Alicia Chow Kirwan, the artist behind the Singapore-based brand Beeyarnd, transforms yarn into evocative and comforting works of art.
Her journey, which began with a search for a new creative outlet amidst the burnout of a food styling career, has led her to embrace the versatility and emotional resonance of yarn, crafting pieces that capture memories, evoke emotions, and bring a sense of serenity to her clients' homes.
'Throughout my years in the creative line,' Alicia explains, 'I realised sometimes a beautiful picture doesn’t necessarily have much meaning. I wanted to create Beeyarnd to fulfil my role as an artist and to create something inspiring and soothing for my clients.' This desire to infuse art with meaning and emotional depth is at the heart of Beeyarnd's philosophy.
The name itself, a playful combination of 'beyond' and 'yarn', reflects Alicia's ambition to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with this humble material. 'With a ball of yarn,' she says, 'I could do something much more sentimental and meaningful for the owners or collectors of Beeyarnd pieces.'
Yarn's inherent qualities of softness, texture, and malleability make it an ideal medium for Alicia's artistic vision. She sees yarn as a conduit for comfort and connection, offering a respite from the 'hustling and bustling' of city life. 'Art should consist of soft elements so we can connect them to our feelings,' she believes.
Alicia's artistic style is characterised by a subtle and ethereal aesthetic, often employing a pastel colour palette to create a sense of calm and tranquillity. This aesthetic is further enhanced by her incorporation of preserved flowers, which add a touch of natural beauty and whimsy to her works. 'Sometimes, people request flowers like hydrangeas, roses, or any wildflowers you could find in the market,' she shares. 'It’s like a garden in your mind.'
Alicia's art is inspired by diverse sources, including anime, fashion, and the natural world. She cites Studio Ghibli films as a key influence, with their dreamlike landscapes and gentle characters. 'The movies' use of colours and cinematography gives off an ethereal or surrealistic feeling,' she notes.
Fashion also plays a significant role in shaping Alicia's artistic vision. She admires designers like Giambattista Valli, whose whimsical use of tulle and feminine silhouettes resonate with her own aesthetic sensibilities. 'Fashion has also inspired me,' she says. 'Many consumers are very informed about how they dress and how their house looks, so they can better visualise these art pieces in their homes.'
Alicia's creative process is highly collaborative. She communicates closely with her clients to understand their desires and translate their memories and emotions into tangible works of art. 'When an enquiry comes in, I ask my clients a few questions,' she explains. For instance, where would they like to place this art piece? Is there a significant memory they would like to represent through this piece?'
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Want to learn more about Alicia's creative process, her thoughts on sustainability and technology in art, and her experiences building a successful art brand in Singapore? Read the full interview in GROUNDING, the 4th volume of INTERLUNAR's zine.
