Art for me

How do I design? Firstly, there's a thought process.

For instance the final artwork of the musical Yum Sing is because of the storyline: It's about a clash of bride and groom's families with one side wanting a modern wedding whereas the other wanting to keep to the traditions.

So basically, the first step to designing is the research. After that, I comes up with the drafts of possible concepts.

The final design chosen is to show the contrast of traditional vs modern. Traditional being red and serving tea, whereas the modern is white and wine is served. (During that time, I don't think there's internet yet! So clipart availability is very limited given my resourced!)

The internal is designed like a wedding card to fit into the whole theme.

Why am I talking about this? Well, designing magic is like designing my art. I do research and I come up with many possibilities to show the effect as well as to solve the technical parts of magic. Then I experiment and finally the best concepts is used and the final show is what you get!

Art for me

Along the way, I got to know a prominent Pediatrician and a very passionate musical composer, Kenneth Lyen, and helped design his musical tickets, programmes, etc. Here are some of my works:

Along the way, I set up PerceptAds to manage the art side of things. One of the most prominent projects is the designing of NYDC's loyalty card.

But I didn't have a lot of business because I was busy! I was getting more shows then my magic business is still my number one passion. In fact, I remembered that in 2000, NYDC's boss called back to repeat business but I pass on the business because I was going on Starcruises Virgo to perform.

Although this business didn't kick off, but I think it was a fantastic experience that I will not give up for.

I still enjoy designing some of the artwork for the company. It does come in useful!

Art for me

Although I didn't manage to pursue my art interest in Junior College, I decided to continue taking night classes during my National Service.

I decided on Visual Communications at NAFA. One of the most memorable lessons was in fact not on visual communications, but on fine arts. (Don't ask me why a Visual Communication course has a lesson on fine arts!)

The teacher from China, imparted his principle of "drawing from the heart". This led me in the latter years to develop my own style and drawing that base on my own personal thinkings.

Here's a sample of my drawing, inspired after reading about Picasso and cubism:

Magic is definitely a form of performing art. Every magician should have his own individual style and that style should come from the heart. I feel that magic has a means to an end.

I think I am very lucky to be given the right philosophy and thinking in the early years of life which probably shape my philosophies on performing as well.

Art and Entertainment

Kien: I have always enjoyed the arts (performing and visual) and I try to incorporate ideals into my performances and entertainment if possible! Although in Singapore, magic, balloon sculpturing or even the sound show we do may not be recognised as art now, I believe it can and it will one day! I was looking at http://www.jasonhackenwerth.com/ and I am pretty inspired and hopefully my team and I will be given a chance one day to showcase our artistic and philosophical side as well. Above is one of my exploration with Cubism which I call '2 Magicians'. Enjoy!

Hand Painting for Kids!

Twinkle: At Hazel's party, I had lots of kids asking for all kinds hand painting of characters, barney, princess, Thomas the Train! I wish I can show you more photos but the requests are too overwhelming and they kept my hands busy throughout the party! Some even thought that the drawings are stick-on tattoos. (No, they are not!)

We Draw Crowds!