A
Scattering of Pencils & the all-important Eraser!
In school, Albert Chan, although quite a prankster,
was also noted for his proficiency in art. He migrated
to Canada in the 80's but still keeps close touch with
his school cohort and continues to keep up his interest
in art. When he was approached for a contribution to our
website, Albert sent this life-like drawing. It depicts
2 lions and as Albert puts it " I chose the pair of
lions as they are symbolic of Singapore, the Lion City."
Albert took an interest in art during school days, and
was, and still is proficient only with the
pencil...hence he calls his work 'drawings'. He remarks
that he has neither the patience nor skill to do well in
watercolour or oils. When he came to Canada, he had lots
of time on his hands and decided to revive his pencil
drawing interest. To create some meaningful regular
activity, he contacted the West Vancouver Recreation
Centre to offer teaching pencil drawing. The
co-coordinator was delighted as they're always keen to
be able to offer new programmes. Albert was prepared to
conduct free classes, but the Centre's policy insists on
paying their instructors (Municipal rules) and he
accepted the minimum of $28 per hour, teaching one and a
half hours per week.
He
recalls that the initial response was very encouraging,
but since he could only handle 10 students (who
ranged from high school kids to working moms to
grandparents) there was a long waiting list. Some
dropped off, tired of waiting! He did this for 6 years,
and decided to call it a day this year (an emotional
occasion for him) as it was getting weary, setting
out one evening every week in spring, autumn and winter
in the rain and the snow and cold. There are no classes in
summer as everyone disappears to do their summer
outings/camping.
Albert admits though that he thoroughly enjoyed the
sessions, meeting some wonderful people over the 6
years, many of whom still contact each other and yak
over a range of subjects...just like what good friends
do.
Contrary to normal artistic execution, Albert does not
work on an easel. He uses the humble dining table, a
scattering of pencils and the all-important eraser to
correct mistakes. Over the years since the 1950s, he has
always had a lasting interest in pencil drawing and has
had requests for commissions. But he turned them down
even though the $$ would have been useful, the reason
being that he just cannot part with his work.. it's like
they were his offsprings! Over the years he has done in
excess of 200 pieces, framing every one of them to
preserve the paper and the drawings on them. Storage is
a problem! Albert classifies his subjects in themes:
Africa.. to commemorate the safari he took his family
on. North American wild life, Western topics like the
Calgary Stampede (cowboy stuff). And of course
Singapore.
Quite co-incidentally since our contact, Albert is now
"warming up" to starting on a new drawing due to
commence soon. Perhaps we can persuade him to share this
new work with us.