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From Sketch to Lacquer: The Making of Jewel Within
Our founder, Meng Yee, spoke with ART:DIS artist Eugene Soh to learn more about the creative process, artistic influences and stories behind Jewel Within, the inaugural artwork of our City in Blossom series.
City in Blossom
Singapore, Through The eyes of Local Artists
Introducing City in Blossom, an ongoing artist collaboration series by Qua that celebrates Singapore through contemporary art.Inspired by the nation's vision as a City in Nature, the series invites local artists to interpret the landmarks that define Singapore through the richness of its tropical landscape.
Each edition begins as an original artwork before being translated onto Qua's handcrafted lacquerware, where contemporary artistic expression meets the enduring tradition of lacquer craftsmanship.
Meet the Artist
Eugene Soh
For Eugene, Jewel Within began with more than an iconic landmark. It was inspired by Jewel Changi Airport as a place where nature and architecture exist in harmony, reflecting Singapore's vision as a City in Nature. Beyond its striking design, he sees Jewel as a place of shared memories and quiet connection—welcoming visitors while holding a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans. He hopes the artwork invites visitors to pause, reflect, and experience the warmth and tranquillity of Singapore.
The Artist's Perspective: Eugene Soh
Play with Sound
The Highlight
"It's not just architecture. It's a combination of nature and architecture that gives people a sense of tranquillity."
Eugene shared that the Rain Vortex is the part of Jewel Within he holds closest. More than the centrepiece of Jewel, he sees it as the point where architecture and nature dissolve into one, creating a space that feels both tranquil and deeply moving. Rather than painting the waterfall in clear water, he expressed it in the luminous colours of Jewel's nightly light show. Flowing through the heart of the composition, it gently weaves together the surrounding flora and architecture, becoming the thread that brings the entire landscape into harmony.
Floral Symbolism in Jewel Within
Flower
The Rhyncattleanthe Nell Hammer orchid
The Rhyncattleanthe Nell Hammer orchid symbolises elegance, resilience, and Singapore’s reputation as the “City in Nature.” Like Jewel itself, it is a carefully cultivated masterpiece where beauty and innovation exist in harmony.
Flower
The Heliconia
The Heliconia, with its bold tropical colours, reflects the energy and diversity of our rainforest heritage. It adds movement and vibrancy, echoing the cascading water and the constant flow of travellers from around the world.
Flower
The Kopsia singapurensis
The Kopsia singapurensis, a rare native species named after Singapore, represents our roots. Though less well-known than the orchid, it reminds us that conservation begins by protecting what is uniquely our own.
Behind the Scenes
Jewel Within is more than a collaboration between artist and maker; it is a meeting of shared purpose. Since 2011, Qua has partnered with ART:DIS, Singapore's leading arts charity for persons with disabilities, to champion artists through meaningful creative collaborations.
By choosing City in Blossom, organisations not only celebrate Singapore through original local art, but also support opportunities for artists with disabilities to share their work with wider audiences.
It's corporate gifting that reflects both appreciation and purpose.
The Art in Progress
Jewel Within took shape through moments of quiet reflection and careful observation. Each brushstroke became an invitation to explore the balance between light and colour, nature and architecture. Rather than recreating what he saw, Eugene painted what he felt, capturing the quiet harmony between nature, light and place.
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