Pipes & Containers ( Part 2 )

This time, I am using pipes and containers in different shapes and forms to create portraits.

As you can see here, the pipes and containers form up eyes, mouth, ears, nose and others...This is to suggest every christian plays a different part in the body of Christ, forming the "Church".

2006, Ink On Paper, 21cm x 14cm

2006, Oil On Canvas, 60cm x 50cm

In the portrait with red colour background (in fact I never did it on purpose), subconsciously, I achieved a fantastic result: after I completed this painting, I discovered that the overall shape of the portrait looked like a heart shape...that makes the painting look more meaningful!

2006, Oil On Canvas, 60cm x 50cm

I would say all these portrait drawings and paintings are only a preparation for my future "bigger" and "greater" painting, which I want to create a whole figure formed by pipes and containers - "A Complete Body Of Christ".

So just "wait and see, ha!"

Pipes & Containers

My art usually has a Christian message. This is because I want to share with people my journey of faith, and how God has blessed me with His love and care all these years, since my conversion to Christianity 15 years ago.

I do not have a fixed style in my art as I do not feel the need for it. Rather, expressing God’s love, mercy, righteousness and glory in my painting is my primary concern.

I love story-telling and using imagery in my art, and I believe they are God-given abilities ingrained in me. In each of my art series, the style that I choose is usually derived by the sensitivity and emotions I experience during the period of making.

This series of abstract works shows manipulation of imagery with an element of play. Inspired by imaginary plumbing pipes and containers, I associate to channels of communion between God and man, and among people, flowing with God’s blessings such as: grace, love, wisdom, peace, prosperity... Each container represents the storage of God’s blessings within every believer, while the pipes are positioned as conduits to facilitate sharing of God’s word, fellowshipping and showing care, in turn blessing other people. Every word or action in love bears the witness of God that seeks to establish harmony and bonding within the community, and beyond...

Conversations In Christ, 2006, Oil On Canvas, 60cm x 60cm

Close Fellowship, 2006, Oil On Canvas, 60cm x 60cm (Private Collection)

Communication, 2006, Oil On Canvas, 60cm x 60cm

Where Is My Energy ?

Many people who have seen my earlier paintings (done between 1987 – 1990) tell me that those paintings have more power and full of energy, compared to later works. The energy seems to be missing now, they say,…

Whenever I hear this, I always tell myself not to worry about my “missing” energy, because that is “unhealthy” energy! In the earlier days, my heart was full of anger, frustration and hatred. As I was more quiet among the artists’ group, I had no any other outlet to help release my feelings and emotions. So in the end, all my inner feelings were completely transferred to the canvas! Also, I was mainly using big brushes to create a lot of heavy strokes and movement on my paintings… eventually, my paintings always turned up very violent…

Some of my friends prefer my earlier painting style, even suggesting that I do my earlier painting style again…I don’t know, but can they accept that a person can grow? Or will change? Do they know that the moment when my “energy” is missing, another element replaces the energy? Can you see it? If you can’t see it, never mind, I can see it. Ha!ha!

Amen, thank you, Papa God.

' Fish Revenge ' Acrylic On Paper 54.5cm x 73.5cm 1988

Frog-Illustration

( Please note that the following drawings look yellowish due to indoor lighting; the background colour is actually white. )

Tower of Babel

In the Old Testament of the Bible, ambitious men tried to build the great and tall Tower of Babel to prove that they could be as great as God. When God saw what they did was out of prideful intentions, He began to confuse their languages so that they could not communicate with one another, thus had to stop building the tower further, and were scattered over the face of the whole world.

Inspired by this story, I illustrate a tower which also looks like a well. Below the tower, there is a man’s face without eyes (blind) – representing arrogant mankind who do not know where they should stand in God’s eyes. On the other hand, I draw a frog on top of the tower/inside the well, with eyes that belong to the man below. This is to indicate that arrogance may come with short-sightedness also, as represented by the frog in the well…

Tower of Babel, 1999; Ink on paper ( Private collection )

Well-Frog Club

I believe not many people in this world want to become “well-frogs” (referring to people who live in their own worlds, having limited visions). However, sometimes they just cannot help it, because everybody and everything seem to be moving too fast…

In my illustration, you can see many people trying to climb as high as they can, as fast as they can… For those who are too slow or just not fast enough, they risk possibility of being caught/dragged down by the big frog in the well, and perhaps ending up as residents of the “well-frog club”.

Well-Frog Club, 1999; Ink on paper ( Private collection )

Reborn

This picture shows people struggling out of the symbolic well-frog’s stomach and racing forward triumphantly, with fingers pointing to heaven. (in contrast, people trapped in the well frog would refer to those who have yet to open their eyes/hearts to God’s love and His salvation.)

From my past life experiences, I felt very much like those trapped in the well-frog whilst I was still a non-believer. I seemed ignorant of many things, and when I got into trouble sometimes, I could not find a good way out. Feeling hopeless and insecure, I had even attempted to finish my own life...

But God is good. He found me, and gave me His perfect peace when I received Him as my personal savior. He also leads me through every challenge in life by His wisdom and grace. Ever since, my life has been changed, and my eyes opened to Him and His wonderful works…

Reborn, 2004; Ink on paper ( Private collection )

Untitled, 2005; Ink and acrylic on paper

My Childhood Photo

This photo was taken when I was only seven or eight years old, studying at Chong Hwa Girls' Primary School then... Yes, a girls' school! I was enrolled to this school (as were my elder brothers and cousins), because it also accepted boys, making up around 30% of the school's population.

Until now, I can still remember one of my school teachers always compared my academic results to my elder brothers’. I found the subject - English - very hard to learn, and since it was the only subject in English (being in a Chinese school), I eventually gave it up... However, I also cannot forget most of my school teachers loved to see my drawing and colouring works. They always commented that I had great talent in Art, and this really encouraged me a lot.

Another deep impression I have of my childhood school days - was being the first to wear spectacles in class! I hated to put them on during every lesson, because they made me look very different, and I did not like my outlook at all… In spite of this, I found that many of my "girl friends" liked talking to me more than to other boys. I often wondered why, perhaps was due to my introvert personality then (as compared to other boys who were quite rough) and having cute big eyes?

Lastly, I would like to mention that this photo is cropped from a group photo taken with my brothers, living at Toa Payoh last time (only my second elder brother is shown behind me). Amongst my brothers, I was also the most quiet one then. Yes, then, not now… I would say I am much more outspoken now after all these years, and of course with the convenience of blog, I have much to share…

Drawings Of My Grandmother

The first four drawings on my grandmother are done few years later than the last two drawings. I can tell the difference because the drawing lines in the first set look more relaxed and free, while lines in the second set are more restrictive, making the drawings seem hard to “breathe”.

I have come to realize that sometimes, the improvement in drawing and painting skills may not necessary be due to how hardworking or how much effort the artist puts in. For my case, it is very much about my life experiences and how much I have grown from the trials of life. The more I experience, the more I grow, which broadens my perception of things, leading to a more “let-go” attitude towards life. This is eventually reflected in executing my works more freely, relaxed and comfortable…

The Making of "Vibrant Youth" (Part 2)

At this stage, the buildings had had their first coating, but still needed a lot of details...

All the buildings were painted with reference to photos taken from URA, as well as going to their actual sites to make more observations. It had been a time-consuming yet rewarding journey...
The large figure at the bottom right was modelled after my second sister-in-law... Figures of different scales were distributed through out the painting, and much smaller ones in the distant, in order to create a deeper sense of space...

The man in yellow shirt, at the bottom of painting, was at first facing downwards; but I had changed it to facing upwards, to exhibit more liveliness. The model's face was actually painted according to my younger brother's features.

In the process of painting the buildings, I came to a greater appreciation of the architects' painstaking efforts and their wonderful designs... Each building was different and unique, indeed a pleasurable painting experience for me!

Finally, the painting was completed after four months. It is now being displayed at the new Library beside Bras Basah Complex, 10th level.


The sky-flyers represent our vibrant youth soaring confidently and courageously in the showers of light, beaming with hope and possibilities. As they are the future pillars of Singapore, they are open to endless opportunities laid before them. Each individual is encouraged to fulfil his dreams and potential in every way, and continue to contribute to the stability and prosperity of our young nation. The buildings in the vast green landscape are thus significant testimonies of our achievements. Whether living, working or playing, we abound in creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

The artwork aims at shaping the vibrant image of our youth who champion personal development, value teamwork and support, and possess an indefatigably positive outlook in life.

The Making of "Vibrant Youth" (Part 1)

I started with stretching the canvas (6ftx12ft), followed by drawing in the composition.

Using Rembrandt oil paints, I began painting the figure most appealing to me. The model was actually my brother-in-Christ.

This shows a figure-study of a girl.

I filled in bright red for her dress... She was actually my niece... This pose was taken when she was lying on the sofa.

Using Manganese Blue Phthalo mixed with Titanium White for the sky...I felt bright and uplifted almost instantly.

Next, I continued painting my nephew on the left; His flying pose reminded one of Superman.

The sky had been painted in a layer of blue oil paint...followed by adding of clouds...

The buildings in the background were also filled with a coat of underpainting...the most challenging part had been to make sure the buildings were drawn in relation to the two-point perspective technique. I put in a lot of effort to get them right.

Thank you, Doctor Yong!

For over a decade, I used to live in Yishun with my mother, grandmother and two brothers, and till recently have frequented a clinic downstairs, owned by my family doctor-Doctor Yong. He is not only a good doctor, but has also been an excellent counsellor and friend to me all these years. He always encourages me whenever I feel troubled, giving me advice on how to overcome obstacles in life...
Even though I got married and moved to the west in 2002, I still visit Doctor Yong when I am unwell, and get medicine from him. However, recently I have decided to try consulting another doctor nearby, as it has been quite time-consuming to travel between the west and Yishun. This new doctor's treatment has been satisfactory so far... Nevertheless, I would like to express my gratitude to Doctor Yong for his care all these years, and hope that he may get to see this blogpost dedicated to him one day...
"Thank you, Doctor Yong!"

My First Solo Painting Show - "Worldly People", 1996

As some viewers have expressed their interest to see more of my works in this blog, I will continue to select suitable past and present works, and related writeups to share with you all. Please feel free to share your comments also... Thank you for your support!

( Extracts from " WORLDLY PEOPLE "exhibition writeup,1996 )

"Don't Worry...",1995.acrylic on canvas(private collection)

Process:
The creative source of this series goes back to my personal fascination with old black~and~white photographs. Beginning 1995, I have had an unutterable feeling towards black~and~white photographs. If forced to express this feeling in words, I can only say that their antiquity holds me spellbound( because those black~and~white photographs which first sparked my interest were some ancient family photographs ). Their purity and simplicity appeal to me deeply.

"New Mother & Child",1996.acrylic on canvas(private collection)

Maybe it's because I've been a downtown kid most of my life, having been born and lived my formative years in the town area. The whole city centre is one multi-coloured landscape: all kinds of shops, malls, fast-food restaurants, cinemas, of all varieties. They are radiant and spectacular and totally bedazzling. My long-term encounter with these attempts to catch the eyes has caused me to develop a tiredness and an averse reaction towards loud, gaudy, bright and colourful things.

I just think that ( some ) people's lives now are getting more complicated, and yet more superficial. This makes me welcome the sight of the basic and essential black~and~white photograph with rich emotion. This is, perhaps, a retrogressive move on my part; I know it is a response to ( their ) unrelenting pursuit of material wealth, a kind of reactionary behaviour. I always wonder why we cannot live more simply! What's wrong with being simple?

"The Tree",1996.acrylic on canvas(private collection)

Question of Aesthetics:
The origination of this series required me to relegate aesthetics to a subordinate position, putting the content and message above all else. The reason is that investing too much energy into questions of aesthetics ~~ such as composition and colour effects ~ may result in a product that, in the final analysis, attracts the viewer's mental resources to an examination of the technique and skill manifest in the work, at the expense of its content. In such a circumstance, my objective would not have been met.

So if I want the messages in my paintings to be smoothly transmitted, I must first achieve the aim of pushing aside aesthetics.

When I was in the process of creating each work, I would be constantly on the lookout: would it be too perfect in its execution and portrayal? I was very careful and attentive about not letting my own art be drawn too beautifully. Consequently, the viewer will eventually discover that the technique in my paintings is poor. This... preferred method of expression, is intentional. It is partly in this sense that I consider my work complete!

"New Vampire",1996.acrylic on canvas(courtesy of Singapore Art Museum)

Creation of Mood with Black and white:
One discovery that I made, upon observing the reactions of friends whom I invited to my studio on several different occasions to view my work, was that using black~and~white creates a serious, almost tense, atmosphere. No matter how jovial and beaming they were before they stepped in, I could sense their attitudes change automatically the minute they stood facing my paintings. Sometimes even the air in the surroundings is affected by this gravity in a tangible way.

But from my own viewpoint, I like this kind of seriousness because it makes it conducive for the audience's contemplation of moral values, reinforcing the importance of my central theme.

"Woman",1996.acrylic on canvas

A Moment Worth Remembering

I recalled casually browsing through some photos by my bedside cabinet on one recent morning, not long upon awakening. I soon came across a photo taken in the end of year 1991. In the photo, I was seen in the midst of baptism held on the rooftop balcony of a commercial building. (My previous church used to rent some rooms for service and Sunday school back then.)

There I was – half-immersed in a big water tank whilst attentively following Pastor Wee in prayer prior to the baptism. I can still remember that moment: my heart was so full of gratitude to God who had found me and saved me, and who had promised to be the Lord of my life. I was only 24 years old then, just started out to make a living…

As I was writing this article, my wife (much younger than me) was watching TV on the sofa. I curiously asked her what she was doing in year-end 1991, and she replied, “I was only studying in JC then.” We had a good laugh…

Sky Flyers 2

 "Sky Flyers 2", Oil On Canvas, Year:2004(Private Collection)

Sky Flyers 1

 "Sky Flyers 1", Oil On Canvas, Year:2004(Private Collection)

A Time of Adversity

"A Time Of Adversity", Oil On Canvas, Year:2004(Private Collection)

Pray No Fear

" For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. " ( Romans 8:15, KJV )

Love Grows

In Love 2

Colourful Life

Transformation

"Transformation", Oil On Canvas, Year:2003(Private Collection)

" ..., Death is swallowed up in victory. " ( 1 Corinthians 15:54 , KJV )

All In One

"All In One", Oil On Canvas, Year:2004(Private Collection)