SINGAPORE — Barnaby Purdy has a name almost as whimsical as his job. The artist and illustrator describes himself as the guy who does “bits and blobs” for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. By that he means almost everything deemed “creative” — from designing packaging materials to doing large-scale murals for Oliver’s restaurants around the world. Which was what brought him to Singapore.

Each restaurant he decorates has something unique to it and is inspired by its surroundings. For the outlet Jamie’s Italian in Vivocity, he created two murals. “I’m very much inspired by the greenery here. That was the thing that really struck me,” he said. “The entire city is so green, with planter boxes in the middle of the expressway. That’s one thing you’ll never see in central London.”

Q: How did you come up with the mural designs in Oliver’s restaurants?

A: I really just look at the city and its surroundings. For example, Jamie’s Italian in Hong Kong features a dragon protecting Hong Kong (inspired by the fact that the building used to be a typhoon shelter). That’s great for me because I don’t usually get to create a dragon. For Singapore, it’s the greenery, flowers and, of course, the Merlion. For the one in Covent Garden, I kept it old school with Jamie’s Union Jacks in Covent Garden’s Market Building, as it’s an incredible old building — it’s been around for hundreds of years.

Q: Why do you think more restaurants are decorating their premises with art?

A: I like the idea of art and murals in a restaurant because I feel that’s what makes a place unique. You can easily have similar furniture or chairs in different restaurants, but you can’t replicate a mural or art pieces.

Q: Do you travel with your art supplies then?

A: I bring along my pencil case and drawing board. But I get most of my materials when I arrive. It’s tricky taking paints on board planes.

Q: Do you have any favourite spots in London to view street art?

A: East London has some great street art. These are considered “legal” walls which are allowed to have graffiti on them. I think it’s amazing to have that going on. But to me, I’ve always liked seeing little, quieter streets with graffiti art — the ones that just pop up and aren’t famous or anything. I feel they add a little spark to the neighbourhood.

Q: Is there anything you dislike about travelling to different cities painting in Oliver’s restaurants?

A: I think it’s great. I think any inconveniences in travelling is really part of the adventure to get you to a place. They can be annoying, but they’re part of a bigger picture, if you will. I do have to think about my two cats I leave behind. That can be a pain ... finding someone to cat-sit. Serene Lim