designing cultures studio

The Lasting Visual Memory is a project focused on documenting the everyday experience of traditional artisans in Singapore. These remaining traditional artisans include lantern makers, joss stick makers and woodcarvers, who still practice their crafts in 21st century Singapore.
 
Not many of us know that the artefacts created by these traditional artisans are designed for everyday use and symbolic occasions. These cultural artefacts were created out of necessity when our ancestors first came to Singapore. They are closely associated with the identity of Singaporeans. Appreciation of traditional craftsmanship is the motivation behind this project to document the artefacts created and how they came to represent different meanings in our daily lives.
 
Stories of these artisans and their thought process behind making the crafts will be published as two illustrated books for children. We hope these books can serve as a starting point for the celebration and understanding of the origin of these traditional crafts. We also aim to increase the awareness and interest of young people and tourists in our local culture.