4^th February 2022 Dr Tan Poh Tin

My 1993 flour-dough handcrafted and hand-painted creation  “Girl on a Garden Bench” invites you to pause and join her, to breathe deeply and smell the flowers.

Her loyal dog may move closer to her and switch his watchful eye to you. Don’t worry, he’s well trained. Her cat continues to sleep, purring, claws safely tucked away!

Mark Rothko said his iconic paintings of coloured rectangles provided a space for the viewer to share a common unspoken sorrow and sadness.

My garden bench offers comfort and peace. May you hear the refrain of the famous Josh Groban song  “You Raise me up” (2003)

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

Explanation of this Art

The figures were moulded and freely shaped from flour dough (in this case commercially packed and ready for use). They were assembled and glued to the picture frame, and left to air dry. When properly dried, they were painted with acrylic paint and again left to air dry. The final 3D creation was brushed over with a thin coat of clear colourless shellac to protect the paint and make it water and mould proof. 

After 29 years, the original colour has not deteriorated, despite not being covered over with glass. Dusting has to be with care, as the dried flour may chip and pieces may fall off.