Swati Singh
What media of art do you work in? Painting, ceramics, etc? Painting. I work primarily with acrylic paint and other drawing mediums like ink, charcoal, colored pencil and oil pastel on canvas and paper.
How would you describe your genre of painting?
Abstract, Abstract expressionism.
Can you describe your creative process? When you begin a painting, do you have an idea of what the end result is? Do you prepare sketches first? Do you know the colors you are going to use?
My art practice is exploratory and process driven. I do not start with a set idea; I love to explore the interplay of color and forms. For the first few layers I try to be bold and expressive, and work through intuition, and see where the painting leads me. The process oscillates between structure and spontaneity – it’s like a problem-solving exercise or like putting together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. But I don’t have a reference picture and that ‘not knowing’ part is the most exciting part of the process for me. Once I am close to completing the work it is more about observing and analyzing than doing, until all the pieces fall in place and the painting feels complete. It can take days, or sometimes even weeks of contemplation to get to that point. Sometimes I also revisit a painting after months to see if I can get a new perspective on it.
What is the message you want people to take away from your artwork?
My art is inspired by nature Singapore’s tropical landscape where I’m surrounded by lush foliage and a tapestry of color, textures, and sounds. This rich biodiversity is vividly reflected in my artwork through the use of colors and various mediums. I want the viewer to feel a sense of joy and calmness, pause and have a moment to soak in that vibrant energy that surrounds us all.
100 years from now, how do you want people to remember you as an artist?
Everyone wants to leave behind a legacy but in the process they forget what brought them where they are: their passion for their art. I do not think of what will happen hundred years down the line. I try to be honest with the work I am doing, and if that work is good enough to survive the next 100 years, then let the future generations decide what it was worth, and what I was worth as an artist!
What is your favorite praise you have received from a client or about your work?
That my work holds a graceful elegance in its balance.
What are your hobbies outside of Art?
I love reading fiction books and my favorite author is Khaled Hosseini. I sometimes bake.
What is an interesting piece of trivia about you that people don’t know?
I can’t paint without music; I need it to get in the state of creative flow. I love going for long nature walks and I can binge on dark chocolate every day.
Give me one or two sentences about your family?
I’m from India and have been living in Singapore for over a decade now. This place holds a special place in my heart because my son was born here and I started my journey an artist here.
What has been your strongest influence in your art career thus far?
Nature has been my greatest inspiration, and I always return to it for ideas to develop my own artistic style. I especially admire the works of Helen Frankenthaler, Cy Twombly, and Per Kirkeby, among others.
What is your vision for yourself as an artist 5 years from now?
My vision is to expand my visual vocabulary and develop more work on larger format. I want to increase the visibility of my work through more shows and projects in Singapore and beyond.
Which one is your favorite artwork you have ever done and tell us why? Subliminal Sense. I love the overall composition, color palette, simplicity and delicate balance of this painting and how effortlessly it all came together. Sometimes too much thought takes away the essence or soul of the work. Further, it went to a family celebrating the birth of their child, adding a completely different layer of emotional value to the piece.
Which is one of your most recent works and tell me how you would describe the artwork to a potential buyer.
Rhythm. This painting through layers of translucent and solid colors, and through its curved forms creates a sense of movement and flow. A flow that epitomizes the ever-changing form of nature and life. As Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu said “the true meaning of life is an interchanging and flowing experience, nothing is permanent or absolute.” So, follow the rhythm, be alive to the process of life; it is precious and worth cherishing.