Inspired by the Kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, The Reversible Haori is our modern reinterpretation of its heritage silhouette. This style is detailed with the bold Parva print on one side, and a subtle gradient plain on the other. To celebrate the duality of this jacket, we asked 3 women from our community who work multiple jobs by day and night to join us in the shoot.
Han Sai Por is Singapore’s only dedicated stone sculptor. Inspired by nature, she seeks to communicate that sense of empathy with her sculptures – a body of work that has been growing for the last 30 years. Her work is on permanent display at numerous public places in the National Museum of Singapore and Changi Airport, and in countries such as Japan, Malaysia, UK and USA.
Tell us a little more about what you do.
I am an educator and sculptor living in Singapore.
SHOP THE REVERSIBLE HAORI + PARVA
Educator and sculptor, how did the path towards these two careers begin? What are some big lessons you’ve learned as a part of your journey?
I was brought up in a village surrounded by forest and wildlife. I grew up helping my parents look after the animals and plantation, and every morning I’d walk miles away to get to school. When I grew up, I became a teacher, and enrolled in a fine art course at NAFA, studying my art after school hours. After I graduated from NAFA in fine art studies, I decided to further my studies in the UK. I spent 5 years in England and soon after I returned, I took up the teaching job again. I taught for another ten years, then decided to quit my teaching career to become a full time artist. Going towards the path of an artist was always one of my dreams but it was a career that held great uncertainty and so I had to tried to approach it step by step. Now I realize that many things are worth to try, even if they may or not success.
Being a teacher, I have many students who now work in different fields and disciplines. Actually, some of my students did follow in my footsteps and became established artists. As an artist I sculpt and paint, but I established my name as a sculptor, since I have many sculptures display over the world on my last thirty years as an artist.
A journey as an artist is quite hard in Singapore, special as a sculptor, due to lacking of space, materials and the applications in art. The restricted environment, I have to find way for surviving. I had traveled from places to places, to look for materials and workplace, and exhibit my artwork abroad. The journey had enrich my experience, and open my mind to accept and contain the difference.
What do you intend to express with your art?
It was true when I was a kid, and even more so in my adult life – I always love being surrounded by nature, enjoy walking in the forest to discover the different plant types and wildlife. Nature is my inspiration, many my artworks are relevant to nurture, especially with the changing landscape in Singapore and the Southeast Asia region. A message I want to deliver in my art is to bring an awareness on protecting our environment and to build a better quality and substantial living environment for our future generations.
What is success to you and do you think you’ve achieved it?
Talent, passion, hard work and determine are the essential qualities of success.
We are inspired by Sai Por’s enduring path in her pursuit of creativity are proud to have her as Fieldtesters, a group of inspiring individuals that test MATTER products in their everyday journeys of passion, to help us improve durability and design. Sai Por is wearing the Reversible Haori + Parva and All Day Jumpsuit + Kirana in Size 1.