SESSION 1: FRI 5 APRIL 2024
Teresa Teo Guttensohn & Joshua Yang
The Mundane and the Sublime
- A Dialogue about Easter Eggs and the Mystery of the Resurrection
Teresa Teo Guttensohn is the President and Co-founder of Cicada Tree Eco-Place, an environmental education NGO formed in response to the rapid decline of natural habitats, biodiversity loss, and climate change. An eco-artist and wildlife activist, Teresa also advocates for the protection of Singapore’s natural heritage and last wilderness.
Joshua Yang is an educator and painter who works mainly with oils and a limited palette. His subject matter ranges from simple objects to sacred images. As an ex-engineer, his works tend to combine concepts of physics and art.
Links:
by Teresa Teo Guttensohn
SANCTITATEM VITAE by Joshua Yang
Angelico Art Award 2018
(High Commendation)
THE RESURRECTION by Joshua Yang
"I have always been drawn to St Francis and the Franciscan spirituality. Both the artists' artworks discussed are so beautiful and it helped strengthen my faith journey through art and not only through the Bible. This is ‘Seeing Anew’ and refreshing. Enjoyed the session very much. " - Joey Gomez
"The pictures are so beautiful and the presentation was very good. The Holy Spirit speaks to us works through these lovely artworks and it’s a reminder that we must use the talents given by God for the glory of his kingdom.
In Teresa's piece, the wolf with halo reminds me that Jesus is there for me whether I'm good or not. And Joshua’s drawings reminded me of the nourishment of the holy communion to the mother and to the child in the womb (‘before I formed you in the womb I knew you')." - Josephine Teo
SESSION 2: FRI 19 APRIL 2024
Marcin Biesek
Bread, Stone, Flesh
Marcin Bernard Biesek is a visual artist (painting, sculpture) living in Singapore. He was born in Poland and has lived in the UK before moving to Singapore in 2018, where he continues his work and also in organising art workshops.
Links:
ILLUMINATION by Marcin Biesek
BYSTANDERS SERIES: CHANGI BEACH, Oil on Canvas
by Marcin Biesek
Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe, Oil on Canvas
by Marcin Biesek
COMMUNITY Painting, Oil on Canvas
by Marcin Biesek
A beautiful piece of art painted with passion. Wish he could show us more of his other paintings."
- Agnes Lau
"Marcin’s shared on the sufferings of the (Syrian & Ukrainian refugees) during the war which inspired his work of art. Appreciate his effort sincerity and humility."
- Joey Gomez
SESSION 3: FRI 19 APRIL 2024
Lee Kowling
Praying Through Art
Lee Kowling has been a freelance designer and illustrator for more than 20 years. A designer by training, Kowling is the illustrator of more than 40 children’s books. Her popular works include Suchen Christine Lim’s My New Monster Truck, I want to dance and Adeline Foo’s Peranakan series which includes The Beaded Slippers, The Kitchen God, Chili Padi, The Amulet and Georgette’s Mooncake.
Kowling's many colourful artworks on the life of St Francis of Assisi reside in various locations of San Damiano Franciscan Spirituality Centre.
Links:
MY EYES ON HIM by Lee Kowling
Angelico Art Award 2020 Winner
Various artwork of St Francis by Lee Kowling
"Kowling's art is soulful to me. It touches my heart to see an expression of life that I would not speak out to the world around me. Looking at her art made me feel intrigued about the life I'm experiencing and inspires me to examine my inner self. Thank you for sharing your life stories with us."
- Li Lian
"Her works bought out feelings of fun, and are Colourful and emotive. The hands-on part was exceptionally fun." - Toviya
SESSION 4A & 4B: WED 24 & FRI 26 APRIL 2024
Anne Lee Tzu Pheng
He restores my Soul (Psalm 23)
Anne Lee Tzu Pheng is an internationally published author, and has nine personal collections of poetry, and a book of reflections on her faith and writing. Known for its clarity and understated humour, her work has won numerous awards including the Singapore Cultural Medallion (Poetry), the S.E.A. WRITE Award, and the Gabriela Mistral Award (Chile). Lee has mentored many of Singapore’s young writers. She trains the lectors at St Mary’s.
Links:
SESSION 5: FRI 3 MAY 2024
Elenora Koh Bee Liang & Alan Johnson
Healing Heart & The Art of Stained Glass
Elenora Koh Bee Liang is a stained glass and architectural art glass artist with more than 40 years of experience. She is the principal artist and founder of Artglass, which offers services in commissioned stained glass artwork. She has won awards in Singapore and overseas and her art has been commissioned in Singapore and many other countries. She is in the Liturgical Art Ministry in St Mary's leading volunteers in beautiful art installations at church during the different liturgical seasons.
Links:
by Elenora Koh Bee Liang
Stained Glass at Greccio Friary Chapel
by Elenora Koh Bee Liang
SESSION 6: FRI 10 MAY 2024
Joseph Ng & Susan Toh
A Faith Journey Unfolds Through Art and Companionship
Joseph Ng and Susan Toh were married in 2008 and both have been in the architectural profession for over 20 years. Their shared faith journey began in 2015 after attending the Conversion Experience Retreat, which marked Joseph’s conversion to the Catholic faith. Discovering art as part of prayer during the Prayer Experience Retreat in 2017, Joseph and Susan started exploring art as a tool for prayer and reflection. In 2018, Joseph received an Honourable Mention for his artwork “Daily Reflections” at the Angelico Art Award and Susan received the High Commendation Award in 2022 with her piece “He Lifts Us up”. Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic, Joseph delved into self-taught sculpting and later completed the Bas-Relief artwork for the Tabernacle Doors in 2021 that is currently housed within the Chapel of The Incarnation at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
Links:
DAILY REFLECTIONS by Joseph Ng
Angelico Art Award 2018 (Honourable Mention)
HE LIFTS US UP by Susan Toh
Angelico Art Award 2022 (High Commendation)