Meet artist and sculptor from Singapore, Lim Qi Xuan AKA Qimmyshimmy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My real name is Qixuan, which is not exactly an easy name to pronounce for most people. I work full-time as an information designer and moonlight as an artist under my moniker, Qimmyshimmy.

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

I am currently living and working in Singapore, which is the city that I grew up in and spent most of my life. Singapore is a very comfortable place to be, it is super safe, efficient and very convenient to get around. We have hot weather all year round, which sounds wonderful to some people, but I am not a huge fan of the heat!

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

Singapore is a small city-state, so naturally, our creative industry is very small. The good thing that comes out from this is that people know each other, which makes it easier for collaborating, getting together and supporting each other. The worst thing, the heat, really. (I will also add the exorbitant price of alcohol. haha!

The good thing that comes out from this is that people know each other, which makes it easier for collaborating, getting together and supporting each other.

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

Challenging. Mad. Defiant.

How did you start your career in art?

I was formally trained in graphic design, so everything that I know about sculpting was self-taught. It is a mix of wanting to do something really whacky apart from my design work, and also a little voice in my head that just wants to make strange, surprising things.

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

My parents always knew I had the “creative gene” since I was young, so they have been very supportive the whole way. As I started to find my voice in my work, people found me too. So yes, there are definitely a lot of supportive people around me, which is a huge blessing.

As I started to find my voice in my work, people found me too.

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

To show my works in as many places as I can! I have a fascination with how people in different cities react to my works.

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

Wes Anderson, if he is going down a dark trippy candy-coloured dreamstate. Maybe Grimes for a music video? I am so spoiled by this question! Actually idols aside, my lifelong dream collaboration is to design a creepy real-life dollhouse, or to art direct a strange low-budget theme park! That will be so cool.

How would you describe the women around you?

Independent, strong and ambitious. My mom is one of the most emotionally intelligent and resilient women I know in the world. My close friends are also very career-minded, with big dreams and aspirations. We are definitely not slowing down for anyone or anything in the world!

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

This question made me realize that almost all the artists I look up to are all males. I think that says something about the older generation of artists. But I believe things are changing for the better. I am starting to see the industry getting more mixed and diverse.

This question made me realize that almost all the artists I look up to are all males. I think that says something about the older generation of artists.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Personally for me, no. I have been taught to speak my mind, and always have. I do not see myself having to work harder to prove myself. I have so many amazing female friends working in (and rocking) the creative industry now. Many of them are very successful in what they do! Of course, I will not say that everything is rosy and perfect, especially in more male-dominated industries. I am sure there are many challenges women face on a daily basis, on a micro level, but I do not think they are challenges big enough to get in the way of our dreams!

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

Be kind, be smart, be fearless.

Photos courtesy of Qimmyshimmy.