Digital art by Jonas De Ro
In this sweltering heat, I am yearning for rain....
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Art Running Routes- Gardens By The Bay
From Inside The Flower Dome, 24/6/2012
It might be while I was witnessing a miracle of nature over the quiet waters of our most famous river;
Original Photo by Cher Kuan- 24/6/2012
and then behold, a 100 year old romance coursed through.
It could be that moment of marvel at the super scale of a nation's vision, made possible by the effort of thousands, realising what might had seemed an impossible dream.
Summer display of Mediterranean flowers- Flower Dome,24/6/2012
Or on a very special morning like this one, the surprising greeting of a colourful burst of vibrance,
with promises smelling of hope and happiness,
adventure and awe.
These are often how I feel while running with friends who have become like family in the many beautiful places in Singapore. This swelling of pride and sense of immense well being; a sensation I have come to recognise as love for my country, my home.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Art Artistry Artisan - Mrs Lee Gek Khim
Peranakan beaded slippers, also known as kasot manek,literally meaning shoe beads, is a type of shoe that dates back to the early twentieth century. It refers to beaded slippers worn by a nyonya to complete her Sarong Kebaya outfit, together with chained brooches (kerosang) and a silver belt (tali pendeng). The slippers are made of Peranakan cut beads (manek potong), which are treasured as these beads are no longer available. Vintage kasot manek are intricate and finely stitched, a testimony to the fine workmanship of yesteryears. The intricacy and fine workmanship of a pair of beaded slipper is also a hallmark of highly accomplished Peranakan women, also known as nyonyas, whose skills in embroidery and beadwork are highly valued.-----Wikipaedia
I don't think I have ever seen my housemate FaiZ as excited as he was 3 weeks ago, at the prospect of hosting a guest. It is after all the legendary, much loved and very respected Mrs Lee Gek Khim, FaiZ's secondary school English teacher. FaiZ attributed his As in Literature, a subject which might well be Greek to him to this remarkable but now retired teacher who has relocated with her family to Australia. To this day, many of her ex-students regarded her as their best teacher ever! In the short time I have known her, I have come to truly enjoy her company.
Mrs Lee or Khim as I addressed her since I was not her student, is a true blue nonya and to my delight, I found out that she loved beading. This pair of beadwork is for her 9th pair of kasok manet. She brought them to Singapore, hoping to find a cobbler specialising in Peranakan slippers.
I could not stop admiring her work
and even love the back.
Khim made me feel like stitching again and I actually did last night.
I will miss her sorely when she leaves.
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