How can collaboration between artists, designers, and other creatives push art direction beyond what is currently possible? Are we able to create new art forms that are only possible through interdisciplinary collaboration?
A good collaboration is a powerful tool that can lead to better ideas and fruitfulness.
By working together, artists can tap into new resources that benefit their work. The founder of Qi Pottery is Singapore artist Kim Whye Kee[1], who has gained new opportunities by partnering with teahouses, cafes, and arts charities.
Arts foundations and charity organisations provide partnering artists access to new resources and opportunities.
Arts foundations
Arts foundations may offer grants, residencies, or exhibition opportunities. Besides providing a public platform for artists to showcase their work to a wider audience, they can provide networking channels with fellow artists and arts professionals in the industry.
Photo: At Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
Temenggong has been co-supporting Whye Kee’s transition to being a full-time artist more than 15 years ago. Henri Chen, a Singapore painter and founder of Temenggong, saw potential in one of Whye Kee’s early ceramic works and encouraged him to take up a BA in Fine Arts and choose pottery as his career. Whye Kee was one of the artists in residence at Temenggong during the early 2000s.
At Temenggong, there is a special synergy, which Whye Kee often remarked can spur his diligence in learning. Our conducive space during his early years in arts learning and self-reflection played an important role in Whye Kee’s transformative journey from a life entangled with gangs and imprisonment to becoming a known artist today. Through learning and practicing, whenever Whye Kee felt he was “lost” and needed a space to discuss and rethink new angles of seeing pottery, he would come to Temenggong.
With Temenggong as Whye Kee’s pillar of art and moral support, several robust pillars of community support include the community support, spearheaded by Singapore’s former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Mrs. Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, for Whye Kee.
In 2018, Temenggong Artists-In-Residence (Temenggong) organised Kim Whye Kee’s first solo exhibition “Tea, Pottery, Temenggong”.
Photo: At Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
Whye Kee used local clay at the exhibition to connect his pottery art with his artistic narrative and cultural roots. With the information he researched for this exhibition, he redesigned conventional pottery into his design of self-expression. This exhibition has proven that art can positively develop personal growth and enrich one’s mind.
Photo: At Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
The uniquely curated space at Temenggong Artists-in-Residence[2] played a crucial role in this exhibition due to Temenggong’s wide collection of Chinese calligraphies, artefacts and furniture displayed in the house. The space naturally embodies an artistic atmosphere that enhances Whye Kee’s minimalistic pottery against the backdrop of Chinese artefacts. It led viewers to see the past and present, akin to Whye Kee’s life-changing journey. Temenggong also strategized a three-way partnership which included local tea merchant Pek Sin Choon, as a tea partner, sharing the benefits of tea drinking. For Whye Kee, he had not only displayed his love for the pottery craft through new pottery pieces, it marked the beginning of his career as an artist.
The exhibition cast a wide publicity net, increased Whye Kee’s reputation as an aspiring artist, and attracted buyers to his pottery works. In 2019, Temenggong curated Whye Kee’s second solo exhibition and organized the largest tea ceremony in Singapore that entered the Singapore Book of Records. This tea ceremony also turned tea drinking into a communal affair by sharing pottery art and encouraged tea appreciation.
Charity organization
It is fulfilling when one gets to work with the right charity organizations.
Photo: From ISCOS[3] ReGen[4] Fund Fairy God Parent (FGP)
Whye Kee, through his artistic skills, was creating artworks to raise funds for the ISCOS[5] ReGen[6] Fund Fairy God Parent (FGP) program, thereby positively impacting the lives of struggling individuals. Having personal experiences and facing challenges during his prison time, upon his release, he strongly empathizes and sees the importance of support for families in need. Through this meaningful project, he demonstrates how art can be therapeutic and healing for others facing life’s difficulties.
“The collaboration between ISCOS and Qi Pottery is an excellent example of how interdisciplinary collaboration can result in groundbreaking art. By combining the expertise of ISCOS in social work and community development with the artistic skills of Qi Pottery, the collaboration has led to the creation of unique and meaningful art pieces that communicate important social messages that is used as unique gift for appreciation.”
– Elvis Overee, Deputy Director of ISCOS
Commissioned artwork by Yellow Ribbon Project[7]
Photo: At Qi Pottery
The art of kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. This technique not only fixes the broken parts of a vase but also enhances its aesthetic value by highlighting cracks and imperfections.
Metaphorically, the broken vase represents ex-offenders lives, who have experienced difficult pasts and possess records of their past actions. Using the kintsugi technique as a symbol, Whye Kee suggests that their brokenness and imperfections can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable.
The act of repairing the broken vase mirrors the process of healing, change and growth that ex-offenders can undergo. Weakness can become a strength as they learn from past mistakes and develop resilience and determination. Physical and emotional scars can be healed over time, allowing individuals to move forward and rebuild their lives. The mended cracks represent the transformation journey, where the broken parts combine to create something interestingly new.
Photo: At Yellow Ribbon Run 2022
In this metaphor, if one is to see that pottery has transcended into art, it represents the possibility that ex-offenders can rise above their pasts and channel their experiences into something positive. It signifies their ability to turn their lives around, find purpose, and contribute meaningfully to society. Like the kintsugi pottery, their stories and personal growth become sources of inspiration and beautifully capture the idea of resilience, transformation, and the potential for redemption in the face of adversity.
“Whye Kee is a testament to desistors who are recipients of second chances and can be successful when they put their heart, mind, and soul into overcoming any obstacles that come their way. The Yellow Ribbon Project appreciates his valuable contributions in advocating for the cause and serving as a role model for others facing reintegration challenges.”
~J Raathiga, Assistant Director Yellow Ribbon Project
Schools
Artists can use their skills to empower collaborations with schools.
Using art for charity is a great way to support a cause and positively impact the community. By conducting tea bowl-making workshop for special needs students at Chaoyang School[8], Whye Kee and volunteers provided them a creative outlet and an opportunity for self-expression through art.
Photo: At Hvala
The exhibition of these tea bowls, at a fundraising dinner sponsored by Muse Initiative[9] , was raise funds for Chaoyang School. This fundraising event promoted the students’ artwork and created awareness about the school and its mission. The dinner event further attracted individuals who were keen in supporting the cause with donation.
Photo: At Hvala
The fundraising dinner raised SGD 5000, which supports and creates opportunities for these special needs students; The funds can be utilized for various purposes, such as improving facilities, funding educational programs, or acquiring specialized equipment.
Photo: At Hvala
This collaborative effort between Whye Kee, the volunteers, Hvala, and attendees of the fundraising dinner demonstrated how art can bring people together, raise awareness, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
“Whye Kee’s gift is not just that he is a talented artist, it’s in his principles, thoughtfulness and commitment. When I shared with him that APSN Chaoyang School (which supports students aged 7 – 12 facing mild intellectual challenges and autism) wanted to learn how to sustainably maintain a pottery programme while raising funds for the school, Whye Kee agreed to help without hesitation. He was patient and nurturing, generous with his time and shared materials with the students. The final exhibition by Qi Pottery and APSN Chaoyang School was beautiful – both in terms of the ceramics made and the spirit of collaboration it stood for.”
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Member of Parliament[10]
Tea merchants
This collaboration for artists, tea merchants and arts charities was a spinoff from the “Tea, Pottert, Temenggong” exhibition. It brings Whye Kee and tea partner, Pek Sin Choon, into the local communities. A series of art-and-tea workshops, organized by Temenggong, spread nationwide. The art workshop taught one to make simple teaware from Whye Kee, while the audience learned to appreciate and blend different tea leaves conducted by Pek Sin Choon at these for-community art workshops. By teaching others, Whye Kee not only discover new artistic directions and how the public viewed pottery art; he also interacted with the mass audience.
Photo: Temenggong Tea & Pottery workshop at Tampines CC
These tea and pottery events provide a new learning and discovery ground for artists to immerse themselves in a multidimensional artistic experience. By creating pottery art and engagements with tea merchants, it can awaken novel artistic expressions beyond traditional boundaries.
Photo: Temenggong Tea & Pottery workshop at Tampines CC
The exchange of knowledge and expertise for artists with tea merchants and members of the public can catalyse the emergence of new art forms. Tea merchants deeply understand tea varieties, their histories and cultural traditions, which can inspire artists to explore unfamiliar themes and narratives. Artists gain a broader cultural perspective and incorporate diverse concepts into their artistic practices, creating varied art forms from one single art discipline.
Photo: Pek Sin Choon “Nanyang Tea Challenge” 2018
“The collaboration between Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd and Qi Pottery is a fusion of art, culture, and heritage. Through the use of clay found in Singapore, Whye Kee crafted teaware that is an original product entirely and proudly made in Singapore. Beyond traditional craftsmanship, our collaboration integrates the art of *local* tea and its brewing process, and generate multi-dimensional experiences for new tea drinkers and tea appreciators. The energy between a solid, ceramic teaware and the changing nature of tea (from brewing to drinking) symbolizes a harmony of yin and yang. This heavenly partnership pushes the boundaries of creativity and new discoveries of one’s discipline. It shows the impact of merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art. Together, we embark on a journey of local talent, our cultural heritage, and the enchantment of our Nanyang tea.”
– Kenry Peh, director of Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd[11]
Teahouses
Teahouses provide a market for artists to showcase their work to wider audience leading to new opportunities for sales and art commissions.
Photo: At Qi Pottery
It can be fun partnering with teahouses as artists are given the opportunity for customised work. Many bespoke teawares by Qi Pottery have also benefitted the teahouse as the artist will align his customised works with the teahouse’s aesthetic sense and corporate branding.
Photo: At Qi Pottery
Customised items include tea sets, tea bowls, teacups, and other ceramic pieces that enhances the experience of tea drinking and teaware collection.
Photo: At Qi Pottery
Such work collaboration combines the expertise and understanding of both parties to achieve a one-of-its-kind appeal to tea enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Photo: At Qi Pottery
“When individuals from different artistic disciplines come together, they bring their unique perspectives, skills, and techniques, which can lead to innovative and unconventional approaches to creating art.
Collaboration between a tea bar that focuses on the quality of raw materials and craftsmen alike and a potter known for his functional teawares with distinctive choices of clays, for instance, link us in shared values and a search for quality. This could then result in the exploration of new artistic mediums and techniques that combine the elements of both disciplines e.g. Gaiwan made of Wuyi rock.
An experiment with creating tea sets that are not only functional but also visually striking and artistically expressive could also be explored. The collection could potentially incorporate pottery techniques to create unique textures, glazes, or sculptural forms that enhance the aesthetic qualities of the tea sets.
Camellia Tea Bar and Qi Pottery might also explore interactive installations that engage multiple senses, incorporating elements such as sound, touch and visual displays. For example, by taking inspiration from the labels on our Signature collection. These immersive experiences could blur the boundaries between traditional art forms and create a completely new art form that transcends individual disciplines.”
-Chloe Yau, founder of Camellia Tea Bar[12]
Tea cafes
Cafes serve as a platform for sharing and pottery customization for artists . By creating custom pieces for cafes, artists can increase the overall ambience of the space with beautiful, art pieces.
Photo: At Hvala
For example, handmade teaware like teapots and teacups can add a personal touch to one’s dining experience, like customized shop signages; they can help create a unique brand identity.
Photo: At Hvala
In addition, cafes can provide a stable market for artists, with the potential for ongoing orders and collaborations.
Photo: At Hvala
“When we first approached Whye Kee for collaboration, both Hvala and Qi Pottery were in their infancy, but we are optimistic and harbour enthusiasm in our work. Bonds were forged through countless tea lessons and discussions on art and Singapore’s art scene.
In times when “money talks”, we believe that true Art outlasts the superficial world of materialism. It is the bedrock of mutual trust and belief in our relationship. Two fundamental tasks for us are Whye Kee’s trust in a commercial brand like Hvala and, secondly, for us to forsake monetary gains to pursue true Art. We both believe that art can move towards the future only with such a model. Only when artists can freely create without too much burden on expenses and livelihood will they achieve a breakthrough in their creativity. Let artists be artists and the businessman be businessman is not a new concept, but a forgotten one that dates to the ancient Roman era. It has been six years since our first collaboration, and we met many like-minded friends. We always believe the road ahead is long and exciting. To quote John Lennon, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.”
-Benmin Chia, co-founder of Hvala[13]
Lastly, collaborations are powerful tools that can lead to better ideas, fruitfulness, and for artists to expand their outreach and exhibit in new places and to new audiences.
By working with teahouses, cafes, and arts foundations, channels of additional resources and fresh opportunities, will enhance their overall artistic practice and learning. With a little creativity and initiatives, the possibilities for collaboration can be endless.
End.
[1] https://mothership.sg/2018/07/kim-whye-kee-potter-interview/
Singaporean potter Kim Whye Kee is a Venn diagram convergence of a whole bunch of life experiences and occupations you’ve likely not ever encountered.
[2] https://www.temenggong.sg/
Temenggong Artists-In-Residence was officially established in 2009 to initiate arts residencies through robust cross-cultural exchanges, mentorships and to curate unique spaces and exhibitions that are educational and inspirational to the public. We offer our selected artists and filmmakers a library, customised arts residencies and art-making facilities.
Solely managed by its Board of Directors and volunteers; we work hard to raise funds and strive to provide free events for all to attend since 2009.
Since 1989, the Industrial & Services Co-Operative Society Ltd (ISCOS) has been extending friendship and support to ex-offenders and their families so that they can lead meaningful and productive lives. As one of the founding members of the Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders (CARE) Network which organises the annual Yellow Ribbon Project, ISCOS takes an active role in engaging the community to help ex-offenders and their families gain a foothold in the society.
As a social Co-operative for ex-offenders under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, our programmes and services are geared towards enhancing the skills level of our beneficiaries, connecting them with supportive employers, providing social support through positive peer groups and mentors, building stronger family units, as well as extending academic assistance to their children in order to prevent intergenerational offending.
[4] https://www.neugen.org.sg/
When an individual goes to prison, he or she is not the only one affected.
More often than not, the families and children suffer greatly as they are hit with the loss of breadwinner, sudden absence of a parental figure, strained ties as well as the social stigma towards offenders and their families.
In particular, the children are often susceptible to various factors such as low income, erratic parental behaviours, poor family relationships and poor academic performance.
Since 1989, the Industrial & Services Co-Operative Society Ltd (ISCOS) has been extending friendship and support to ex-offenders and their families so that they can lead meaningful and productive lives. As one of the founding members of the Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders (CARE) Network which organizes the annual Yellow Ribbon Project, ISCOS takes an active role in engaging the community to help ex-offenders and their families gain a foothold in the society.
As a social Co-operative for ex-offenders under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, our programmes and services are geared towards enhancing the skills level of our beneficiaries, connecting them with supportive employers, providing social support through positive peer groups and mentors, building stronger family units, as well as extending academic assistance to their children in order to prevent intergenerational offending.
[6] https://www.neugen.org.sg/
When an individual goes to prison, he or she is not the only one affected.
More often than not, the families and children suffer greatly as they are hit with the loss of breadwinner, sudden absence of a parental figure, strained ties as well as the social stigma towards offenders and their families.
In particular, the children are often susceptible to various factors such as low income, erratic parental behaviours, poor family relationships and poor academic performance.
[7] https://www.yellowribbon.gov.sg/
Formerly known as Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE), Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
We are committed to reducing recidivism rate through upskilling, career development and building an effective aftercare support network.
As the lead agency championing Hope, Forgiveness, Acceptance and Second Chances for ex-offenders, we strive towards building a safer and more inclusive Singapore.
APSN develops individuals with special needs so that they may lead dignified, fulfilling and independent lives.
[9] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065228661478&mibextid=ZbWKwL
[Chawan by APSN Chaoyang School students & volunteers]
They look no different from any other child, eyes bright and curious. It is when you interact with them, that you realise they are not like most children — for their condition is an invisible one.
This series of chawan on display at Muse Initiative is made by students from APSN Chaoyang School, a Special Education School for children diagnosed with mild intellectual disability (IQ 50-70) — a condition that is not physically visible and is hard to diagnose.
[10] https://www.parliament.gov.sg/mps/list-of-current-mps/mp/details/nadia-ahmad-samdin
Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based tea merchant located along Mosque Street in the Chinatown heritage district.
Founded in 1925, the near century-old company has since established itself as the foremost purveyor of premium Chinese tea in the city-state. Pek Sin Choon supplies tea to over 80 percent of the Bak Kut Teh market segment, making tea an integral component of this unique culinary culture.
Today, the company is helmed by fourth generation descendent and tea man Peh Ching Her, better known as Kenry Peh. The company continues to source, blend and roast tea the traditional way. Each pack of tea is painstakingly packed by hand in-store.
[12] https://www.camelliateabar.com/
The founder of Camellia Tea Bar, Chloe Yau All of our loose leaf teas are thoughtfully grown, harvested and crafted strictly in Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to enhance biodiversity, is reputable for its microclimates and mineral-rich volcanic soil. fight to preserve the Chinese tea culture. Her loose Wuyi rock (oolong) teas are thoughtfully grown, harvested and crafted in the Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to enhancing biodiversity.
[13] https://www.hvala.com.sg/
Here at Hvala, we aspire to create a platform for the modern-day Picasso and Hemingway to gather. A place for conversations and tea, we are proud and excited to invigorate your artistic, intellectual and flavour tastebuds all at once.
From curated galleries to the selection of choice tea, we bring to you a story of pursuit — a pursuit o f extraordinariness and forward-thinking.
