When I painted this, I was very frustrated. Emotions were raw. The painting reflected what I felt – unstructured. pain. lostness. blur. dark. angst.

I just flowed. And poured out the ink. Blended. Pushed. Floated.

Released.

Love the wind. Love the stillness. Love chilling.

Hasn’t been an easy week at all. Glad to let it out in paintings, photos and doodling. My soul breathes.

Listening to “The Best is Yet to Come” – Michael Buble

Flying off tom for another trip. Thought I’d blog about my Bangkok trip. Playing catch up.

Bangkok was a little too “City” for me – hustle, bustle, hot, packed. Plus I’m not really the shopping kind. I like shopping but not all the time, and often it is the last on my priorities on trips. Don’t think I’ll want to visit in another 10 years at least. Heh.

Saving grace for the trip was the local Thai design – Suan Lum Night Market + 2nd level on Siam Center. Wonderful. Suan Lum Night Market was like a Haji lane enclave – just that it was outdoors. People dressed the same. There were self designed clothes, interior decor items (retro!) and the highlight for me: jewellery. My fingers are so thin and can’t find rings in Singapore (costume jewelery) that fit me. Happy to find them in BKK + also funky ones too! Was inspiring just to walk down that lane – and enjoy the creativity of the Thais. My fussy brother finally bought something at ANR @ Siam Center. That floor housed more upmarket and established local Thai designers – nice, very nice. Nearly succumbed to buying an expensive pair of orange shorts. Tried on a short dress made of Satin-Silk – Gorgeous feel; too bad it did not fit

Check my ring out:

ANR

Nearly bought this…

]]> http://jaelchng.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/thaidesign/feed/ 0 jaelchng packaging ring Thai designer 2 Thai Designer 3 http://jaelchng.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/new-kid-on-the-block/ http://jaelchng.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/new-kid-on-the-block/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:28:37 +0000 jaelchng http://jaelchng.wordpress.com/?p=124 ]]>

This is such an overdue post.

my designerish brother highlighted to me this new cafe – “Hairloom and Caramel”. Ooh, from the blog the place looks like a cafe in Sydney. The fabric on each chair is totally different, the plates are vintage & mixed and matched. Lovely. What was interesting was that it was BOTH a cafe and a hairdressing salon.

Popped by with some friends – the concept is really cool – loved the VitaPlum drink (Vitagen + plum smoothie). The pasta and sandwiches were ok. Love the colours in the place. One of the founders Kuanth – does good design + illustrations. Singapore got talent.

Totally amazing – the train ride to Seattle has been really therapeutic. Just seeing the blue skies, forests and space really brings so much solace, rest and renewing. THIS is my kind of holiday. Not Bangkok.

Was a little afraid that seated against the train flow would make me dizzy, but thankfully I’m ok. Symbolically, it feels like I’m reflecting and looking back at the week that just went by.  I’m still taking it in. Wrote a note to Melvin, telling him how thankful I am for this opportunity; also to Ruth – just really glad she’s here –to chat, be there,  go into the indoor heated Jacuzzi pool together (you need 2 to be in there) and be excited about shopping J. Oh yes, of course, thankful for Calvin too – I spent most of my waking hours with him – going for all meetings, work on SG projects, taking calls together and also hanging out.

The last week has been fabulous – despite the long flight, packed schedules with back to back meetings and needing to tune into SG work at night in Pacific Time. Was superb to meet up with Studio D across the globe, feeling the energy, the excitement and witnessing the innovation and shifts that are taking place. After all the emails and concalls, it’s really good to see them face to face . Am looking forward to future collaborations and more integration. Felt I’ve learnt much and gained a broader understanding of the communications, the industry and of course WE/Studio D.

I must say Melvin’s a fantastic boss (he hates me calling him that) but he is a really good leader. Amazed at how smart he is and also how much he cares for people. Thankful for his coaching and openness. Was lying on the office bed and a flash of thought came to me – it’s been such a journey – so much has transpired over the last 1.5 years I’ve been at Waggener. So much.

Super glad that Mel, Cal and I get along really well both at work and also off-work. Beyond the crazy schedule, it was superb that we could chill together – have late dinners (almost suppers), hang out and laugh it off. There were just so many ROFL moments (also with Ruth) that just made the whole experience totally fabulous. Call me sentimental, but these are the things I treasure a lot.

With Calvin, since he came on board in March, I’m both relieved and happy. Having someone there to bounce off ideas, consult with and go through challenges together is a good thing.  Really happy to explore Portland, take photos, have fab meals together.  I’m glad that with little sleep and challenges, we can laugh things off and crack silly jokes instead of being grumpy. Can’t imagine the trip (or Studio D APAC) without him.  Thankful for his friendship, so so so glad he is here.

Okay, onward to Seattle – half wishing Cal can go on the trip together but heh, he’s got to go home and cover me for work. Hoping the weather keeps up and looking forward to new sights, fresh experiences and different dimensions.

It’s my fourth day in Portland. Still feeling slightly jet lagged.

Love flying – just peeking out to see the clouds – just reminds me how small I am and how majestic God is. Beautiful, just beautiful

I’ve not been feeling well last week, still a little weak… in a strange way, it is good to slow down, sleep, rest and listen. To realign. To remember the things that matter, beyond the busyness of life…

I recall this movie I watched – “Born into Brothels” where a documentary was filmed about children born into Asia’s largest red light district- in Calcutta. I remember the lady who set up “Kids with Cameras” , where she taught the children photography and turn that into a fund raising method to raise funds for their education. Very touching.

“For me personally, photography is a means of transformation.”

– Zana Briski

One day, I hope to take some digital cameras + wireless photo printers to East Timor… I remember the faces of the people that I took… and showing them how they looked in the camera… and telling them how beautiful they are…

I’m hoping to take a cooking class in Bangkok this weekend (ok, not France, but what-the-heck, I like Thai food)… Would love to learn how to cook Pad Thai and Green Curry. YUMZ.

Just finished this book I’ve got from NY – Fab for those who enjoy cooking. It’s a bit like Ratatouille – except that it has more kitchen slave stories… it’s an ex NY writer’s journey and quest to learn raw, basic, authentic Italian food. He’s so into it that it’s funny… and he writes well.  It’s what the Japs call “Otaku” I suppose… A total delight to read.

And gosh… I miss NY *random muse*