Within Walking Distance

singapore craft Embroidery Needlework linen sewing neighbourhood popincraft

A series of artworks made for exhibition "Within Walking Distance" group show with Popin Craft Collective.

The term "within walking distance" often used in advertisements to descibe a property being near many amentities. Likewise, the works explores everyday scenes of my neighbourhood in Toa Payoh and incorporates the techniques of embroidery, painting and digital print on Linen fabric.

The exhibition was held at The Orange Thimble cafe, Singapore in November 2014.

"Same Same But Different"
Embroidery and Digital Print on Linen
20.32 x 20.32 cm

Extending from project "HDB: Like the back of my hand", this canvas portrays different households within a block of public housing apartments. Despite each apartment being the same configuration when first built, as residents move into the units, every unit develops their own unique character.

detail of "Same Same But Different"

"Longkang Fishing"
Embroidery and Acrylic on Linen
20.32 x 20.32 cm

Singapore doesn't have many natural rivers or waterbodies, but all over the island, there are many canals and drains (aka as longkang in Malay) which collect rainwater and lead into our reservoirs. On weekends, makeshift fishing lines are set up along the canals as people enjoy a spot of fishing. I always wondered what kind of fishes lurk beneath the water surface, may there actually be big fishes besides the small guppies that are sure to turn up on the end of the line?

detail of "Longkang Fishing"

"Cat for Sayang"
Embroidery and Acrylic on Linen
20.32 x 20.32 cm

Stray cats are a common sight in the residential neighbourhood of Toa Payoh. In particular, a friendly white cat has made its home under block 168 and is always there to receive strokes (and food!), providing cat therapy to anyone who needs it.

detail of "Cat for Sayang"

"8am Underground Activity"
Embroidery and Acrylic on Linen
20.32 x 20.32 cm

Every morning at 8am, there is a flurry of activity leading into the hole which takes residents to the busy underground trains. Long strides, a sprint and a a quick dash happen as commuters rush to catch the morning train to another day at work.