Creative Space
We visit Creative Singapore.
Carly Constantinou held Creative Singapore’s inaugural gathering on New Year’s Eve 2012. The British expatriate has since handed the baton over to local artist Damien Thomasz, who’s expanded the group from informal get-togethers in cafes and parks, to larger art jams, museum visits and dress-up events. Throughout that time, there’s been one constant: novice or professional, everyone’s welcome.
“We’re happy for anyone to join our art events and activities,” Damien says. “Passion is the only passport. Competency doesn’t matter. Members are encouraged to share their experiences as much as their drawing techniques.”
The non-profit group is also built around the idea that the best way to improve skills in art is to practise art skills. “We don’t just talk about it,” the organiser says, “we prefer instead to focus on doing it, and we enjoy the journey and process involved in creating art.” Recent events include a cosplay special and a two-in-one sketchwalk and museum visit.
As Creative Singapore attracts more members, Damien hopes to expand into other media, hosting groups covering digital art, collaborative art, live figuredrawing and even 3D digital sculpturing. He’d also like to hold an exhibition showcasing attendees’ artwork.
Whatever the future holds for Creative Singapore, the group will stay true to its inclusive, open-door ethos: “Our diversity fosters greater creative development and artistic expression – exposing us to our common humanity, something beyond professions, cultures, languages and religions.”