Meet artist from Singapore, Paku

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am currently studying Architecture in University while drawing on the sidelines. Never expected to take this path, but since art is not something very supported in my environment, I am trying my best to find a degree and job path outside of art.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Singapore is a small island city with many high-rise housing, and boasts itself to be a Garden City. I feel life here is fast paced and there is always a rush to get somewhere, or earn money. However it is with good reason as we are small, and to survive in the world, we have a constant need for growth.

 

The best thing would be the accessibility. Being so small, not only are daily amenities and resources easily accessible, but so are opportunities in work and life for those willing to push themselves to find it.

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing would be the accessibility. Being so small, not only are daily amenities and resources easily accessible, but so are opportunities in work and life for those willing to push themselves to find it.

The worst thing for me personally is the pressure of the environment, from school, to home, and work, there is always a need to keep moving or keep doing something productive. This hurts as you can never have time to reflect and breathe, and makes it even more difficult to find time to be creative.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Driven, burnt-out, unrecognised

 

How did you start your career in art?

Things just kind of came together online with a consistent flow of people interested in forking out money for my art. Through there I was able to prove to my family that art can be a job.

 

Things just kind of came together online with a consistent flow of people interested in forking out money for my art. Through there I was able to prove to my family that art can be a job.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My parents were never against art itself and were both creatives in their own right. They were not supportive in a possible career in art, and instead supported pursuing creativity and art in school and in my work. I also have my friends in school, the online art community I had and my aunt who is working in the art field to thank for their support in my art pursuit.

 

I hope to keep improving and constantly meet my increasing expectations for myself.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I hope to keep improving and constantly meet my increasing expectations for myself.

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I am not sure about collaborating, but having a chance to chat with and follow @loika in their art process would be a dream

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

In the past, the biggest challenge was defeating my own self doubt in pursuing art and creativity. Nowadays, my main struggle is finding constant inspiration for my works and new ways to grow.

 

The main woman in my life is my mother, and she is strong, independent and very driven in what she wants to pursue in life

 

How would you describe the women around you?

The main woman in my life is my mother, and she is strong, independent and very driven in what she wants to pursue in life

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

My aunt was the only female creative I knew when I was young, and thus the only person I could look up to in pursuit towards an art career.

 

If you believe in yourself,  keep pushing on and break through any doubts you may have. Stay inspired, and driven to grow.

 

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Believe in yourself,  keep pushing on and break through any doubts you may have. Stay inspired, and driven to grow.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Paku