This was my first time visiting Goodman Arts Centre and it was also my first time witnessing what it is like to be a practising artist in Singapore. As a result, it was a really memorable experience.
When we first entered, it reminded me of my secondary school days (not that far behind but still in the past) as the enclosed place was a stark contrast to the open building of my current school, LASALLE College of the Arts. The distinct juxtaposition in architectures was really notable and it was pleasant rather than uncomfortable. I liked feeling protected within four walls once again.
It probably also reminded me of my past as it was used as an earlier campus for LASALLE. I used to learn art in my secondary school too and it was nostalgic to visit a place with a conventional design, as opposed to the modern one I am currently learning art in, where people used to learn art. We unanimously agreed among my friend group that we would have preferred using this campus to the current one. I know we should be open to creative variations as art students but I think, personally, I feel at ease with what I already am familiar with and in this case, they are the regular academic spaces I have grown up studying in.
Ever since I chose to pursue Fine Arts, I have always been questioned relentlessly on what my future will be like. I knew the risk I was taking when I made the conscious decision to be an arts student in Singapore, a country that still focuses on Maths and Sciences (despite several verbal claims of deviating from this mentality). However, I never could bring myself to admit that I ultimately wanted to be a freelance artist and be able to sell my artwork as I did not know how to answer to the inquiries that would definitely result. I was clueless as to how life as an artist in Singapore is like. This trip made me gain this knowledge. It gave me a realistic view of an artist's career in Singapore and it also made me want to work harder towards my dreams.
Unfortunately, I did not really have the time to talk personally with the artists we visited (besides Moses). Thus, I could not document their artistic processes etc. My overall eagerness also played a part in me forgetting to document :-)
Overall, I am really grateful for this trip. I was looking forward to this field trip the moment it was announced during the general overview for Technical Skills at the start. I am not disappointed and I strive to be more disciplined and work even harder towards my goals.
