Sun Yu-li

As an artist, I’ve always believed that the process of making art is a journey into yourself, which is bountiful and limitless. The process is a valuable medium to allow creativity and imagination to run free, even though we may be physically restricted from doing so.

I’ve always been keen to share the process of making art — rather than just a finished product — as the journey is always more meaningful. Arts volunteering, while it brings little financial rewards, has brought a fulfilling feeling that no other rewards can match.

For example, one of my projects in 2017, “A Message From Outside”, explores how art can serve as a catalyst to arouse empathy as well as enable the discovery of unknown talents and skills. Created in partnership with the Yellow Ribbon Project and United Medicare Centre, it was an initiative to nurture the artistic talents of vulnerable adults and develop their self-worth so that they have the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.

Through a creative exchange of ideas, forgotten communities are brought together for a powerful shared experience, integrating societies and enriching lives. It was gratifying to see that the process the participants went through together was just as important as the final artworks produced.

Art volunteerism has connected me to thousands of people from all walks of life, and all that is an invaluable experience to me. For example, for the SG51 NDP art mural that surrounds the sports hub, I met with 42,000 participants and left with great impressions of the happy, smiling faces from 2 to 90 years old. I always look forward to such meaningful activities.

As an artist and volunteer, I believe that art allows us to explore the depths of ourselves, helping us find inspiration and motivation to nurture a better community.