I may have mentioned this, more than a couple of times, within most previous posts in this series that Singapore is designed extremely well. It’s managed in a very efficient manner, from a traveller’s point of view at least. It is also a designer, and artist friendly city. And, this fact can be clearly seen imbued within the culture of this city; there are galleries of artworks including paintings / photographs, design workshops, designer / artist studios, art museums; all of these are strewn across the city, much like a treasure hunt of sorts. And then, there’s the Singapore National Museum, and the Singapore Art Museum of course.
Singapore Art Museum
While much of my exploration of Singapore was done on feet, it was difficult to not get drawn into these museums, art galleries, designer studios, and artist workshops. Most of them would be hidden in a corner, right next to bigger attractions like the Singapore Art Museum, and the National Design Center. And, this is exactly how I stumbled upon a small nondescript designer studio, and workshop that is home to one of the leading jewellery designers in Asia.
Carrie K Rocks!
Carolyn Kan, A.K.A CarrieK
On a small walk to explore our neighbourhood, we (a friend, and I) decided to walk into the National Design Center to check out what it had on display. While we were walking into the walkway that leads up to its main doors, I happened to chance upon a small, nondescript note that welcomed designers, and artists to enter a small, non-descript building situated right where the walkway to the entrence of the National Design Center started.
Down the rabbit hole.
The minimal nature of the note posted outside had now peaked her interests, and mine. We decided to walk-in, foregoing the National Design Center, and placing a visit there on the backburner. As we were starting to climb the stairs, we were asked by a humble staff to use the elevators instead. We both thought that as a good sign, and took the elevator to the second floor of the building. As soon as we got out of the elevator, we were greeted by a passage way that paid homage to ‘Rabbit Holes’. I had instantly started smiling at the madness, posted at the doorsteps leading into the studio.
The small workspace @ the nondescript studio.
Same workspace as above. Empty, and in color.
Past the small lobby / passage, we entered this studio that was filled with handmade goodies of all kinds; from postcards to wallets, and jewelry. And, there were very few things I did want to buy, had I been gifted with resources to spend. It was a wonderland, especially for people like you, and I who appreciate design, art, and history in all its forms, and glories.
The rest of the design studio & shop.
While carousing through the wares put up here, we were approached by a very sweet, humble, and excited lady who struck up a conversation with us by asking us what we liked there, and following that up by letting us know that this place was a shop, a workshop, and a design studio for a nexus of artists, and designers of all skills, and apptitudes. I was rendered speechless.
The rest of the design studio & shop.
We did happen to inquire about her, and it so happens that Carolyn Kan, is an awesome, award winning jewelry designer, and silversmith. She had started off as a corporate employee, and after ten years of corporate life she turned back to her passion of making silver, and gold jewelry. She established her own jewelry brand in 2009, and subsequently in 2010 she was awarded the “jewelry Designer of the Year” by ELLE.
One of Carrie's many works that we adored.
One of Carrie's many works that we adored.
I’ve to say that while looking at her craftsmanship, and work, it was hard for us both to not to be mesmerized. We ended up talking a lot more. She was very kind, even helping us with writing recommendations for us, depending on our tastes of adventure, in Singapore. In fact, this is precisely how we were able to discover Arab St., and Haji Lane (mentioned in a previous post).
Written Recommendations For Travelers by Carrie K.
Written Recommendations For Travelers by Carrie K. (Part 2)
If you are in Singapore, and are design-inclined or would like to buy handmade goods of awesomeness, then I would highly recommend visiting this studio / workshop. Better yet, simply drop in to have a small conversation with Carrie.
While we were not able to afford much here, I happen to pick up a set of postcards for a friend. Again, Carrie was very kind, and helped to handwrap these for me. And, I have to say that this was one of the best wrapped gifts that I’ve had the pleasure of affording.
Thank you Carrie, for everything! We really appreciated it all.
The Singapore Art Museum
A man standing in front of a audio-video art installation in of the two galleries that were open.
Another Gem or rather another ‘Rabbit Hole’ to venture into, if you like design, and art of all kind, is The Singapore Art Museum.
While strolling in the area, with no particular goal as such, I stumbled into the museum. At that time of my visit, much of the museum was getting ready for an upcoming-big-event exhibit. As such there were only two galleries / exhibitions that were open to the public at that time. And, precisely because of that I was lucky enough to get a free entry in to this otherwise pay-to-venture museum. And, the two galleries did not disappoint a bit.
Singapore Art Museum: End to end.
While the museum itself is very accomodatingly laid out, it does require you to have some time on your hands. I ended spending close to about two hours in there (and, this was the first of two buildings that house the museum), roaming around, reading varied opinions of designers, and did really appreciate their point of views that reflected clearly from within their respective artworks.
Singapore Art Museum: One of the paintings that I fell in love with, and conveyed so much with so little.
A little later, I was further made aware that the Singapore Art Museum consists of two separate building structures. One, a remnant from the british days, and the other an almost-skyscrapper. The other, tall building was completely closed off to visitors, due to work being carried out on behalf of the big-event exhibit. But, there was a nice photo-booth right outside the entrance there that proved to be much fun for 2SGD.
Singapore Art Museum: One of the photographs that held me for several minutes. Look closely, it is intended that it makes up a face.
If you happen to like anything to your tastes or anything that relates to your values, at the Singapore Art Museum, then do spend a couple of dollars as donation. It does go a long way.
Here are some more photos from the Singapore Art Museum:
Singapore Art Museum: A Dino metal installation.
Singapore Art Museum: Another photograph that highlights the socio-economic conditions of Singapore.
Singapore Art Museum: Yet another photograph that highlights the socio-economic conditions of Singapore.
Singapore Art Museum: A face of the artist made with caps to highlight plastic, and the pollution it brings.
Singapore Travels: A Series Of Posts
There was just so much to do in Singapore, such wonderful experiences, and there’s just so much to write about, and recommend that I think it only makes sense to break it all into a series of posts. The next part of Singapore Travels series is coming soon.
