Describe how you knew you would become an artist, how you chose your ultimate medium of practice.

 

Since I was in primary school, I have always wanted to be an artist. Back then, it was my uncle who drew really good portraits who inspired me. Later, I moved on to being influenced by my favourite Saturday morning cartoons and comics. My influences and inspirations change with time and experience, and this is apparent in my artistic practice as well. Though I work predominantly with spray paint, I have learnt over the years that a mural or a painting is not the only medium that allows me to express my works. I enjoy making installation works as well. An artistic medium should not restrict the way I want to express myself as an artist.

 

What are the biggest challenges you face as an artist?

 

The biggest challenge I always face is myself. I am my worst enemy. The long drawn out thought processes, procrastination, continuously trying to re-ignite one’s own passion after periods of feeling burnt out following years of practice, self-doubt, artist’s block not having a stable income

 

What motivates you to continue despite these challenges?

 

My environment and my surroundings motivate me. Sharing my experience, talking and listening to fellow artists and people alike, making new friends. Learning new things, like skills and techniques, and gaining new knowledge. Flipping through my old sktechbooks for unrealised ideas, travelling. Looking at more art, bad or good. Knowing that my artwork, in one way or another, moves or inspires somebody.

 

When you set about creating a new work, what inspires you?

 

Everything and nothing. The absence of something creates a space for nothingness and the presence of nothing creates an opportunity for something.

 

What do you hope your audience gets out of your work?

 

It differs every time I create a different body of work. For example, when I am painting a mural in a public space, what I hope is for the audience is to understand the process of creating the artwork, from every stroke of the brush or spray can to every movement or gesture that I make. I want the audience to experience something that they rarely get to feel when they walk into a gallery or an exhibition where more often than not, all they see are finished works of art. Through my practice, I want them to be able to observe and partake in the creation of an artwork.

 

What advice would you give if approached by an up and coming artist who wanted to learn from your experience?

 

Learn continuosly, never stop encountering, enjoy processes. Nothing comes easy, humility goes a long way, never let people push you around, be open to criticisms, always be in the company of interesting people. Understand that no matter how big or successful one becomes, we are but a tiny fragment in the larger scheme of things.

 

What are your hopes for the arts scene in Singapore?

 

Hopes always have a tendency to get dashed or crushed. I think as a community we should envisage goals for the betterment of the arts in Singapore. This should be created through healthy discourse and education in the arts and through the arts.

 

 

What does the Young Artist Award mean to you?

 

Receiving this award is an opportunity for me to inspire younger artists, or people who aspire to be artists. Though art has existed throughout history of mankind, it is not regarded a norm in mainstream society. My practice fringes out of the norm of contemporary art, my choice of medium and the movement I represent are certainnly not something you learn in art school. I am indeed within the fringe of a fringe. My artistic background sprang from the streets and not in the studio of an art institution. I hope that this diversity is continuously celebrated and serves as an inspiration to those who choose this path.