Side Hustler in Singapore: An Artist For The People

There is nothing typical about 65-year-old Belinda Low. Indeed, she might be an oldie, but her hunger for art seems insatiable. She would sacrifice her weekends to paint while juggling a full-time job as an administrator at an accounting firm. Some might even deem her crazy?

A true side hustler at heart, Belinda had always been multi-tasking. In her twenties, she was an ex-Rediffusion deejay while being an aerobics instructor.

From afar, I spotted a tanned figure standing steadily on a 2-step stool ladder painting on one of the walls at Hong Lim Complex. Although Belinda did not start as an artist in her career, she has gotten her big break as she now regularly gets assignments from government agencies. Here is her story.

When and how did you start being an artist?

B: I became an artist in 2011. However, I only started painting on walls in 2013. I got introduced to painting because of a friend who was feeling down then and thought art might be therapeutic for her. Hence, I accompanied her to an artist’s home and picked up painting ever since.

I do not regret taking up art now, even though it is at a later stage in my life. Since I am not getting younger, I am chasing my dream more passionately and earnestly.

The artist that actually inspired me to start painting was actually Vincent Van Gogh!

He dropped out of art school and started from nothing. Therefore, I can resonate with it. At the same time, I painted because of the emptiness I felt as my sons were all grown up. Publications, such as The Straits Times and BBC shared my story on my empty nest syndrome. They wanted to spread the awareness for other women who might be facing the same thing to take up a hobby, perhaps do something with their hands to take their mind off issues that might be bothering them.

Have you always started out painting murals?

B: I became an artist in 2011. However, I only started painting on walls in 2013. I got introduced to painting because of a friend who was feeling down then and thought art might be therapeutic for her. Hence, I accompanied her to an artist’s home and picked up painting ever since.

I do not regret taking up art now, even though it is at a later stage in my life. Since I am not getting younger, I am chasing my dream more passionately and earnestly.

What projects are you currently working on?

B: I had just completed a mural at Sago Lane, just in time for National Day. Following this, I have been tasked to paint three walls at Hong Lim Complex by the 14th of July. I just finished one at Hong Lim today, which took me two and a half days!

It seems that they are trying to rev it up on these mural paintings, thus their approvals are all over Singapore.

I do not know about you but painting on such a large canvas sounds pretty daunting and time-consuming. Of course, Belinda has her way when it comes to time management.

Someone said that I am like a speed painter because I am so prolific. As I can only mostly paint on weekends, I don’t have a choice but to paint fast.

– Belinda Low

What does a regular week look like for you? Is it tough to juggle the two?

B: It depends on the deadlines that I have. If I do not have one, I tend to paint on the weekends. However, if deadlines are present, I would take leave and paint on the weekdays.

*with a chuckle*

Although it was tough at the beginning, I gradually got faster the more I painted. I would say that I am juggling it all just right! I paint at this speed because I do not have that much time to spare.

How do you land these projects and are you remunerated in any way?

B: For this current project, the residents’ committee in Chinatown reached out to me. Four years ago, I had painted the walls and some rooms for them. Before this project, I also painted a few walls at Keong Saik Street.

As I work voluntarily, the management pays for my paints. However, I am not in it for the money, but the people and painting is my passion. On top of assignments from government agencies, I also do commission works.

What is the first artwork that you created?

B: It was a Vincent Van Gogh piece. My first wall was of a lion. I got an incredibly euphoric feeling when I finished it. I felt so free as I did not need to make any measurements and just painted as I pleased on a large canvas.

There are so many types of paints out there. For a talented artist like Belinda, what does she prefers?

Which type of paint do you work with most often and why? What is your favourite type of paint to work with?

B: I started with acrylic paint so when I used oil-based paint, I had to tweak things a little to get used to it. My favourite paint has got to be acrylic!

Acrylic paint allows me to correct my mistakes by painting over them, and this removes my fear.

– Belinda Low

How is acrylic different from other paints, such as oil and watercolour?

B: Acrylic dries faster, and you can correct it there and then. However, with oil, you would have to paint it “wet on wet,” and I have never liked that. With oil-based paint, you would have to paint a layer of coat on top of a layer of paint that has not yet dried.

What motivates you to keep doing what you do?

B: Painting the murals at Holland Village was a great experience! Not only did I get to know the people there, but I also painted some of them on the walls, which allowed me to discover my purpose when it comes to painting.

It started as a self-fulfilling hobby, but as I dug deeper, I realised I am doing it for others. In addition, I also want to keep improving my observation skills and paint anything and everything!

Did you face any obstacles in your journey as an artist?

B: The first year was pretty difficult for me as I had to overcome many obstacles mentally, such as the fear of making mistakes and getting accustomed to the learning process. I also struggled quite a bit with portraits.

When I can paint is also dependent on weather conditions. Some of the walls might not be in sheltered areas. Thus when it rains, I would have to halt my painting. Hence, I would say that patience and resilience are the two virtues that developed in me with time.

What is your take on the art scene, especially in your field of work, in Singapore?

B: I think it is opening up. If one is to share in public, like me, maybe we might be able to inspire the younger people to become artists too. However, fear is an element that stops many from pursuing their dreams. They are worried that others might laugh at them. One has to ride through the initial turbulent waves first.

Furthermore, you got to be crazily passionate about it, like Van Gogh, who painted an artwork daily. Else, it might be a little tough to pursue art!

Never think that you have arrived, for creativity is boundless.

– Belinda Low

Hustle runs an acrylic workshop for our students too. Any advice or words of encouragement to share as an acrylic painter-cum-side hustler?

B: Things might be challenging, but you should not think of it as torturous. You have to enjoy, but at the same time, you also have to learn and be flexible. On top of that, listen, remain humble and never stop learning.