Professional printmaker, Jennifer Lim, gives us an insight into her cross-cultural experiences and the reasons for restarting her career in art. Read all about it in this exclusive interview!

Cross-Cultural Influences

I’m an artist from Australia, and studied Printmaking and Japanese language at universities both in Canberra and Kyoto. I think of myself as a kind of ‘cultural connector’ since my art practice involves taking my cross-cultural experiences and translating them into works of art.

I also love enabling people to gain an insight into issues of history and heritage that they might not normally be exposed to. My visual research had led me to explore many parts of Singapore, where I’ve lived for the past four years. I often get curious glances when I eventually wash up in some local corner to order my coffee!

I’ve been inspired by art and culture from an early age, and lived in Japan when I was in kindergarten. In fact, I was recently asked about my use of Japanese woodblock printing techniques in recent work. Looking back, I realise that my interest in Japanese woodblock stems from my early days in Tokyo, where I spent much time poring over my parents’ collection of prints and books. As a student, I was fortunate enough to be taught by Japanese printmaker Akira Kurosaki and the late etching master Jorg Schmeisser, who had strong Japanese ties.

Life Before Venturing Into A Career In Art

But after studying fine art at university, I ventured into the world of translation after I moved to Japan to take up a job at the Okinawa Prefectural Government. I was then a translator for over six years at various organisations, including the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and the US Embassy of Japan. I found it a challenging but fantastic experience that put me in touch with an often closed culture. Although it was satisfying to help people communicate with each other, I felt increasingly removed from my creative self.

Living in urban Tokyo, I became interested in architecture and moved back to Australia to study interior and building design. I also began renovating houses in my spare time and enjoyed picking up a hammer and paint roller, as well getting into the project management side. After I had my first child, however, I began to get itchy feet again. I realised that Singapore might be a good option as my husband’s company had an office there. I welcomed the idea of my children learning another language, and a chance to get to know my extended family.

Going Back To Her Roots And Returning To Art

My decision to return to art coincided with a desire to research my roots in Singapore. I was accepted as volunteer guide at the Peranakan Museum, and made new friends through the Peranakan Association. I’m actually featured in the recent issue of their bi-annual magazine The Peranakan! History buffs have also helped me find historic buildings associated with my family, as well as my ancestral graves at Bukit Brown Cemetery. As an adult, it has been fascinating to learn more about the country that I had only occasionally visited as a child.

But the biggest push to restart my art career came with the sudden near-death of my father. I was hit by the fragility of life and recalled my father’s own love of art and design. I finally felt motivated to get past my feelings of hesitancy caused by the fact that had not made art in some 15 years. Despite being 38-weeks pregnant, I exhibited my artwork at Affordable Art Fair Singapore in 2014. Not long after, I was approached to exhibit in AAF in 2015 by LUDO Gallery, who later hosted my debut solo show. The positive response to my work boosted my confidence and it was also a joy to connect with people through my printmaking demonstrations.

Various organisations began approaching me to teach art workshops, which have been a perfect way to reach out to the community and get others in touch with their creative side. Over the last year, I have developed a number of workshops and held them at lifestyle store Naiise, the National Library Board, LASALLE College of the Arts, National Gallery Singapore and the Singapore National Arts Council. I’m very excited to also be teaching at the Peranakan Museum shortly as part of their new blockbuster Nyonya Needlework exhibition.

Although I regret not getting back into my art practice sooner, the timing has worked out to my advantage. I actually use a lot of skills from my former career and have learnt many new ones on the job! Looking back, it might have been good to do some formal studies in business and marketing. But I suspect I probably wouldn’t have been as interested as I am now! Some days, I feel like I am doing a hands-on MBA, which I find difficult to juggle with my creative process. Being at my home studio can also be isolating at times, and I am now a member of several online and offline communities that give me a lot of support.

Making Art A Part Of Your Life

One of my biggest challenges that I face is defying the notion that art is elitist, and only to be enjoyed by the rich. I see art as an essential part of who we are and something that inspires and nurtures us. We all know exercise is important to our well-being, but being creative or enjoying the creativity of others helps put us in touch with an intrinsic need that is often ignored. People can end up feeling empty or out of touch with the world they live in without a creative outlet. Making art a part of your life doesn’t mean large or expensive pictures on your walls. Small moments of pleasure from having a favourite postcard on your wall, or collecting works with a story adds to our well-being and outlook on life.

Connect With Jennifer: If you’d like to take part in one of Jennifer’s workshops or find out more about her artwork and Peranakan culture, please visit her website¹

<sub>Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Jennifer Lim
References:
1. Jennifer Lim Art Website</sub>

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