1) Who are you and tell us why you do what you do?
Hi. I am Dk.Selinna Pg.DP.Hj.Asmalee (also known as ‘Sifu’ to my students). Am a full-time art educator at a Sixth Form Centre, a part-time fitness coach & part-time Interior Designer. As a mixed media conceptual artist, my creative journey is an ongoing exploration of the intricate interplay between texture, form, and meaning. I find inspiration in the endless possibilities that arise when different materials and mediums converge, pushing the boundaries of conventional artistry.
Texture, for me, is not merely a visual element but a tactile language that communicates emotions, stories, and experiences. I have always been fascinated by the way textures can elicit a range of sensations, from the smooth serenity of polished surfaces to the raw, visceral energy of rough and jagged textures. In my work, I seek to harness this power to engage the viewer on a sensory level, inviting them to immerse themselves both visually and physically.
My work is about the beauty of experimentation and the unexpected. I relish the process of discovering new techniques, combining unconventional materials, and pushing the limits of traditional artistic boundaries. Each piece is a journey of discovery, a dynamic dialogue between intention and spontaneity, where the outcome is often as surprising to me as it is to the audience.
2) How have your childhood experiences influenced your present creative endeavours and style?
Growing up, I was surrounded by art, primarily shaped by my father, a gifted self-taught realistic artist. His meticulous attention to detail and the precision with which he portrayed the world left a profound imprint on my artistic sensibilities.
Eventually, I navigated my own path as an artist, I found myself drawn towards a different realm of expression. While my father celebrated the tangible, I ventured into the abstract and conceptual. My artistic evolution was not a rebellion against his realism but a quest to discover my own voice and perspective. It was a journey of self-discovery that led me to embrace the power of imagination and symbolism.
As a conceptual artist, I revel in the freedom to challenge norms, question assumptions, and push the boundaries of conventional artistic expression. My art often serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting viewers to revisit their own childhood experiences and connect with the universal aspects of nostalgia, innocence, and wonder. I strive to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and engage viewers on a cerebral level, inviting them to decode the layers of meaning hidden within my art.
In many ways, my journey as a conceptual artist is a tribute to my father's influence. His dedication to his craft instilled in me a deep sense of discipline and commitment, qualities that are vital to any artistic process. While our styles may differ, our shared passion for art binds us together, creating a rich tapestry of creativity within our family.
3) Could you describe your state of mind and how you feel when you are creating?
My work reflects the ever-shifting landscape of my emotions. It can be an introspective exploration of the depths of solitude, a celebration of the euphoria that accompanies inspiration, or a meditation on the complexities of the human condition. Each piece encapsulates a moment, a thought, or a feeling, frozen in time yet pulsating with life.
Working with mixed media allows me to experiment with a diverse array of materials, textures, and techniques. This experimentation mirrors the dynamic fluctuations of my state of mind during the creative process. Just as emotions ebb and flow, so do the elements I incorporate into my art—layer upon layer, each element contributes to the narrative, forming a multifaceted tapestry of expression.
4) What is your most favourite or memorable creative accomplishment?
In the fusion of family heritage and my own artistic journey, I celebrate the diversity of expression within the realm of art. My mixed media conceptual art is all about the endless possibilities that emerge when we dare to step outside the boundaries of tradition. Through my work, I hope to inspire others (especially my students) to embrace their own unique artistic paths, for it is in the divergence from the familiar that we discover the true depth of creativity and the boundless potential of the human imagination.
5) What words of inspiration were given to you that you would like to pass along to others?
As I always remind my students, art is all about the journey of self-discovery, a bridge between the inner and outer worlds, and a universal language that transcends boundaries. Whether one is a student or a viewer, approach art with an open heart and a willingness to explore……... it has the power to transform, inspire, and illuminate the human experience.
6) In your creative experience, is there anything that you wished you had learned earlier or done differently?
I have always wanted to learn, explore, experiment, and create glass art. To me, working with glass, with its mesmerising transparency and versatility, entices one to explore the interplay between light and form. Learning glass art would be a natural extension of my fascination with textures and materials. It can offer a unique medium through which I can convey the intangible, encapsulate fleeting moments, and play with the ethereal qualities of light.
Another aspect of creative experience that I would have loved to explore is performance art.
Performance art offers a unique dimension to any creative expression, and it is a platform where one can transcend the confines of static art and engage with the viewers/audience in a visceral, immediate way. Through performance, it can explore the profound connection between art and life, inviting viewers to participate in the creation of a shared moment, enables an artist to challenge societal norms, provoke emotions, and initiate dialogues on complex issues that resonate deeply with the human experience.