PUBLISHED January 7th, 2013 12:51 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:18 pm
Pablo Picasso said ‘The chief enemy of creativity is “good” sense’ and from my own personal experience that is absolutely true. It takes guts and a certain disregard for the rules, to give yourself over to creativity, to allow yourself the freedom to do what you love and to have the confidence to believe in the ideas that randomly pop in to your mind and refuse to go away!
Singapore, despite some people’s perception that it’s all about the 5 C’s (cash, car, credit card, condo, and country club – and yes, I am sure that for some people those things are hugely important but I’m not chums with them!) has a vibrant and exciting alter ego. There is a creative movement occurring and thankfully it’s being recognised, supported, applauded and appreciated which is wonderful. Is it a reaction against materialistic consumerism? Or is it just that we appreciate the thought, love and integrity that goes into handmade items? Who cares! Let’s just get shopping cos it’s all REALLY CUTE!
One new but hugely ambitious platform for Singapore’s crafty scene is the not-for-profit initiative Handmade Movement, Singapore’s first and only large-scale indie craft fair which has its inaugural event on January the 19th. Made a note of that? January the 19th! Good. Featuring local crafters and creators who make beautiful things but don’t necessarily have a shop or website, Handmade Movement will provide a platform for local artisans to reach out to the community and get a little appreciation for their creations.
Handmade Movement differs from other markets in that it is strictly craft-centered. The vendors have been carefully curated from a pool of applicants to create an eclectic, interesting and diverse array of designers; even Noise Singapore, an initiative of the National Arts Council agree that the Handmade Movement is supporting young people to express, develop and showcase their creativity, hence their support.
So what to expect?
Amidst good music, fabulously colourful decor and the lush greenery of Fort Canning, artisans will display and sell their handmade products and original artwork. There will be a series of free workshops for both adults and kids ranging from Styrofoam
sculptures to Kirythika (technically this one is for the kids but man it sounds fun!) to organic skincare recipes, from Green Living. There will be delicious nibbles on offer from a number of local vendors and rumour has it… a Milo van offering free Milo to all visitors…good grief, what chocolatey madness! Other activities will include a DIY Photo Booth, a Science Centre Booth, art installations and a community art project. With so many crafters due to attend, we can’t feature them all, so below are just a small sample of what you can expect on the day. Whether you’re just in it for the shopping (and free Milo!) or looking for a fun day out, the Handmade Movement promises to be a fantastic event.
I Spot a Potter
I Spot a Potter is a collective of potters who pop up all over Singapore with their beautful handmade ceramics; both functional and decorative objects that are simple, rustic and beautiful. All their pieces are 100% handmade, with care, with skill and with love and as a result every piece is unique. As well as decorative items, they have amazing bowls, cups, mugs, plates, platters, pouring vessels and such. Glazed with food-safe, non-porus, high-fire glazes, they can be microwaved and are dishwasher safe, so perfect for the family dinner!
“We believe food and drink just tastes better in handmade ceramics. Flowers look slightly more…alive? And a world with lovingly made pieces just that little bit more, well, human?”
Hello Yellow MushMellow
Aida of Hello Yellow MushMellow loves all things cute, so she creates ridiculously cute things, like these canvas shoes which she customises. She created Hello Yellow Mushmellow “to shamelessly share my frivolous ideas and designs with you!”
Her drawings and illustrations are totally silly and charming and look adorable on badges, shoes… she’s even jazzed up an umbrella.
Things that make her happy include munching on Hello Panda biscuits, collecting junk because ‘it looks too pretty to be thrown away!!!’ and playing with her adorable special sisters. And her lifetime ambition is to be a Disney princess.
Me too! She’s our kinda girl.
http://helloyellowmushmellow.tumblr.com
Taylor Black
Taylor Black jewellery is both classic and quirky, always very sweet and with a decidedly British flair! Each piece is handmade by designer maker Philippa Taylor in silver, gold and precious stones with unique details, like the rose clasps she uses.
‘I have always loved the ability jewellery has for transforming precious metals and other materials into cherished possessions’
I absolutely love the Gold Solid perfume locket and this gold pear picture above, delicious!
LoveSprouts
A full time mother, who was previously a high school teacher for 8 years, Jo opened LoveSprouts to earn some much needed pocket money. She makes time to design her rubber stamps in the wee hours of the night, after her little one has gone to bed, and left alone to her own devices she comes up adorable characters, like these little sassy rabbits! TOO CUTE!
http://www.lovesprouts.blogspot.com
This is just a teeny tiny sample of the selection of amazing designers, crafters and creators you will discover on the day….to find out more about the Handmade Movement check out their website here and Facebook here. Handmade Movement is coming to you on 19 January 2013 at Fort Canning Green. Look forward to seeing you there!
Written by Heh Zee