While doing research on the long list of exhibitors at this year's Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) 2024, Red Dot Diva was attracted to the delightful visual compositions by local artist Rachel Tan-Hwee aka Rattanhwee. Her colourful art pieces and craft work are like a breath of fresh air; they all carry a sense of cheerfulness and optimism. Her art style is also the reason why she was chosen to be the illustrator for a children's book series called Butternut by author, illustrator and award-winning filmmaker Jill Dana.
Rachel's current obsession is painting a series of Plein-air works featuring Japan titled "ケシキ (Keshiki; Sceneries)". She also does whimsical art between paintings for fun, and to placate her inner child as well. Curious to know more about Rachel's artistic journey, Red Dot Diva sat her down for a quick interview:
Red Dot Diva: When was the “aha” moment you knew that you wanted to become an artist as a profession?
Rachel: I started drawing as a kid and just never stopped. I guess I never really had an 'Aha' moment because it just felt like it was a natural progression.
Red Dot Diva: In most Asian cultures, people tend to want their children to join careers in more practical roles, e.g. doctors, jobs in business, IT. Did you receive a lot of parental support and encouragement when you knew you wanted to become an artist?
Rachel: I had supportive parents! (even though I know deep inside they would rather I be a doctor or lawyer haha. I mean which Asian parent wouldn't want a scholarly child?) I would definitely not have been able to pursue this line of work had it not been for their support. Studying and practicing art can be costly because of art materials needed, etc. so their investment, both financial and emotional, is something that I really appreciate.
Red Dot Diva: I noticed that you have ventured into diverse artistic forms to create your work, like animation, illustrations, graphic design, crafts, live sketches, etc... Is there an art form that you have yet to try but really want to?
Rachel: I'd love to do more large format traditional paintings and pottery! It's something that's been on my to-do list for a long time!
Red Dot Diva: How did you get to work with Jill Dana for the Butternut children’s book series, published by Marshall Cavendish? For the benefit of tose who are not familiar with the books, tell us a bit about Butternut.
Rachel: Marshall Cavendish reached out to me and introduced me to Jill as well as Butternut! Butternut is about a little Butternut Squash learning about himself and navigating his new life in a Supermarket. It's full of puns (which I LOVE) and is full of heartwarming moments. The Butternut characters are something I hold close to my heart because they were developed at a tumultuous time in my life and represent a dream of mine to illustrate a children's picture book. I'm honoured to have been given the opportunity to fulfill this dream!
Red Dot Diva: What are the most fulfilling aspects of being an artist?
Rachel: I think art forms of all kinds are so important to the human soul. It gives us a language to express ourselves in a way that's not possible verbally or in writing. For my Keshiki series of paintings, I've had people come up to me to say that it reminds them of home or of their travels to those places. It's lovely that in this whole wide world we're all connected by invisible threads of experiences and memories.
Red Dot Diva: What do you think makes a successful booth experience at an event? Any practical tips for boothing newbies?
Rachel: I'd say it really depends on what you want to get out of an event. Are you just starting out and just want to get your name out there? Boothing helps! Want to make art your bread and butter? Boothing is an avenue for that too! My tip would be to visit events of all kinds before settling on one to booth at. Look at what the crowds gravitate to at each event! Is the demand more for indie artwork or character and fan art? Homework is SO IMPORTANT. Each booth application is an investment of your money and time, so you have to use your resources wisely!
Red Dot Diva: What can we expect from your booth at SGCC 2024?
Rachel: I've got new paintings that I'm excited to share with everyone! There are also going to be bundle deals (by popular demand) and STICKERS. LOTS OF NEW STICKERS.
Red Dot Diva: YAY, STICKERS! A superb reason to visit your booth at the show!
Do say hello to Rattanhwee and check out her imaginative works of art at SGCC 2024, Booth L1-AA95.
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