THE POLKAROS POTCAST

In this episode of The Polkaros Potcast, I chat with interdisciplinary artist Merissa (Mersie) about her journey from design student to fine artist and musician. She shares how her time pursuing a master’s degree in Korea during the pandemic — and the isolation that came with it — led her to discover cyanotype as a language for memory and emotion. We talk about using art as a tool for mental wellness, her community project Hidden Threads of Blue, upcoming workshops and exhibitions, and how cyanotype, music, and painting help her process trauma and create connections through art. The full video recording of this episode is available on our Patreon — come join us there for the full conversation and more behind-the-scenes creative stories. https://www.patreon.com/polkaros

In this episode, I speak with Michelle, creative director and founder of the Singapore-based design agency Tofu. Tofu has been providing creative branding solutions, integrated campaigns, pop-up experiences, and more since 2011.   After 14 years at Tofu, Michelle shares how her love of food has guided her practice into a more purposeful direction through their new food design unit at Nottofu—a platform where food meets climate-conscious design.

In this episode of The Polkaros Potcast, I sit down with Joycelyn, the talented miniature clay artist behind Ai Clay. A true pioneer in the miniature food clay craft scene in Singapore, Joycelyn launched Ai Clay in 2009 and has since built a beloved brand that has captured the hearts of many. I’m thrilled to have had the chance to speak with her just before she closes the chapter on her studio and embarks on a new adventure. During our conversation, Joycelyn shares the story of how she turned her passion for crafting into a thriving business—a journey that’s both inspiring and insightful. It was especially meaningful for us, as our assistant Kai has been a long-time fan of Ai Clay, ever since his teenage years. In fact, Joycelyn’s work inspired him to start his own miniature clay business when he was just 14! We were excited to welcome Joycelyn into our studio for this special conversation, and we can’t wait for you to hear her story. Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring chat about art, business, and the passion that drives creativity. Watch this episode on our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/polkaros Follow Jocelyn/ Ai Clay https://www.instagram.com/aiclay/ www.aiclay.com You can also listen to our Potcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UbTy64O7GNcCRPhKHWmEG?si=713a65f766874dee Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-polkaros-potcast/id1707979552 Podbean: https://polkaros.podbean.com Polkaros Shop & Ceramic Workshops https://polkaros.com More Polkaros! https://www.instagram.com/polkaros/ https://www.facebook.com/polkaros — Music track: Apple Tree by Lukrembo Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Background Music (No Copyright)  

In this episode of the Polkaros podcast, I am excited to speak with Genevieve and Isabella who share a studio in the same building as us! Both with a background in architecture, Genevieve is an artist and designer, centers her work around ceramics and material research. Isabella, is a visual artist whose work delves into the conflicts between our built and natural environments, using her skills in programming and data to enhance her creative expression. Throughout the episode, we discuss their artistic journeys, the rigorous nature of architectural education, and the role of AI in the world of craft.  Join us for an insightful conversation about the challenges and triumphs of merging traditional practices with modern technology, and the importance of preserving the human element in art and design.

Welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast. This week, we're excited to have Cheryl from Lulo Paper Studio as our special guest. Cheryl, a talented paper artist, shares her inspiring journey from studying product design and photography to discovering her passion for paper art. In this episode, Cheryl discusses the evolution of her craft, from building sets during her university days to creating intricate paper sculptures and illustrations. She reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from hand-cut paper art to utilizing technology like 3D software and cutting machines to enhance her work. Cheryl also offers insights into her creative process, client collaborations, and the importance of passion projects in her artistic journey. From miniature dioramas to large-scale installations, she shares how her work has been exhibited in various venues, including the Singapore Science Centre. Tune in to discover Cheryl's unique paper craft and her future aspirations, including her dream of creating an interactive exhibition!

In this episode of The Polkaros Potcast, I traveled to Mashiko, a pottery town in Japan, to visit my good friend Hiki who runs a Japanese craft and gift store called Uguisu. Hiki has moved from Tokyo to Mashiko in the recent years. It was nice catching up with her and learning about how living in Mashiko has changed her perspective on life and deepened her appreciation for traditional Japanese crafts and nature.  We also talked about the local craftsmen she collaborates with, including potters, bamboo artisans, and indigo dyers. Hiki shared her thoughts on working with craftsmen and the nuance of balancing supply and demand.  Hope you enjoy this episode! 

Welcome to a special Japan edition of The Polkaros Potcast! Over the summer holidays, I went back to Japan after a 5 year break. It was so nice reconnecting with friends and being in Japan again. In this episode, I had a chat with Kione Kochi, a talented textile artist, in her beautiful home studio just outside Tokyo. Discover Kione's unique approach to patchwork and quilting, her creative process, and how her love for colours and textures transforms into stunning quilts and other handcrafted items. Learn about her recent exhibitions, collaborative projects, and her thoughts on sustainability in the world of craft. Whether you're a craft enthusiast or simply curious about the art of quilting, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of textile art and the joy of creating with fabric. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with creativity, tradition, and innovation. The full video recording is available on our Patreon!  www.patreon.com/polkaros

Welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast! In this episode, we are happy to chat with Cheryl from Bead Bad Wolf, a vibrant and colorful craft studio located in the heart of Singapore's Waterloo Street Arts Belt. With a background in fashion, Cheryl started Bead Bad Wolf to share her passion for embroidery, and now her studio offers an array of craft workshops to make crafting accessible to all ages. Join us as we explore Cheryl's journey, from setting up her dream studio at Stamford's Arts Centre to organizing cozy craft markets that bring together local makers. Discover how she keeps her workshops engaging for beginners and experienced crafters alike, and learn about her popular craft offerings like the "craft buffet" and hand-knit bags. We also delve into Cheryl's personal craft story, from bonding with her grandmother over crochet and cross-stitch to transitioning from the fashion industry to running a successful craft business. Plus, Cheryl shares exciting insights into her future plans, including potential collaborations and the launch of new craft kits. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Cheryl's creativity and passion for making craft accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast. Today, my special guest is Stacy from Yabai Yabai. Stacy and I reminisce about our last chat during the COVID lockdown before she moved back to Singapore. It's been four years, and I'm thrilled to catch up on her journey since then. Stacy, a textile designer with her own studio in Singapore, shares her inspiring journey from being a graphic design student fascinated with object making to studying textile design in Japan. We delve into the concept of surface design, a blend of fashion and textile design, and how it translates into everyday objects. Stacy recounts her intense experience at Bunka Fashion College in Japan, where she learned not just textile techniques but also sewing and making fashion apparel. We discuss how Japan's culture and her working experience in the Japanese textile industry influenced her current work and inspired her to start Yabai Yabai. We explore the unique and playful name Yabai Yabai, its origins, and how it reflects Stacy's design philosophy. Stacy also shares her design process, from conceptualizing themes to choosing materials and creating collections. We talk about the challenges of running a textile studio in Singapore, from public awareness to maintaining consistency and managing costs. Stacy's latest collaboration, including a unique ramen bowl with Sankaku and Maruhiro, showcases her ability to innovate and apply her textile expertise to different mediums. We also discuss her future plans for Yabai Yabai, including upcoming collections focused on kitchenware and a new collaborative brand related to sports. Join us for this engaging conversation as we dive into the world of textile design, the journey of Yabai Yabai, and Stacy's exciting plans for the future. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube for the full episode, and check out the video on our Patreon.

Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast where I speak with fellow craftspeople, artists, and creatives. Today, we're thrilled to have Clare from Friday's Garden join us. We’re recording in her beautiful studio, surrounded by chirping birds and vibrant flowers, making it a truly special experience. Clare shares her journey from a career in copywriting and branding to becoming a floral artist. She talks about how the pandemic lockdown inspired her to start Friday's Garden, initially as a way to connect with nature and find solace. She recounts her transition from painting to floral arrangements, and how her passion for storytelling is woven into every bouquet she creates. We delve into the challenges and joys of sourcing unique flowers, the importance of embracing spontaneity, and the significance of creating personal connections through floral art. Clare also discusses her innovative pet-friendly arrangements and her aspirations for future projects, such as working on traditional Chinese opera sets and creating nature-inspired experiences for children in hospitals. Join us as we explore the heart and soul behind Friday's Garden and discover how Clare's artistic background and branding expertise shape her distinctive floral creations.