随心。偶遇

2011-12-29T16:43:00.000+08:00

Team Building event with Helmi Talib

2011-12-17T20:46:00.002+08:00

IMH - Ward 35

2011-12-14T10:05:00.002+08:00

Design - Redzuan Gondrong
Sketch - Hanzhi Khoo
Lead Artists- Redzuan Gondrong & Hanzhi Khoo
Done by Standard Chartered & Various Volunteer Groups

Lomography Gallery Store Singapore Grand Opening Party!

2011-12-09T10:22:00.002+08:00

CLD's Growth and Learning Process

2011-12-04T21:35:00.009+08:00

A 1x3-metres illustration depicting the growth and milestones of Singapore Armed Forces Centre of Leadership Development (SAF CLD), I'm honoured to be engaged in working on the piece as a gift to CLD from Col Sukh.

幸福。

2011-11-20T18:47:00.009+08:00

一定要幸福哦，三姐。

CCF Annual Family Retreat 2011 - Kuching

2011-10-26T13:20:00.003+08:00

PAYM Singapore-Kagoshima Youth Exchange Programme

2011-10-25T12:54:00.003+08:00

A heART for the heARTland

2011-10-22T23:31:00.004+08:00

As the Arts Program Secretary of Teck Ghee CC YEC, the team and I organised a community mural painting at one of the void decks in their constituency. The mural designs were themed around icons of Singapore to instil a sense of belonging in the community. Residents were invited to take part in the mural painting to exemplify that they too can play a part in enhancing their living environment. Members from various T-Net Clubs were also invited to participate in the mural painting.

In partnership with Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, a mobile massage team was engaged to provide elderly residents with massage services, especially for those who participated in the mural painting. It was truly an eventful day at Teck Ghee that day! The various activities engaged many residents and members of public- the mural painting involved more than 50 youth, around 20 members of T-Net clubs, and many members of public who stopped by to lend a hand while the massage services benefitted nearly 70 elderly residents.

Window Display for FTKYW Exhibition by Izziyani Suhaimi

2011-10-22T16:09:00.007+08:00

Exhibition details:

FRIENDS TO KEEP YOU WARM

22 Oct 2011 to 30 Nov 2011

the little dröm store

7 Ann Siang Hill

Singapore 069791

Isn't these embroidery and illustration works by Izzy AWESOME!!!!!! :D Love them loads. Such clever combination of sewing and drawing!

A Beautiful Day of Sha & Jim

2011-06-20T18:48:00.003+08:00

I ♥ weddings. Maybe because this is the first time I'm covering a wedding event, maybe because I'm not a hard core wedding photographer, or maybe because it was simply a good friend's wedding, a couple I know, got more "feeeeeeel" :) or maybe, I just like the idea of "getting married" (since most people share that marriage isn't as simple as I ♥ you and you ♥ me)

Whatever maybe it may be, I enjoyed this special day of Sha & Jim. Knowing Sha (not that I've known her for many many decades to say that I know her deep down) and from every little detail that I've tried to capture, she allowed people who don't know her feel the excitement in her, see the amount of work she put in, from the "packaging" of her bridesmaid and groomsbuddies to the design of her gown (keeping it simple, is beautiful), to the design of the "tekan" session of Jim and buddies (this may be her bridesmaids efforts) to the decor of her church esp. the little chill corners with candies and chocolates. These are so Sha. :D

Not that Jim didn't do anything at all, but isn't weddings mostly about the brides???

I do not know Jim at all actually, I know him as Sha's boyfriend/husband-to-be/husband now. I know a little of his background, from Sha and from the little fun facts when their friends presented it in the church. But these do not tell me how much he loves her right? I knew how much he loves her through the "tekan" session. haha. Always the case. If you've seen the album, go back to picture 12. Lovely snacks? NAHHHHHHHH~ pretty on the outside, crazy inside. These are snacks prepared by the bridesmaids for the groom and buddies. I shan't go into details, everyone should roughly guess what's in it. :P He managed to "steal the moon" for her as well with the help of his buddies. And lastly the 12 promises he made. It was very very sweet!

I told my boyfriend about this 12 promises thingy, I was just sharing. And then he said "why only guys make promises? why only guys kena tekan?" He's not very convinced with my respond though. I told him that because girls are born to be doted. haha.

Anyways, it was an AWESOME wedding. haha.. awesome sounds so american. Their wedding speech was very touching as well. And I recalled a conversation I had with a friend, i told him, to give himself a break, take his time and she will appear, the one will appear.

hmm.. the wedding speech was nothing about "wah, she's the one or he's the one.." because a relationship wasn't anything like that. A relationship is something that needs to be built on, with constant efforts. It's about giving, and accepting, and it has to be by the 2 people. It's about the assurance, the comfort, and the reliability they give each other.

"You do not look for the one, you make him/her the one." - Sha

A Dialogue with Us - families with 4 Daughters

2011-05-12T17:09:00.000+08:00

A Dialogue with Us, attempts to investigate and understand self through looking at others, coming from a similar background; families with 4 daughters. I am the youngest in my family, and I have 3 elder sisters.

This work seeks to depict the various family issues, politically and socially influenced, revolving around the families with 4 daughters. The process of visiting and revisiting these families gives me the opportunity not only to look at them (as others), but also to look at myself from a third person's perspective. The process recollects memories, intrigues the present and offers possibilities for my future as the similarity in circumstances of these families reflect upon my upbringing and my anticipations in my life.

I’ve always asked Dad if they were trying hard for a boy. It was Mum who said yes. Surprisingly, Mum was the one who persuaded Dad to have more children, hoping for a son. Dad finally relented and they planned to stop at two. Mum suggested three. Unplanned, they had four instead.

Unlike my parents, Mr. Jegatheesan and Mdm Selvy planned all four of the children they have. They are similarly blessed with four daughters. They desired sons too – why not? But in the end realized that having children – boy or girl – meant showering them with the best care and attention that one possibly can.

It’s just like what my dad always says, “做人，凡是做什么事都要尽力而为，不喜欢的，喜欢的，都一样。” （Striving to do the best to your ability, whether you like it or not, is the essence of being human.)

I used to have a blue toy vehicle too.
I remember it now.
It's battery-operated.
Has a storage box below the seat.
It can't run very fast.
It was heavy and makes a low dragging sound.
I think it was passed on to my cousin.

I have 3 sisters.
Where were our Barbies and cooking toys?
Weren't we supposed to play with those?

"Barbie?! 你喜欢啊？那时侯太贵了"

Then 我们玩什么？

"楼下的 playground 咯，好像没有什么玩具。。"

"Do you remember the alternative to Lego?
Those wooden blocks?
I once build a really tall and majestic castle-like structure with them.
I remember I was really proud of that creation and
just when I was admiring it,
YOU! came crashing into it with your 'Flintstone' car..."

Did I? When was that?!

"In my dreams lah, I remember I screamed and teared when I woke up"

"Yes, I am a Singaporean; a true-blooded Singaporean, 100% Singaporean.
I was born here, so are my kids, except my wife."

"I feel proud, proud to be the only man in the family, feeling special surrounded by these ladies."

"E-lin! Ah-San! Ah-Soi! Aiya, Ah-Han!"

My mum has to go through all my sisters' names before she's able to get the right one.

"Here, my wife, because she is from Sri Lanka, my children are speaking Tamil at home, the roots should be there. That's one of the reasons I married her."

I think they love reading.

I wish I were forced to love it.

I won some medals before, didn't I?

I wondered where are they now.

"Every child was a girl, and so we were hoping for a boy."

"We decided to stop at 4, that was planned."

My mother refused to undergo tubal ligation, and was upset when she found out that my father was contemplating vasectomy. They were under a lot of emotional and mental pressure, from dealing with decisions and possibilities. When my mum finally had me, she was 36 years old. The doctor had told her I might be a boy. Their prayers seemed to finally work.

Unfortunately then, I was still born a girl.

Mdm. Han was already 43 when she had her fourth child, an age that anyone would have thought twice about giving birth. Mentally and physically exhausted from having to raise three daughters, it was her eldest daughter who eventually convinced her to keep the child. The age difference was 16 years. On the streets, people sometimes mistake her eldest daughter as the mother of the youngest.

满: filled with

*Says Hi, Greenie.*

"Sometimes they will message me and say Greenie says Hello."

Mahjong has always been a game I felt perfect for the 4 of us.
I always imagine the 4 of us in our 50s, getting together,
sitting round the table, with our husbands serving us.
But, none of them knows how to.

I used to wear layers of shorts beneath my long pyjamas pants after my shower, when I know dad's waiting for me outside with a cane.

"I'm very strict with them."

Chia Lin and sisters *LAUGH*

"She's really very fierce with us."

"When they are naughty, they have to choose a square and stand there for hours without moving. If they cry, I'll make sure they cry non-stop."

"I was contemplating not wanting her at all.

But, my eldest daughter convinced me to keep her."

"I was already 43 years old you know, 43 years old..
I can't take anymore risks.."

"He told me that, "If the child is normal, why not, just give birth.
We work harder, we do more overtime..."

I love visiting Wendy’s home. It reminds me a lot about what I used to do with my sisters back then. It wasn’t even that long ago – before my sisters got married – but I miss them just as much. Unlike sisters elsewhere, we do not paint each other’s nails, or hug and kiss each other freely. Instead, we share a strong bond – a rather quiet, and unspoken way of caring for each other. In times of difficulty, we turn to each other and things will turn out fine, no matter how bad things might have seemed. We’ve had our share of crazy moments; we’ve had fun times; but what I love most, is the calm and quiet moments between us sisters. The sharing of secrets safely, just the four of us, within the walls of our small room.

"其实我的 husband 只是要一个而已。。我的计划是两到三个。。"

Room 3:

This is where the Chui sisters share their secrets.

Their private toilet.

My eldest sister got married in 2008, my third sister in 2009. My second sister has been in Japan for a year now. I had just returned from the US last year. Perhaps used to their children travelling often and not being home, my parents seem fine with us making decisions to be away.

I’ve come to realize that my parents are getting on with age. They are 60 this year. I’m beginning to worry for them, and I wonder what will happen when all four of us permanently move out.

Observing Mdm. Hajjah Razizah’s family offers some assurance and answers to the questions I have about my future. Three of her daughters are married and have moved out. Looking at the way they interact, I realize that my parents’ loneliness will be dependant on how much effort we, as daughters, put in. It is up to us to assure them that we are still close-knitted, that these new changes mean some time alone for them to spend – definitely a welcome respite after decades taking care of a group of gaggling girls.

"As the eldest, I have always believed that when all of us got married, my parents will stay with me, but I ever told my mum she has the right to choose with whom they want to stay with. My hubby and I will always welcome them in our home. Furthermore, 2 of my sisters are staying with their in-laws and as my in-laws are Malaysians and staying in Segamat, Malaysia, to me, I feel that it's my responsibility to look after my parents and my youngest sister (until she gets married)."
- Nadira Khairin

"I have mixed feelings.
EXCITEMENT; since I'm going to move in with my in-laws, a group of people whom I barely know.
DIFFICULT; I will need to adjust to a different lifestyle. I will need to adapt with a different environment.
SAD; moving out was not easy, since I have never been away from my parents and family. I have never even gone on a holiday without my parents; so I guess that explains."
- Nadia Khairin

"I'm ready to take care of my parents should I have my own house eventually.
Weekends are becoming more precious as I can get to see my family and spend time with them just like before - even though it's a short time.
With the technology these days, it's not difficult to stay in touch.
However, I never thought I will miss them as much as not that I'm married. The saying, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" definitely holds a true meaning to me now. And these days, I try to call them as often as daily. That'll at least cure my missing."
- Nazeera Khairin

"My fear being having the possibility of not able to support them. I am afraid of losing them. Because I'm the youngest, I feel the fear of losing them faster? In a way, my sisters have at least 6 "extra" years with them.
I am afraid of losing them before I get married. I am very emotionally attached to my mum. Though on the surface i do not show as much love for my dad, I love him just as much. We don't talk as often as I do with my mum, but YES, I would do ANYTHING for them."
- Nazura Khairin

Food by Foot!

2011-04-02T22:10:00.002+08:00

Proudly presented by AMK GRC & YCK SMC CC YECs, a team of volunteers who came together in search of good food.

Havaianas Flash Art @ Bugis Junction

2011-03-26T12:36:00.003+08:00

with Cherryn and Izzy! <3

Dears, Our home.

2010-12-05T17:26:00.001+08:00

Dears, Our Home is an ongoing compilation of images of my love ones at home; capturing the very essential elements in my life. The "ever-changing" daily routines, everyday life and objects speak of who I am, where I come from.

There used to be 6 of us, 5 are women. 4 daughters, no sons. I have 3 elder sisters, 2 are married. My father is the only man.

As I gradually notice permanent changes in the family, I begin to sense the fear of losing. I began photographing, simply around me, and it became a therapy to curb that fear. The photographs are constant reminders to me that the moments exist, presence to be preserved, and every little thing has its significance.

I wish to capture all the moments that my little brain can't hold before Change, creeps in quietly and takes away them.

Submission for T-shirt design

2010-11-21T21:01:00.001+08:00

A rather bold and different from my usual attempt to create a design that half filled the shirt. Personally loved it! :D But wished I could see the design on the real shirt. For now, I will just share it here with you guys. :D

CCF Annual Family Retreat 2010 - Port Dickson

2010-10-13T01:50:00.003+08:00

Travel photography? Let's watch TV.

2010-09-14T22:51:00.001+08:00

This is a series of satellites were taken on a discovery trip in China, Hainan. A collaboration with fellow teammates and the villagers, we create images using alternative lights.

As we set out to "capture" culture, we researched and we studied about the Li minority that have lived up in the mountains in Hainan for generations. We found records of tattooed faces of the women, the traditional adobe houses, dances and practices. We anticipated what we were about to see. Indeed, we did met a coupe of the tattooed women, we stayed beside them in similar houses of theirs (with much better facilities) and they dressed themselves up in their traditional costumes for photoshoots.

However, they were never the first things that captured my attention. The satellites did. As we zigged zagged through their houses, I noticed that.. their seemingly only entertainment was to watch tv and drink. They were sucked into the "window" of my world, the materialistic one as compared to their so seemed simpler one.

These satellites were "glorified" through this whole process of image making, symbolically about the power that technology possesses.

Nevertheless, this process of image making create an opportunity for the 2 cultures to meet.

The trip, for a couple of nights weren't about discovering ever-changing cultures and trying to preserve them, its about interaction and cultural exchange.

They questioned more than I asked.
I listened more than I heard.
I observed more than I snapped.
I understood more than I found.
They taught more than I thought.

新唐人

中央9台

宏观

大爱

華藏

Not All's Lost..

2010-09-08T20:43:00.000+08:00

I was very much inspired by a fellow volunteer's words, he said "it doesn't matter if you eventually decide not to shave, because by being at this event, going through the whole thought process of losing your hair, you have just shared the fear of all these children with cancer" and therefore, it will definitely change the perspective of one while seeing a cancer patient the next time.

My project here is not to ask of everyone to join me in the shaving act, I want to share the stories of these brave ladies to as many people as possible, to allow them the chance of deciding whether to join us, by that they have already shared something with the children with cancer.

Han

Hmm, this is my 2nd time shaving. The very first time I participated, I knew nothing about CCF or childhood cancer. To me, that gave me a very good reason to shave bald. After all, we ladies will never be forced to shave our heads for NS. Hence, my first attempt was very much about getting a “once in a lifetime” experience. Many have thrown me questions such as, “so what if you shave? How do you actually contribute? You don’t meet the children and people on the streets won’t know that you have shaved your head for charity and etc”. I had a hard time convincing them and at the same time, I wanted to convince myself too. As a result, I decided to become a volunteer with CCF. Being a Play Personnel at KKH at the beginning of this year, I visited and companied these lovely angels for a couple of hours every Friday. I begin to have a better understanding of what childhood cancer is about. I see the pain they go through and the pain their parents endure. In many ways, shaving this year carries much more significance than shaving 3 years ago. This act is done for me, the little heroes I meet every Friday and also a form of support for their parents. It’s not so much about how much donations we are able to garner (that being said, of course we hope to have more). But at least for me, it’s truly about the support we give to each other that warms our hearts, making all of us feel a little better about what we are going through.

Audrey

I've been following HFH since 2004, been thinking about going for it but didn’t really had the courage to. Especially getting the approval from my parents and my conservative grandparents. In recent years, cancer has hit people that I know. Actually I’m not doing it just for the kids, but also for us women. I hope to ease the stereotype of bald women and get people to look at the heart instead of the appearance. Moreover, hair is just hair. It will grow back! :)

Beat

I am a diploma graduate from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in the course of Early Childhood Education. During the duration of my study, I was an assistant teacher in various childcares and had opportunities to work with children who had special needs and were ill.

Being with children has taught me plenty, especially how we often take things for granted as we mature. Health, I believe is an aspect of living which many of us who are blessed without major life disrupting ailments, take for granted. We fail to appreciate good health for it’s worth, abusing our bodies in manners comprising of bad eating habits to the lack of care for our physical well-being.

It is unjust that innocent children are victims to cancer. It was never a choice for them to have to suffer the consequences of their illness, hair loss from therapy being just one example amongst the countless. I look up to these children, whom I affectionately describe as ‘our little heroes’; their courage is most commendable.  
Through Hair for Hope, I wish not only to help raise monetary funds to contribute to the foundation’s efforts in helping families who need financial assistance. I also desire to illustrate my love and support for the young patients by donning a bald head with them and hopefully, their feelings of shame or discomfort may diminish with the loss of hair.

 From shaving, I fervently seek to encourage the children, and recognize their admirable courage. Thus, I am shaving to create awareness within my company and the public that these young patients do not choose to be ill, and should never be discriminated or stared strangely at.

I believe that compared to what the children and their families must endure, sacrificing my hair is insignificant and incapable to accurately illustrate their plights. For behind every little bald head tells a story of strength; strength of parents, caregivers and of course, our little heroes. =)

Claire

It started out with this long term curiosity as to what it’s like to go bald. When a church friend who is about 14 was diagnosed with leukemia, I really wanted to support her by participating in this event. I signed up with 2 other friends without telling her. This motivation developed into empathy when I heard the survivor story of a mom, whose child had been struck with leukemia at the briefing. Her talk put a new perspective on image/cultural norms/acceptance/staring/public transport. It also dawned on me that I will probably never have this window to go bald again, since I'm 21 and will soon be starting work in an industry unlikely to go easy on a bald woman.

Clarissa

My grandfather passed away due to colon cancer when I was only 3 years old. It was not easy for the family; but we all seemed to have accepted the fact that he had lived his life to the fullest. In comparison, the duration of the lives of these children are shortened so drastically. I admire these kids, even though they are down with such an illness, they continued to live life with a smile on their faces and choose to fight till the end.   

I realize how lucky I am, living such a blessed and uncomplicated life.  Yet there are times when I complain about not having enough, having too much and even when I know I have just enough.  

I wanted to give something back and be thankful for all the blessings that I have received. At the same time, to show my support for these brave kids. I had been thinking about shaving my hair for since the last year. I do not mind doing it alone, but I am still hopeful to find some like-minded people to do it together.

Clorine and Melissa

I've wanted to shave for this cause since I came to know about it a few years ago. However, the lack of courage and inappropriate timing made me delay it till this year. In fact, I'm looking forward to 25th July right now. For myself, I want to shave my head at least once in my lifetime and this presents itself as a good opportunity. I would have never done it for any apparent reason, if not for such a good cause. Also, I feel for these kids, having to go through so much at such a tender age. I have a friend who was down with leukemia and having seen her in such a state back then still brings painful memory to my mind. When other teens of her age are out having fun, she was stuck in the four walls of the hospital, going through chemotherapy and pain. It's a blessing to be able to see her all healthy and leading a normal life right now. I'm just glad that I can be of help to these kids in terms of being bald like them while raising some awareness and donations for them. I'm afraid of needles; hence I do not donate blood, but I still wish to help others in other ways.

Desiree

The reason why I'd like to be shaved is because I believe that no one should feel inferior, especially children. The norm of being a woman is to have locks of hair and that's just what it is - the norm. If more people start shaving, it'll be viewed as "normal" too; cancer patients will stop feeling stigmatized. That's my motivation in a nutshell.

Hwee Ting

Motivation for sharing:

It was 2003 when Dad passed away. As we accompanied him through the various stages of colon cancer, we felt thankful to be able to have him home with us during his final moments. Dad had spent his life taking care of us. He is possibly the best playmate and friend, who had given me precious memories of the many things he had done for us.

For Dad:

Although it has been 7 years since you were taken from us, I cannot help but missing you. Thank you for teaching me swimming, cycling and Mathematics; I am sorry that I forgot to thank you properly. I am sure you know of what I have been doing; raising funds and awareness. It is true that the effort comes with a bit of struggle and incomparable to some other standards, but I stand tall for I have done. I know that starting on a new job is not a valid excuse to that and so, I will work doubly hard.

JD

In remembrance of my brother and close friend who died of cancer. When I think about the number of children who have to go through this, it convinced me that this is for a worthy cause. Thus, I am shaving for the fifth time!

Jovan

The main reason that prompted me to go ahead with this was the fact I had brain tumor in 2008. Being without hair isn't an issue for me as I had to shave for my operation. I see a need to help out in every little way I can.

I'm not shaving it for anyone or anything; but for the illness itself. I lost a cousin to leukemia 10 years ago and that is something I will never forgot about. The greatest impact was that I had failed to see him until his funeral. My parents were, for the lack of better word, ignorant and fearful of leukemia; they thought it could be passed on as easily as H1N1. On top of it, I had lost another dear friend to cancer a few years ago. These are regrets words cannot sufficiently describe. When I was diagnosed with brain tumor, I freaked out whenever I recalled those 2 incidents. I can assure you that no matter how much you mentally prepare yourself for the outcome, you will eventually breakdown; either out of relief or despair. My tumor was diagnosed as benign, but there was still a chance for the residuals to metastasis into cancerous cells.

After my operation, I was bald too. I can understand fully the uncomfortable feeling of being stared at by strangers. Ever since these incidents, I’ve been trying to engage in charity/volunteer work as much as I can. I feel that I can do more to help, but when reality sets in, I realize that I still have my family to provide for. Sometimes I just wish I could be working full time for charity.

Joy

Reasons why I joined HFH include: I was moved by the testimony of Lindy, a CCF volunteer who shaved her head to support the kids. I have also been inspired by my lecturer and friends who had support HFH previously.

More importantly, however, the main reason why I want to shave is to overcome some stereotypes of girls that people have. Shaving our heads is wrong because girls are NOT SUPPOSED to do that and that one will be perceived as being crazy to do that.

From the moment I broke the news, there had been all sorts of negative comments intending to discourage me. I want to take this opportunity to prove them wrong.
Apart from that, I also believe that I can learn to how to deal with the criticisms and weird looks strangers give me in a more matured manner. I really want to demonstrate to the patients that being bald is fine. From the initial stage of being mocked, to the stages of conquering the fear of mockery and gaining acceptance from those around me, I want to fight the stigma of our society with the patients.

Kelly

I was not really motivated by anyone, but I got to know about this event through my brother. He is doing it for the 3rd time.
Actually I had intentions to do it at Novena Square last year, but I could not make up my mind. I just give birth to a baby boy this February; hence I can understand that taking care of a healthy child is not easy, much less when they are sick. For those parents whose children are ill, they have to look for the money to pay for their medical expenses.

My husband will be shaving his hair as well and I would have included my baby too, if she is not so young.

Khai

In essence, I want to help. I'm not one who sits around watching helplessly. I'd get up and do something about it; anything, just as long as I can help.

Kris

I did it in memory of my late maternal grandmother who died in 1996 of Leukemia. After her passing, I made a pledge to donate blood in her memory. Unfortunately due to my trip to UK, I was barred from blood donating in order to prevent CJD (Mad Cow Disease).  

As I have always wanted to do something for Cancer patients, I grab at this golden opportunity to contribute to such a noble cause. This is nothing compare to the children who are suffering at such a young age. By shaving, I stand in solidarity and offer my support for these children wholeheartedly.   

On a side note, I am currently going through a personal crisis and in need of a new lease of life. Therefore, this shave has especially meaningful to me. It signifies the renewal of a new beginning.

Letchami

It was during May 2008 that my aunt was diagnosed with 3rd stage of breast cancer. During chemotherapy, she was agonizing over the loss of her hair. There were patches on her head. At that point of time, I felt so helpless. In July 2008, CCF had their HFH campaign and I knew that it was something that I could do to share in her ordeal. After the shave, I went to visit my aunt and the next thing I knew, she headed to the salon to have her head shaved. It was her positive attitude and strength that inspired me to continue shaving my hair. Moral support makes a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients.

May

My mother has regular encounters with Lymphoma for the past 5 years and during her second relapse, I decided it was time to show my support through actions. I remembered giving her constant reminders to face cancer, life and to accept that the illness may take her away. Essentially, to live means to endure suffering, so why don’t we walk into the light? It is so easy to say goodbye and be relieved of pain, but there are many, like my mother, who chose suffering in order to live on for their loved ones. As for me, I chose to BE with them, supporting and encouraging them through the act of shaving. Today, what we lost is merely hair but when tomorrow comes, what they stand to lose, are their lives.

Melina

I've always had something for children with special needs - i.e. Autism, Down Syndrome and etc. I want to do something for them, even if it is just putting a simple smile on their faces. Volunteering in a special needs ministry in church shows me how joyful it is to be with the children, even if they might not be as "complete" as normal people are. A simple joke or activity will have them smiling for an entire day! How heartwarming is that? Cancer children have to suffer so much. All the poking of needles and medication, it's too much for a child to take. Many people would offer to donate money to help these children but is that all one can do? Actions speak louder than words. That's why I decided to participate in Hair for Hope.

Michelle

I had thoughts of shaving since 2008, when a group of friends participated in the event. Back then I wasn't mentally ready to have my locks shaved. However, with the support of my girlfriends and parents this time, I decided that it’s either now or never. My motivation for shaving is simple: advocacy. Although I have not worked with children who are terminally or chronically ill, I hope to shed some light on the negative public reaction that these children have to endure. This event is also a platform for me, as an aspiring early childhood educator, to show my love for children by lending them a voice.
Why am I shaving? Firstly, I am shaving for myself - to truly experience and realize what it’s like to have something I take for granted, removed from me within that mere seconds when the electronic shaver hits my head. Lastly, I shaved for the children and their families who manage to live their lives with such tenacity, despite all odds.

Mong Ling

The decision to shave has everything to do with me being a nurse. Working in an oncology ward, I see life and death everyday. I see how death crept in silently, eroding bits and pieces of them away. I see how sudden it can come and when a chance to say goodbye is deprived. I see the courage and strength each displayed amidst their adversities, amidst what seems to be a losing battle.

Everyone deserves to live, what's more for the little ones.

To me, hair only accentuates our looks, but when there is no meaning in life, there is no room for beauty.

Nilam

Shaving off my hair was done in the remembrance of my parents. My mother passed away 13 years ago, while my father, 3 years ago. While she was still alive, my mother experienced the medicinal side effect of hair-dropping. I can still remember the feeling of lost, when I sniped off her long hair. My mother loved to maintain her long hair and did not like sporting short hair. I knew how painful it was for her to have to cut it short, but she still smiled bravely throughout the haircut.

Qiulian

This is my 3rd time shaving and if my hair permits, I'm going to make it an annual event. I started volunteering at the Pediatric Ward at Tan Tock Seng Hospital at the age of 17 or 18. Thereafter, I do ad-hoc voluntary work at children homes and student care centers. However, I have stopped doing so after I gave birth to my elder daughter.

I just want to show to the brave little ones out there, that they are not alone. We can’t be there when they fighting really hard with the monster and we can’t be there when they are going through their chemotherapy and hence, this is the tiniest thing we can do to show that we care.

I really don’t know how to put in words, my feeling towards these kids.

Su Ru and Su Bing

Su Ru
The news of a family member stricken with cancer had prompted me to stop sitting on things and to take action while my body is still healthy. I hope that I can help, not only to raise funds for the families of these brave little warriors, but to also increase awareness to their plight. Through shaving, I hope to convey my prayers and well-wishes to these little warriors. “You are not alone”.

Su Bing
In the same year which I got married, a beloved relative was diagnosed with cancer. That intensified my resolve to participate in the event. After all, life is short; live it or regret it.  On a personal note, my decision to participate was made more meaningful as I am currently pregnant (although unplanned, lol.) I hope that my participation will help to create more awareness to the cause. :)

Theresa

This is my second time doing the HFH shave and the reason I did it is slightly different from last year. Previously, I took a long time deciding whether to participate and missed the event date entirely. In the end, I had to do the shaving at my dad's workplace. His company had organized one HFH event for their staff and I joined my dad in shaving! It was a small event compared to the one held at Novena, but I didn't want to shave at such an open area because I dislike the attention placed on me. Haha. This is due to the fact that I'm in a wheelchair; I get enough attention from it already. But I realized that was a selfish reason as it is important for this event to get attention, in order to help this cause. So my reason for being a shavee this year is to show plainly that I care, without thinking too much about it. Haha.

Wanjing

When I was in secondary school, I had a female instructor who was bald. We asked her why was she bald and she told us her story. The instructor had cancer a few years ago and had since recovered from it. She was once bald and had to deal with the stares in public. After she recovered, she signed up for Hair for Hope. When I heard her story, I was very touched and inspired by her courage to help these children. A few weeks later, I received an email invitation from my instructor to witness her shaving process. This inspired me to have my hair shaved for this event too. When I told my family and friends, they were against the idea and commented that it would make me look like I have cancer. If this is the reaction I received from the people I love, what will be the reactions of the public when they see these patients? That was when I resolved to shave my head. I want to let people know that with or without hair, cancer patients are human beings too. I hope to make a difference to the children, help them face their fear of being bald and hope that they will get well soon!

Yanyu

I was inspired by a newspaper article about a cancer-stricken primary school boy who had lost all his hair due to chemotherapy. When his friends found out, they gathered all his classmates to shave their heads so the boy will not feel left out. That left a really deep impression in my mind. I did not think children at that age could empathize so well. So I thought, perhaps I could do the same for these children in similar circumstances and really make a difference. This is the first time I have actually done something meaningful in my life and I feel really good about it.

海南。洪水村

2010-05-28T10:30:00.000+08:00

When culture is a living thing, it is formed of the symbols, meanings, and behaviors of people. It is ever changing. Cultural traits are constantly weakened or enhanced when factors like technology, economics, politics and institutional ideas come into place. Therefore, in an attempt to preserve the unique culture of the Li Minorities, located in Hainan, China, Hongshui Village, it is hard to determine what really represents them.

Traditional costumes, dances or practices? None really are present in today’s context as capitalization and modernization takes place. When people subconsciously forsake their roots, yearning and striving for a better life, some aspects of their cultures are still present in the daily aspects in their lives, where habits, values, and way of thinking were formed and passed down. In this series of work, I wish for my audience to be able to understand and appreciate their way of life through the little details that we often neglect. What story lies behind a jar of preserved raw fish, what a kilogram of latex means to them, how about the ‘beautiful’ scars on their faces?

See it, feel it, understand it, appreciate it.

This work is created and represented in a book form, not only for the public to understand them, but also especially for the Li people to understand themselves better. I wanted it to be my gift for them for allowing me to appreciate their way of living and for them, a form of record of their memories, their past as they move forward, together with the rest of the world.

2010-04-01T01:00:00.000+08:00

fall in love with the FASHION。。

2009-08-02T15:45:00.001+08:00

Experimental Photography

2009-07-28T16:22:00.001+08:00

Photogram

Solarization

Argerotype

Van Dyke Brown

Cyanotype

越南 :)

2009-07-03T14:13:00.000+08:00

The Three Bears and Other Fairy Tales

2009-06-14T20:04:00.000+08:00

A little colouring book designed for a children's concert in Baltimore, Maryland.

Weaving various scenes and characters from The Three bears and Other Fairy Tales concert into the classic story of Goldilocks, an accordion colouring book was created. Individual colouring pages from the book was presented to the children attending the concert as a little gift to make their day an even more special one.

Children are given the freedom to unleash their creativity and doodle in the expressions of the characters in the book as they fill up each page with their desired colours.

Here's a website that was created by my classmate, Charles, for this module. Enjoy~
http://www.dormecooper.com/bso/

more more more.. :)

2009-06-13T14:26:00.000+08:00

random doodlings..

2009-06-11T22:57:00.000+08:00

its a love-hate relationship..

2009-06-11T22:56:00.000+08:00

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大葱

2009-05-30T12:50:00.000+08:00

roll roll roll, print print print..

final proj with lithography - photo plate.. a further development of the lines project.
not so concerned about the actual image but the entire process of making this final image.

:) nice~

Baltimore times :)

2009-05-29T13:10:00.000+08:00

Lines....

2009-05-29T13:05:00.000+08:00

再次加油!!

2009-05-29T13:00:00.000+08:00

This time round.. 到了 San Diego 加油。。
made a total of 30 seagulls.. 15 were given to people i met along the way in San Diego..
15 strangers who crossed my path, gave a part of themselves to me as I gave a part of me to them.
A simple note, a chewing gum, a homemade cookie, a friendly smile..

:D brought them 1 as they brought me tonnes..

:) My first few snow days in Baltimore..

2009-05-29T12:55:00.000+08:00

Waiting

"Take me home, please."

"Don't you dare come near me."

Guide me

Love, me.

欢欣 :)

2009-03-12T12:56:00.001+08:00

欢欣。。欢乐后的 “下集”。。这次没有亲手做的娃娃，只有亲手画的邮件。。

Inspired by Efuto － decorating envelops for letters with illustrations，and being a slow mail lover。。在抱着想和更多人接触的 motivation，我决定画一画，写一写，敲一敲邻居的门，say 一 say “hello“。。

就这样沿着 ”欢欣“ 这条路，寻找其中的欢乐。。

Never thought about what responses I would get.. i just went ahead and did it.. see what I get.. indeed.. there were really unexpected responses.. ranging from really sweet ones to nasty and scary ones..

Sutton place is full of weird people.. which I never expected after visiting almost all the levels at least once..

I received warm hugs, weird frowns, slammed doors, shut doors, peeping doors, "hey girl, its 9 pm now and its time for people to sleep, I'm sorry but you are too late!", complains to the front desk, "Sorry, I dont want your letter, I dont want any letter", really nice people like Mr Shield and his lovely cat, Jinx, hmm.. oh.. and crazy man at the corridor.

All I wanted was to share. To share a part of my experiences here to the people I'm living with (in the same building), I wanted to know how was it like walking down the corridor saying hello to everyone.. haha.. weird isnt it? :D but well.. it was a really nice experience.. i do love what I did. :D

The bonus was that.. I received a couple of mails back.. they were sooooooo sweet.. :) nice nice nice nice nice! :D

Anyways..

本以为欢欣就只带有开心，幸福的意思。。直到 google 它的 meaning 的时候，才发现欢欣是 “give thanks” 这首歌的中文歌名。。well.. it fits my theme too.. and I'm really thankful for all I have now.. 幸福！！！

SSEAYP '08 Contingent Booklet

2008-08-20T16:09:00.001+08:00

SSEAYP 2008.. I'm really glad to be part of this team.. part of this contingent..

Went through 2 months of training together, be it tough times or sweet times, our ties only grew stronger each day, each session. This contingent booklet that i worked on since the beginning of our team building sessions, I'm glad it's completed, the way I'm satisfied and felt proud of. No doubt it can be improved, or looked more professionally done, I did my best. It gave me a chance to start drawing again, to realise how much I missed drawing little things like these.. to do layout that I never imagined myself able to do, to propose a concept for the booklet and able to execute it.

I have to thank many people, especially my teammates.

Tuty - for all the "fill in the blanks" after I'm done, for the booklet to be completed, not forgetting the photography and photoshopping!

Winnie, Cecilia and Alvin and other comms - for all the writings needed.

Izzy, Rezal, Kaifen and Siti's friend - Photography

Wei - final touch ups of the caricatures, especially the colours.

and to all whom I failed to mention but helped me in one way or another.

With great power comes great responsibilities?

2008-08-07T12:37:00.000+08:00

This series of works consists of a recollection of posed super heroes. Superheroes that were popular among children were being placed in unconventional situations and seen caught in the act of doing mundane actions. This work seeks to question how as people ages, they lose the innocence of childhood and also to remind people about the important role superheroes once played in their lives.

Meet me and ling, as you look through them.. we hope you enjoy them as much as we did in the process of making them.

收获

2008-07-24T12:33:00.000+08:00

长大了。。住在宏茂桥也二十一年了。。 409巴刹在 amk 没有人不知道。。小时看到的 aunties 和 uncles 都还再，都还是老样子，没变多少。。我认得他们，他们却不认得我。。有卖鞋的 ‘不会老’uncle, 我认为巴刹最帅的卖鸡uncle, 卖 ‘tao gay’ 的 brothers, 卖花、有好老公的 auntie, 还有卖菜跟我最 ‘吖’ 的 couple。。有时听听 auntie complain uncle，有时听听 uncle complain auntie 烦。。

这是我宝贵的收获。。有进一步地认识二十一年来常看见，听见，想 say hello 却不知道怎么开口的 auntie uncle 们。

hee。。 开心！

继续加油！

uncle 很帅！

幸福噢～

COR 07

2007-06-06T01:11:00.000+08:00

COR'07 T-shirt Design. :D

随心 。偶遇