Gen Y Speaks: I was a scholar and civil servant for 12 years before opting to pursue my passion for art full-time
The writer, seen here with her paintings at Design Orchard, on Nov 24, 2021.
This is the story of how, at the age of 34, I decided to leave my civil service career of 12 years to pursue my passion in fine arts.
Art was a compulsory subject for me in lower secondary school. I often topped the class in art assignments and exams, but never gave a second thought to pursuing it beyond the classroom.
The typical stereotype of the struggling and starving artist is they are those who could not make it in school, and most were deemed to have “no future”. This narrative is still prevalent, and is as ubiquitous as the Singapore dream.
After A-Levels, I was awarded a PUB overseas scholarship by the Singapore Government. Five years later, I returned to Singapore after graduating from Imperial College with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and the University of Oxford with a Masters in Water Science, Policy and Management.
The author's Mo-hawk collection currently exhibited at Labyrinth, a restaurant, and her Not Just A Little Red Dot collection that is inspired by national symbols from significant milestones in Singapore’s history.
I started my career in the public service working on government policies and infrastructure planning. Work was hectic and intense, and I longed for an outlet to let off some steam.
As I explored possible hobbies and activities, I was reminded of my old friend — art.
