Monday, April 4, 2016

On Singapore and creativity. . .


I'm often asked by others to describe what Singapore is like,and I find that the words don't come easily. .

"It's a big city.
It's a small island. 
There are a lot of people (5.54 million!)
There is a lot of ethnic diversity.
It's a very much a consumer-oriented culture.
People are very family oriented, and there isn't much of a 'going-out' culture."

are a few of the things that I usually say-- 

But, the biggest thing I have found to be different than other cities I've lived in and visited is that whereas in most metropolis areas there is a lot to do every single day/night and you're constantly pulled along by the city's pulse and energy, here, there really isn't much going on on a daily basis. 

This leads a lot of people to the same conclusion 
-and a sentiment that you hear often- "Singapore is boring." 
The thing I've found, however, is that, maybe because there isn't a river of activity pulling everyone along, anyone (TRULY anyone) can create a group, start a project, decide to teach your own class--- and you will literally have an immediate following/interest. Is this not super cool? Singapore really is a place where you can make your own fun--- the sky's the limit, and there are a lot of creative people looking for other like-minded types.

Here are a few photos from a recent painting/drawing group in Fort Canning Park.