I wish for a good break

I am feeling in need of a good rest.
It is just the start of the month and I am already feeling exhausted.
Now, I am already looking forward for weekend.
Do you?

Sketching

I am grateful to have learnt to sketch. Sketching is an activity that is at many times therapeutic for me. The mere action of having to sketch what I see onto paper somehow brings me a sense of release. A release of the urges to express.

I used to carry a sketch book with me fairly frequently especially during my undergraduate days. Somehow, having it around gave me a good excuse to just walk about from places to places, watch life pass by, observe, and record things down on the sketch book.

I realised that I don't carry a sketch book nowadays. Perhaps the possession of a digital camera has made it so much easier for me to record my visual world on digital film. Furthermore, I realised that I prefer to sketch on sketch books that are at least A4 in size. Comparatively, it would be easily to carry a digital camera than an A4 sketch book.

Anyway, there are still a few occasions when I would take out my sketch book to sketch. Right below is a sketch that I had done a few months ago of the Singapore Art Museum.

In sketching, my aim is not in the realistic portrayal of the subject matter. Instead, one of my goals is to capture my impression of the subject matter on paper. I would tend to choose subject matter that I can relate to, and use the sketching process as a way to get to observe and to learn about the subject matter in greater depth. Sometimes, strangely, in the process of sketching, I could feel a special connection to the subject matter. The processes involved in sketching are in themselves more fulfilling than the end results. I suppose I just want to feel alive and connected?

My perspective

This is one of the ways that I see my world.
I yearn for peace and tranquility.

May you have the wish that you wish tonight.

Week 22 of year 2008 on the double bass

25 May 2008, Sun: I spent time practising the second movement of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto. The goal was to improve intonation and the clarity of the sound produced.

28 May 2008, Wed: Before the start of the orchestra rehearsal, I practised the second movement of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto. The greatest challenge was to learn how to play the part where there is use of double-stops.

During the orchestra rehearsal, the orchestra rehearsed various work including the sight-reading of the first movement from Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony. We played an arrangement of tunes from the movie Forrest Gump and a few other works. These works will be performed during the orchestra's public performance at Vivo City sometime on 20 September this year.

29 May 2008, Thu: I continued to work on sight-reading during my weekly double bass lesson with MJ. He showed me how I could approach sight-reading exercises that involve syncopation. In addition, he reminded me to count mentally when playing sight-reading exercises.

I continued to work on the second movement of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto after the sight-reading exercises. As this is a work from the classical period, I was reminded not to play with too much emotions, and not to overdo the vibrato.

30 May 2008, Fri: I practised the second movement of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto. Needing more concentration and focus.

31 May 2008, Sat: I spent some moments practising the second movement of Dittersdort's Second Double Bass Concerto.

Today, I have received by air-mail the copy of Osborne's Gargoyles that I have ordered online. As I started trying to read Osborne's Gargoyles, I started to have doubts on my abilities to sight-read contemporary works for the double bass. I gave up on sight-reading the work after working on it for a few bars. Somehow, I have yet to find ways to relate to the music.

I took some time to play selected passages from Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony. I marvelled at Mendelssohn's ingenious use of harmony. At the same time, I struggled trying to play many of the passages at sight. These are moments when doubts creep in.

Where should I be heading?

A month when I need better health

It is almost coming to the end of May 2008. I realised that I had seen a doctor on three different occasions this month. My health just did not seem to be near its optimal this month.

First, I was struck with sore throat. It was followed by flu. Even after I have completed most of the medication, I felt easily tired physically. Recently, I had bitten on my lips on two different occasions. The wounds developed into ulcers. The ulcers hurt so much today that I didn't feel like talking for most of the day. Thank goodness the doctor whom I saw today prescribed something that helped to else the pain from the ulcers. However, I still can't make out why I have been experiencing headaches from time to time these few days.

I wish for better health. May good health be with you too.

Withdrawing, to recharge

At the risk of collapsing physically. That was the feeling that I get by the end of the day. My natural inclination is to withdraw. Withdraw to quiet moments so that I could recharge. If I don't feel like talking of late, it is because I desperately needed to withdraw to a quiet space of my own so as to recharge.

This coming Friday, I have scheduled a break from work, so as to have unscheduled time just to recharge. I don't think I would be at home during the day unless it is peaceful and quiet that day. If you should find out seemingly in a daze, sitting down to while my time away, please lend me the quiet moments so that I could recharge.

This weekend: Celebrate International Museum Day

Otterman has put up a post on Yesterday.sg. Check it out:
International Museum Day 2008 kicks off on 31st May!

There is a series of events lined up for everyone from 31 May to 2 Jun 2008 this weekend. Check it out.

By the way, there will be Free Entry on 31 May 2008 at the following museums:

Asian Civilisations Museum
National Museum Of Singapore
NEWater Visitor Centre
NUS Museum
Memories at Old Ford Factory
Peranakan Museum
Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research
Reflections at Bukit Chandu
red dot design museum
Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum
Singapore Art Museum
Singapore City Gallery
Singapore Philatelic Museum

Nonya rice dumplings

A trip to the Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Restaurant/ Gallery is only complete when one checks out its famous and delicious Nonya Kueh Chang (rice dumplings). As such, while we were at the gallery, Eastcoastlife and myself remembered to catch some glimpses of the rice dumplings when we were there.

Eastcoastlife told me that from time to time, there will be a demonstration of the making of the rice dumplings at the second level where the gallery stood. I did not have the fortune to see the demonstration when I was at the gallery that day. Do check out Eastcoast's post titled Peranakan Culture to see a photo of such a demonstration.

To learn about what makes Kim Choo Kueh Chang different from Chinese rice dumplings and learn about the Dragon Boat Festival, one should check out http://www.kimchoo.com/ourculture.html

At Kim Choo Kueh Chang, the rice dumplings are wrapped using fragrant Pandan leaves instead of the bamboo leaves used in Chinese rice dumplings. In addition, a range of condiments commonly found in the Malay archipelago region, such as coriander powder etc are used to give the Nonya rice dumpling a distinctive flavour. Instead of being filled with fatty pork fillings, Kim Choo Nonya rice dumplings are usually filled with seasoned minced pork and sliced winter melon cubes. Just like many Nonya rice dumplings, the glutinous rice are sometimes coloured marble-blue using the extract of the blue-pea flower. This, I read, would give the dumpling "a sweetened tang and a distinct look".


Various spices: cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cumin and coriander seeds are used in the making of Kim Choo Nonya rice dumplings

My goodness, I realised that after writing so much about the delicious Kim Choo Nonya rice dumplings, I was too full to try a bite of it when I was at Ruma Kim Choo! One could visit Ruma Kim Choo to get a few of the rice dumplings.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Restaurant / Gallery
(Kim Choo's Kitchen / Ruma Kim Choo)
109/111, East Coast Road
Singapore 428800
Tel: +65 6741 2125

References:
- http://www.kimchoo.com/ourculture.html
- Tan, Gek Suan. (2004). Gateway to Peranakan Food Culture. Singapore: Asiapac Books.

Week 21 of year 2008 on the double bass

18 May 2008, Sun: My double bass is back from repair. The Luthier helped me change a slightly taller sound post and that helped to improve the sound quality of the instrument. I could hear richer overtones and clearer harmonics on my instrument. I am delighted that it was also slightly easier to play at the higher positions.

With the double bass back, I could no longer hold my excitement. I practised the first and second movements of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto concentrating on the latter. I also played the first and second movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major from memory.

19 May 2008, Mon: I practised Keyper's Romance and Rondo>.

21 May 2008, Wed: Orchestra rehearsal resumed after a fairly long break. We rehearsed various works.

22 May 2008, Thu: For the double bass lesson, I worked on sight-reading for the first half of the lesson. Afterwhich, my tutor guided me to work on the second movement of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto.

24 May 2008, Sat: I practised the second movement of Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto. I would need my tutor's help with the cadenza.

More practice and practice.

Stretching one's imagination at Boat Quay

What is the tree structure doing in the middle of the Singapore River near Boat Quay?



Strangely, the tree seems to be accompanied by other strange objects that were previously not seen at that part of the Singapore River. It would probably take one a lot of imagination to figure out how the vehicle landed itself there.





Then when the night turned dark, the waters of the Singapore River nearest to Boat Quay transformed to a surreal land. All the strange objects that had sprung out from seemingly nowhere are part of the props for the Opening Celebrations of this year's Singapore Arts Festival:

Water Fools
Ilotopie (France)
23 - 25 May, 8pm
Boat Quay
Free

To catch a glimpse of what the performance is about, please visit Ilotopie's site, and imagine that the performance had taken place on the Singapore River:
http://www.ilotopie.com/gb/pages-video/waterfools-2.htm

I caught the performance on 23 May 2008. The lesson learnt, it is helpful to get a good spot so as to have a good view of the performance. Otherwise, other than being fascinated with the fireworks that were in the air, I had spent quite a bit of time trying to imagine how fascinating the performance would have looked like against the backdrop of the Singapore River. If one is sitting down to watch the performance, it would help to be sitting along the first one or two rows from the front.

Other than trying to catch the performance, I realised that I was spending quite a bit of time trying to figure out what kind of technology Ilotopie had used to make the performance possible.

Ilotopie will perform Water Fools again very soon, at 8 p.m. tonight. The entire performance is about 50 minutes in duration.

A break: Week 19 and 20 of year 2008 on the double bass

A few weeks ago, I had declared to take a break from practising on the double bass on weeks 19 and 20.

The only times when I had played on the double bass on these weeks were:

4 May 2008, Sun: I practised two short studies. Afterwhich, I continued to practise the first movement from Dittersdorf's Second Concerto. The goal was to improve intonation and articulation.

15 May 2008, Thu: It had been a long while since I had practised on the double bass. It felt comforting to be able to play on a double bass during my double bass lesson. There was no double bass lesson on the previous week. For this week, I continued to practise the first movement from Dittersdorf's Second Concerto. I strived for better tone quality and articulation for much of the lesson today.

During the two weeks period, my double bass was at the Luthier for repair. I realised I had missed it on many occasions. I'm glad that it is back now.

Blinking red

Headache seems to be plaguing me most of the evening. I wonder if that was due to the drilling that have been going on nearby my office throughout the day. I noticed that I am feeling more easily drained this entire week. My body seems to be blinking red, telling me to rest. Deciding to trust my body, I applied for a day of annual leave next week. It is maybe not as long as I would like, but it is an attempt to balance rest and responsibilities.

Meantime, here's sharing one of my favourite quotes. I hope it inspires:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous --
Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people
Won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some of us: it is in everyone,
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
Give other people permission to do the same.

- Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love (New York: Harper Collins, 1992)

I wish for life at my pace

Will it be possible to live life at my pace?
I can live life the way that brings out the best in me
And rest when my body would need.

Now, I am feeling exhausted.
A little overwhelmed
I wish for life at my pace
And the courage to make this wish a reality

Nonya Beadwork & Embroidery

My adventures with Eastcoastlife about the Katong area did not stop at our lunch at Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Restaurant.

On the second level of Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Restaurant/ Gallery is a gallery that showcases Nonya Beadwork & Embroidery, Nonya Kebaya and Nonya Porcelain. That was where we had headed after our lunch. My eyes were attracted to the colourful beadwork that were on display.



For the Nonyas, otherwise known as the young female Peranakans, the quality of her beadwork and embroidery is often regarded as a reflection of the quality of her upgrading. This is the case as a lot of patience and skills are required to bead and embroider.

In a traditional Peranakan family, a Nonya would have been introduced to and trained in sewing, beadwork and embroidery from an early of twelve, before they get married. Likely, by the time that a Nonya is of a suitable age to get married, she would usually have perfected the skills of beadwork and embroidery.

Look at the beaded shoes found in the photo above. These beaded slippers are known as kasut manek and are worn by Peranakan women as part of their traditional costume. Notice that similar to Malay designs, people are rarely depicted in most of the designs of the beadwork and embroidery. Most of the designs tend to be motifs of animals, phoenixes and flowers.




Look at how fine and tiny the beads are.

In making the kasut manek (beaded slippers/ shoes), I've found out at the Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Gallery that usually either Rocaille seed beads or Charlotte seed beads would be used. The beads are sewn painstakingly by hand onto the cloth with the help of a wooden frame (also known as pidangan).

For those of you who are interested in learning how to make such beaded shoes, I heard that Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Gallery conducts such courses. Please click on the link to find out more.


Demonstration of beaded slippers in the making.

In general, most ladies would place a sample of the design or cross-stitch patchwork in front of them when they sew. This is to guide them in their making of the kasut manek. I read that for those with decades of sewing experience, they can easily sew the designs on from memory. I cannot help but to feel impressed.

If you are still hungry for more insights to the art of making Peranakan beaded shoes, here is a Youtube video that features "a traditional Peranakan beaded shoe-maker, Mr Robert Sng" put up by bristow47 and his team: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kivqEOCx-uw

References:
- http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_198_2005-01-18.html
- Lim, Catherine, G.S. (2003). Gateway to Peranakan Culture. Singapore: Asiapac Books.
- Tan, Gek Suan. (2004). Gateway to Peranakan Food Culture. Singapore: Asiapac Books.