#20 gnocchi
going to title my posts after food from now
I just got back from traveling and am slowly easing back into work. These past two weeks have been incredibly full and exciting for me! :)
I wanted to share the titles I showcased at the book fair, which I didn’t get a chance to post about earlier.
The works in this collection were created during the pandemic, where I explored ways to condense my ideas onto a single sheet of paper, folded in various ways. My aim was to produce zines and art books that are economical yet creatively designed and enjoyable to experience. Although my work often appears layered and complex, I was primarily inspired by Marc Fischer's advice, which can be summed up in three points: a) keep costs low and avoid losing money, b) find the least wasteful ways to create, and c) offer work in various price ranges so it's accessible to more people.
I had a great time at SGABF, though I was really anxious about everything— from the crowds to my preparation and who I might run into. Setting up, I realised I’ve mostly been working in isolation and rarely discuss my process. This has encouraged me to write here more consistently, as it’s a good way to practice explaining my ideas.
I was especially nervous on the first day, but thanks to Strong Zero for helping with the nerves! After warming up, I enjoyed talking to people about my work. I love that part of being at the fair, and I appreciated the spacious, cool venue, which made it easier to have conversations. It was also wonderful reconnecting with friends, creatives, and others in my network and discussing what I’ve been working on.
By the end of the third day, I felt a bit fatigued and mildly embarrassed about promoting myself online. It’s a common feeling but a bit uncomfortable, and I try to detach from it. Reflecting on future fairs, I’d like to position my work more intentionally next time. I had insightful talks with other creatives about art fair buying habits, and we agreed that offering a range of work is key to appealing to different buyers. While a lot of it is basic business sense, there’s room to be creatively strategic too.
For instance, I reprinted my neighbourhood guide after feedback from my partner that people connect with it, and it ended up being the most popular item at my booth. Many visitors shared that they wanted a guide for their own neighborhoods, especially in Singapore’s west. This gave me ideas about creating more specific guides for smaller neighbourhoods in Singapore.
On a side note, it would be interesting to explore the economics of exhibiting at book fairs—especially in a city as expensive and, at times, as skeptical of the arts as Singapore. I budgeted around $500 for this fair, including the rental, and reused materials where possible. Going forward, I want to keep creating with the resources I already have—partly because I simply have too many things!
For my booth setup, I used lightweight foldable crates, a foldable table, and record bins handmade by a friend, which helped add structure and height. I decorated with leftover offcuts, tacked to the table. Maybe a bit shabby chic and improvised, but it was fun!
That’s all for my fair reflections! Looking forward to KLABF next month already :)
After a weekend full of socialising and talking about myself, my partner and I headed off to Gili Trawangan for some island time. I tried snorkelling for the first time (truly life-changing), enjoyed plenty of seltzers, and petted many, many cats. It was a wonderful break, and being surrounded by the sun and sea always reminds me of how big and beautiful life is.
I’ve been thinking about how to title my posts more interestingly, and decided to dedicate it to one food/dish that was memorable to me each week. This week’s gnocchi in question:
Thank you for reading and see you next week!
