a colourful nation, "well-educated" was I from all the K-drama ;p  Especially the period ones.  I have always admired the creative use of bright blues, reds, greens, purples, in the lush costumes, contrasting, striking yet not clashing.  

So it was when I arrived in Seogwipo, the southern port city of Jeju, one of the things that delighted me most - apart from discovering the Jeju Olle Trails which gave me plenty of hiking opportunities in my 10-day stay - are the colourful boats at the port.  They are straight from the K-dramas, hues-wise, especially the bright blues.  And there is a quaint whimsical charm in the chaotic clutter of little windows, chimneys, endless lines, rows and rows of light bulbs.. somehow reminding me of a Jap cartoon. I simply adore them!

And of all my amblings around the island, I love the fishing boats on the southern coast most, especially these striking blue ones at the little port of one Beophwan Village, which I stumbled upon while trekking the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7.  I was so engrossed taking photos of these boats that I did not notice that people are bathing at a nearby spot.. Oops.. but that is another bloopers story ;p  Anyway, more than any image in Jeju, I knew I would paint this scene.

So that is the story behind this boats painting. And the start of hopefully, a series to commemorate my much treasured memories of this unforgettable island. 

Title: Jeju Boats 济州船 (O91)
Description: A colourful impressionist painting of delightful cluttering fishing boats at Beophwan Village, the southernmost coastal village in Korea on the Jeju Olle Trail No. 7. Jeju Notes 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 76cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Spanish Vignettes

Just created this slide video for my Spain Vignettes photography 2011 and paintings 2011-2012 collection, brings back a lot of fond memories about the Spanish cities and towns. Starting with B is for Barca, Barbastro, G for Girona, A Ainsa, C Cadiz, Cordoba.. going on to Ronda with an unforgettable flamenco night, Montserrat, Morella, Valencia, and ending with Z for Zaragoza. Enjoy the spanish dance! 

Juxtaposition

After doing a sweet impressionist painting on Girona, I had to do something a little subversive on the spanish enclave.  I am not sure why, it's just an emotional outlet for me.  So Juxtaposition was created.

The buildings and structures are from the Girona jewish quarter but placed in a surreal swathe of matisse-influenced, almost carnival, colours.  Girona wasn't always picturesque postcard pretty.  The city is said to have undergone 25 sieges and been captured 7 times.  

Therein lies the contradiction and strangely, also the aura behind the ancient architectural pieces of this historic place.  Saccharine yet tumultuous, present quietude versus an agitated past, every pretty remnant tells a story or does it hide a secret? That is the essence of this piece.

Title: Juxtaposition (O77)
Description: A surreal take on Girona's historic jewish quarter, with buildings and structures placed in a swathe of matisse-influenced, almost carnival, colors.  Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.

B is for Barbastro

Barbastro, a little place that we passed by en route to the Spanish Pyrenees, was quiet and run down in some parts.  But the buildings and architecture hint at a rich history of times gone by when it must have been a lustrious place.  The ancient walls and passageways must have seen many a battle from its Celtic origins, then Roman times when it got its name, to Islamic conquest as part of the Visigoth kingdom, then the Christians, reconquering by the Moors, and finally the Reconquest again when it became a bishopric seat..

I especially love this building and its narrow archway, full of antique elegance and magnetic character, like an enticing gateway to the tumultuous dreams of its glorious past, which is the essence of this surreal piece.

Title: Barbastro (O75)
Description: A surreal piece inspired by Barbastro, a city with a tumultuous past from the Celts, Romans, to the Christians, Moors, and subsequent reconquests.  Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 92 x 46 x 4cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

Spanish Dancers

I missed seeing the Spanish flamenco dancers 13 years ago when I first visited Spain.  Twas a funny tale on its own as my backpacking mate and I searched high and low for this out of the way bar famed for flamenco according to our 'gospel' guidebooks without knowing that it also means singing only.  So we happily downed a couple when we found the elusive hideout and waited all night only to learn that we are already hearing the flamenco ;p

Well this time round to Spain, I made sure we also see the flamenco.. And what a sight!  Words cannot quite describe our enthralment at the whole performance together with the vibrant singing (cante) and guitar playing (toque).  The swirls, the stances, the atmosphere, the energy, all combine for a pulsating staccato act of rich drama and passion electrifying to the senses, and that must also epitomise the Spaniards.

My rendition is quieter and more abstract but no less passionate, seeking to explore the femininity and sensuous personality of the art form through line, shape and colour.

Title: Spanish Dancers I, II (SOLD); Spanish Dancer I, II (A34-37)
Description: A series of 4 little paintings inspired by the Spanish flamenco dance, exploring the femininity of the art form through line, shape and colour. Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: Each 30x 30cm.


2 comments (Spanish Dancers I): 
sagarika sen said... 
really really nice 
stella marie capao said.. 
love the color

The Chef

It has been a long time since I painted a portrait. I am seldom tempted as the face has to have a lot of character for me to be inspired. But when I stepped into this quaint little tapas pub on my Spain Camino trip, the traditional character of the place immediately struck me, and even more so when I caught sight of the fiesty chef-cum-owner in a whirl of activity entirely in his element.. I knew I would paint him.

But first I had to get his picture executing his fine art.  It was no easy feat as he was aware and the movement simply heightened to a blur. I could only muster a couple of quick shots aimed at the overall pub setting so as not to be rude and hoped for the best.  Blessed was I to get one clear shot below of the dignified master in action, which incidentally my guide has sent the picture to him.

When it came to painting, my expressionist tendencies and colour instincts took over but the essence of the character - a fine artisan in his element - must come through. In fact an artist remarked that the pose reminded him of a portrait of a certain young Rembrandt.  Yes, indeed.  No wonder I was attracted to this interesting character; he had reminded me of a master artist.. and my own vocation :)

Title: The Chef (O67)
Description: Spain Camino series. Expressive rendition of a tapas chef in his element, in a cool tapas pub as full of character as its animated owner. Tis a memorable encounter in old Leon on the artist's sojourn on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 60cm.

 2 comments: 
su f tan said... 
Love the style of this painting! 
doreen said.. 
your style has become more free, great work!

Camino Art Journey

Just uploaded my 1st youtube video ever and it features the fotoart and paintings from my Camino de Santiago (aka Way of St James) trip created over the past year.  Must say it's a lot of work but fun experimenting with my new macbook to do this.  Enjoy!

Rhapsody

Rhapsody is the first work in my Spain Camino series. I had revisited Spain in June this year, this time to the northwestern part to hike the famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage (aka the Way of St James), well at least bits of it. My journey went from Bilbao en route through several historic towns before reaching Santiago de Compostela where the tomb of St James lies. Burgos was our first "great Gothic cathedral" stop and a fave of mine :)

I love the winding streets, the poetic window sills, the bustling yet leisurely and relaxed atmosphere, with people from all over - pilgrims, adventurers, tourists, residents - all merrily enjoying the place and interlude in time. And this is the theme of Rhapsody - unconnected, rambling, yet naturally in harmony and peace, like a carefree bohemian song.

Title: Rhapsody (O48)
Description: A lyrical expressionist piece inspired by the bohemian atmosphere in the streets of Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, and on the famous pilgrim route of Camino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St James). Spain Camino 2010.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 60cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

The Way ( 道 )

An expressionist piece that I had to paint twice to get the feeling that I wanted to achieve right, which I will leave to the viewer to interpret.

The scene was inspired by a picture that I took at the beautiful Confucian Temple in Tainan, south Taiwan. Red is a colour that I have found to be very beautiful and expressive since I started this Taiwan series and never more evident than in this work which I thoroughly enjoyed its richness in my execution.

Title: The Way (O45, SA30)
Description: An expressionist piece inspired by the Tainan Confucian Temple in Taiwan. 2010.
台湾行台南孔庙之“道”。
Medium: Oil on Ready-To-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76x60cm
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Contentment ( 简单的快乐 )

Happiness can be so simple. I was moved by the serene scene of sunrays falling warmly on some houses at the Yangmingshan National Park where a gigantic overhanging white cloud seemed to be sheltering and protecting the humble abode. Hence I took a picture and created a longitudinal bookmark shot of this sunset scene, from which my painting was born.

I had thought it would be a simple painting to do. In the end it took longer than expected as I experimented to re-capture the wondrous feeling of that evening. It seems the path to happiness is not easy, but it is good when I get there :)

Title: Contentment (O42, SA38)
Description: Taiwan series. Simple living, simple happiness. Inspired by a dusk scene at theYangmingshan National Park in Taipei. 2010.
台湾行阳明山之“简单的快乐”。
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76x51cm

An Old Port Town ( 鹿港老街 )

We almost didn't make it to Lugang. There was a hiccup finding transport to get us there from Central Taiwan. Lucky we did get there eventually because it was a nice laidback charming old town with historic archictecture and many nooks and corners to explore.

I especially like the old street and this sign that leads to it, the bustling yet serene old port town atmosphere, which I seek to capture in this semi-abstract piece.

Title: An Old Port Town (SA31)
Description: Taiwan series. An abstract piece epitomizing the activities of the Old Lugang Township on the west coast of Taiwan. 2010.
台湾行之“鹿港老街”。
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 51cm.

Messages From The Past ( 古老的信息 )

The old township of Lugang in central Taiwan is a charming place to visit, not too touristy and most of all, the character of the old shops in all kinds of odd shapes and sizes are retained and selling a fascinating array of colourful knick-knacks and stuff.

I was thoroughly enjoying myself browsing the shops with my friends when I spotted a Japanese photographer taking a picture of a beautiful door of a closed foresaken-looking storefront. With the whistling winds, the fluttering red pieces of paper gave the place a mysterious feel that seem to transport me to the days of old. I decided to shoot the storefront from the side in order to capture the effect of the wind, with the swinging red lantern adding to the atmosphere.

It was this romantic windswept feel of ancient Chinese times that I seek to capture with my strokes when I painted the piece, with the postbox adding the touch and link to modernity, as if the past is whispering its mysterious messages to the present.

Title: Messages From The Past (O40,SA29)
Description: Taiwan series. Inspired by the Lugang Old Town in Central Taiwan, this atmospheric piece uses strong contrast, bold colours and swift movement to juxtapose the romantic past with the present. 2010.
台湾行鹿港之“古老的信息”。
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76x60cm

1 comment:
zemphira said...
i like your messages from the past.

Zing

Having travelled extensively and visited many a european city, it had been a long time since I was so strongly attracted to a place. And I was only passing through Aberdeen for a couple of hours en route from the Cairngorms National Park to take a ferry to the Shetlands on this Scotland trip. Funnily I was just looking for food when I walked up from the bus terminal to what looked like the "Orchard" area. I like the vibes of the city. Maybe it was the genial Scots, maybe it was the students, maybe it was the buildings setting, somehow it felt like I was in Harry Potter land..

And then I chanced to see in the distance what I learned later to be the Castlegate square. It drew me instantly like a magnet. I was especially fascinated with the hexagonal 1686 mercat cross (market cross) with a vertical post and white unicorn at the top, that symbolized the burgh's (Scottish town) right to trade. It was also the site of royal proclamations and public executions.. oops, in the old days I mean.. believe it is the host of less hazardous activities nowadays ;p

I love the square and the way the particular lamppost stand out against it. Giving the pic I took a 'photoshop' treatment produced a wonderful red sky drop in sync with my feelings about the sense of the place. I changed the composition somewhat when I did the painting for better spatial perspective and gave full play to the interaction of the subjects, creating lots of movement for the eye.


Title: Zing (O27)
Description: An expression of the whimsical interactive energy that the Castlegate square of Aberdeen gave to me, despite it being known as the Grey City. The buildings, citadel, mercat cross, and even the lamppost, seemed to speak to me when I was there and it was this strong attraction, together with my impressions of the captivating vivacity of Aberdeen, that I seek to express with my colours and strokes. Scotland 2009.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 60 x 50cm.
SOLD.