Because of her insistence in creation, a secondary school teacher resigned from teaching and started to work on odd jobs, after a year of careful consideration. Finally, she made her dream come true when she established her own studio in November last year.

Besides, in order to promote her creation, Song Hui-Jun brought her creation to life by painting on shoes. In order to bring art closer to the public, she turned art into daily necessities.

Song told Sin Chew Daily that she used to teach Chinese language and Art in an independent high school. But she decided to resign after two years of teaching and started to work on odd jobs, including painting murals and posters. But to her, these jobs did not require much creativity as she was just following others’ ideas to draw and colour. Thus, she decided to establish an art studio in Malacca.

It was in fact not an easy task to set up an art studio. Moreover, due to the current economic downturn, many parents have stopped sending their children to drawing classes.

Before the studio was established, Song had to survive on the money she borrowed from friends as no one showed interest in the paintings she left in local galleries for three months.

However, she was very gratified to have been supported and encouraged by her family. Thus, she was able to carry on even though she was facing financial problems.

Song understood that art could hardly be widely accepted by the people. Thus, she came out with the idea of combining art with daily necessities. She then tried to paint on shoes.

“I was just trying to teach children in my art class that they could actually go beyond traditional paper and canvas. But later, I found that if I could draw better, it would be easier for others to accept the concept,” she said.

She pointed out that her father was her first customer as he bought the first pair of shoes that she painted, giving her a good start.

“I do odd jobs when I have no money. I keep thinking about alternative ways to survive. Thus, other than teaching art in my own studio, I also teach in other daycare centres,” said Song.

Despite all the obstacles, she insisted in pursuing her dream as she believed that as long as you keep on going, you will sure enjoy the fruit of hard work.

Song was graduated from College of Fine And Applied Arts, National Taiwan Normal University with major in Fine Arts. She stressed on personal imagination and creativity in her teaching.

She believed that art should be the desire to deeply experience and understand while everyone could find their uniqueness, fun and confidence in art in accordance with their own thinking patterns.

She pointed out that parents may think children’s paintings are confusing but sometimes, children need space to develop creativity and vent their aggressive feelings. Therefore, she insisted on teaching openly to slowly guide the children.

“Children between 5-9 years old have the richest imagination. They may think they can’t do it but they definitely can. That’s why I never pressure them but just provide some guidance and let them develop their creativity,” said Song.

She did not encourage children to contest in painting competitions as she believed all of the contestants are losers because it does not mean that the paintings of those who do not win the contest are bad. Also, for those who have won the contest but could not make it the next time, it does not mean that they are not doing well.

She hoped that parents would not force their children as children need space to learn and vent their aggressive feelings for better development.

Song said that even though she may earn less money, but it is sufficient as she can do things that she likes and she gets satisfaction and joy from it.

She wanted people to feel how wonderful life could be and thus, all the shoes she painted were colourful.

All shoes were hand-painted and she had to spend five hours to complete a complicated design. Song would as well paint according to customer’s requests. It was indeed a very big encouragement for Song to have people willing to spend money to buy her shoes. (Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)