Platinum Award Winner

Live out your dreams

by Ong Wei Ting

Oil on canvas

"When we were younger, we used to have the courage to dream of who we want to be. However, when we grow up, the courage we once had seem to ebb away as a result of parental and societal expectations. Soon, we find ourselves afraid to pursue our dreams as we are too concerned about how other people will look at us, or we become preoccupied with the practicalities of life.

To live your dreams requires not just courage but passion and conviction. My painting conveys a sense of self-belief and inner strength. Just like the girl in pyjamas singing with emotion, we should be unashamed to stay true to our dreams even if circumstances are unfavourable."

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Today is my BIG DAY! I've received a phone call from UOB 2 days back (I was eating beancurd when I received the call) and was told that I'm one of the 4 winners who won the Platinum Award. I remained extremely calm throughout the whole conversation. Afterwhich, i approached the beancurd shop auntie and asked for more sugar syrup (amazing not?). Yes, I was THAT CALM.

I finally got the feeling that winner should have felt when they were told that they have won something, (apparently, nervous and excited).... LAST NIGHT. Am I slow or what?

But I guess i wasn't excited for anything related to the award, but about interviews by Press Media. It will be my first time facing reporters!

Woke up extremely early today, but was almost late for the interview session as I couldn't make up my mind on what to wear before changing into my uniform and blazer. (Decided to wear my uniform in the end -.-) Printed out my artist statement before rushing out of the house. Spent some time reading and memorising my statement on my way to Esplanade as I didn't wish to embarrass myself if reporters were to ask anything related to my work.

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BEFORE PRIZE PRESENTATION:

The man on the right is one of the Judges (Prof Robert Ely), he was the first who approached me and asked me about my artwork. At that point of time, I didn't know he's one of the judges!

Prize Presentation:

Prof Robert Ely giving his speech

One of the Programmes that I was looking forward to

Group Photos:

Exhibition Preview at Jendela:

Lan Lan (My senior who has graduated from NYJC), has won the Platinum Award too! :D

This is Vivien's brother, Elias Tan. He was so adorable! He came to me and asked me about my work... He was so daring cause he thought that I don't know him! haha!

With Vivien's Mother. (She was so proud of me! omg haha!)

Throughout the whole exhibition, I am pleased and honoured to say that there were quite a number of visitors (Judges, friends, even strangers!) approached me as they are interested to know more about my work. I am extremely happy! Absolutely!

The lady below is from Indonesia. Woah!

Did I mention to you that Vivien and Theresa (closer Art mates) won in this competition too? Both of them won the Highly commended Award. Congratulation!

Vivien. Myself. Theresa

Theresa and her painting

Ms Hew and Theresa

Vivien, Miss Chiou and Ms Hew

Yi Sheng came to support too!

So did Jia Zhen who made the effort to wear smart causal!

Xue Fang.. She was the first whom I've approached to attend this exhibition. Without her, I will not be able to take the photographs (shown only in my prepboards). Furthermore she came to help out despite her leg injury~ XF! Much appreciated!

The most promising young Artist goes to Quinn (NJC) who happens to be Vivien's partner for AEP workshop that was conducted earlier in year.

The Winner for UBO Painting of the year.

I love her painting. :)

The whole event ended off with cocktail Reception (by Mandarin Oriental Hotel!)

The food are extremely tasty! XP! (Although my face doesn't depict it) I wish I could have 打包 back some home. Anyway, if you have been following me through my blog or fb, you should know that I have worked as a waitress in that Hotel before. hence, I was pretty shocked to find my ex-manager there! But too bad, he couldn't remember me! LOL!

END!

I think I will update more tomorrow... (with newspapers article and more reflection included definitely) :)

Good night!