Learnt so much during the long awaited second session of class. I learnt how to make end bands (pictured here), which was actually quite untidily done as the starting section was loose, and later on towards the end, the beads disappeared (supposed to show like an overlocking rope), it got better with the preceeding one. I was also thrilled to have been able to learnt the art of making a book cloth, and understand why it is important to do so in the process. Today, I officially completed the round and backed Bradel (round and backed) Case Binding, thanks to a patient, super technical teacher, Adelene from dddots! As the day came to an end, the evening light sneaked through the blinds onto her face, and painted stripes all around. It was a really lovely day.
Dear Adelene, Thank you for imparting your hard earned wealth of knowledge. I will keep practicing and not let you down! To more sessions to come! : )
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I crashed an invaluable lesson like no other by Mr. Tang Da Wu at the National Gallery Singapore (NGS) in the afternoon. Dawu spoke slowly and soundly, explaining with enthusiasm to students as he shared about the processes behind his works that were currenly on exhibit. I'm not sure how Dawu would take to me posting a lengthy video of him speaking and doing a demo ( I wouldn't want that happening to me when I teach!), so I will resist doing so. But yes, I documented when Dawu spoke, because I had the fear that I would forget the poignant stances where he would take questions and then respond to them earnestly. There are not many people around like Dawu. There even fewer artists like Tang Dawu. I have met Dawu at art openings before. I'd always greet him but he doesn't know me. We have never had a conversation. Today, I felt like Dawu had a conversation with me. As Dawu continued to address the floor at 73, every word incited beads of tears to well up. Sure enough, they started to stream down the corner of my eyes and my recording became more shakey as I attempted to hide my emotions. I felt Dawu's energy. Even after 30 years of creating Earth Works, he still seemed excited to share about his discovery about fallen leaves preventing the soil underneath them from erosion, the permanence of natural mineral pigments, and the beauty of natural fibres subject to the test of the weather changes. He is a teacher who is very sure of what he speaks about, and he is also very sure that art, is very special. "My work is not great enough, not worth enough to be in your syllabus, I'm sorry" said Dawu, and he claspsed his hands and bowed to the high school students who sat before him. When he sat back up, he was hunched this time, and he quietened, possibly humbled by the question posed by a 14 year-old who asked about his sentiments on being included in the art syllabus. More artists need to learn from Dawu. Even after 30 years of creating Earth Works, he still seemed excited to share about his discovery about fallen leaves preventing the soil underneath them from erosion, the permanence of natural mineral pigments, and the beauty of natural fibres subject to the test of the weather changes. He is a teacher who is very sure of what he speaks about, and he is also very sure that art, is very special. He reinformed me of my existence, and how in turn my duty as an artist is to spread the knowledge of my findings to more human beings. Thank you for this awfully humbling experience sir. Your wise words, dedication to your work and enormous passion to impart knowledge of your discoveries have given me a good wake up call. It's about time I start my engine and kept it running again, and this time, the vehicle will not fail. Finally got my paints out. Working backwards to make up for lost time.
Listening to Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell. It's so good. Currently hooked onto Sufjan Steven's Carrie & Lowell.
What an intimate album. Listening to him sometimes makes me want to cry. We're all gonna die (x7) I couldn't help it.
I went into the bookstore after work and came home to with this last night. The clock tricked me into believing that it is 10.30pm (21/03), when it is already in the wee hours of the morning - 2.30am (22/03) . . . some gifs to keep you awake click here for (Macrotermes carbonarius) Soldier and Worker Caste column march footage |
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