Singapore will celebrate its 45th birthday this coming 9th August, and everyone in Singapore is either excited or nonchalant about this event. However, one Singaporean have been ever so patriotic about his nation that every day is National Day for him. And with that spirit and love for the nation, he has created icons and products dedicated to Singapore.
Meet Casey Chen, a designer and artist who breathe, live and eat all things aesthetics. I remember getting to know Casey from my previous job in Yahoo! when I was managing Flickr. He sent me an email discouraging me about a new Flickr Group, which I have set up that condemns the Singaporean ugly side of being inconsiderate and/or are litterbugs. From then on, I knew he is a very patriotic citizen who flies the Singapore flag with pride.
To commemorate Singapore’s National day, Artitute interviewed Casey Chen, one of the 7 designers selected for their tote bag designs for this year’s NDP goodie bag giveaway.
Artist’s Profile
Name: Casey Chen
D.O.B: 20 June 1971
Art School: LaSalle and RMIT
Kopi drinker or tea drinker?: Coffee
Dog or cat person?: Both
TV or Facebook?: Facebook (no tv at home)
A favourite landmark in Singapore?: For now, little India
Q1: Hi Casey, you have been a designer for many years. So what inspired you to be a designer? And what will you be if you are not a designer?
A: Yes, I have been a designer for too long. As a designer, I like the ability to control what I create. And as for what I will be if not designer… haha dun know – car salesman maybe?
Q2: In your opinion, which is more important in a design. Form and Function, or, Aesthetics and Design? Why?
A: Aesthetics – as we all love beautiful things
Q3: We have known each other for a few years, and I know you are very patriotic about Singapore. What inspired you to always come up with designs based on Singapore landmarks or symbols?
A: Belief
Q4: As one of the designers who came up with the tote bags designs for the National Day Goodie Bags. What inspired your design for the bag, and will you do it differently if you can amend the design?
A: It is my honour to be one of the 7 designers/artists. The theme given was for National Day, not much we can think out of it, but I want something that people can use every day than just National Day :). No, I will not change the design if given the opportunity, too much work .. hee
Q5: So, what other Singapore themed designs have you created?
A: I like to create a “City Icon” for Singapore. Other than the Singapore Heart Flag, I have Maggi cushions and a creme cracker chair.
Q6:Do you have a favourite designer or artist in Singapore? If yes, who and why?
A: No, I do not have any favourites at the moment, but I do envy many Singapore designers, especially when hard work pays.
Q7: I know this question has been asked once too many, but for the sake of NDP, what does NDP means to you?
A: NDP means to me – Celebrations, Honor, Pride, and Happiness as we see people coming together.
Q8: So, will you be attending the National Day Parade at the Padang this 9th August. If not, what will you be doing on that day?
A: Yes, I got tickets. Yay!
See you at the grandstands on National Day!
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Love the Singapore Heart Flag by Casey Chen? Get your own pin at Artitute. Click here to buy a Singapore Heart Flag Pin. |
*All images complimentary by Casey Chen
