I have always been a big fan of art. Be it creating them in the form of journal pages or turning them into zines. Art has always been a form of stress reduction tool to me.
Studies have shown that creating art not only reduces one's anxiety but it helps improves one's memory as well. The great thing about art is that it is always evolving. From the methods used to create abstract art to the way one interpret it, art represents a child-like freedom. That is where pendulum painting comes in.
Pendulum Painting Art in Singapore
The creation of a pendulum painting involves a swinging object splattering paint over a canvas underneath. It utilizes physics, gravity and one's creativity to create the abstract piece. The masterpiece may sound like a messy experience but at Motion Art Space, it does not need to be.
Motion Art Space
Previously featured in The Straits Times, Time Out and The Smart Local, Motion Art Space is an art jamming studio that allows one to incorporate art with science. Utilising Newton's Law of Motion, users can create their abstract art with the tools provided.
The birth of Motion Art Space was inspired by Canadian artist's Callen Schaub's stunning pendulum swing pieces and "fake art" movement. Adriel Ho and Ricardo Sentosa, the owners of this space, brought this form of abstract art to Singapore so that we can still enjoy novel experiences while in Singapore.
In this unique art jamming space, you can create various pendulum abstract art without worrying about the mess you have to clean up after. Additionally you can watch your art piece spin while paint swing, how fun!
There are three aspects when it comes to pendulum paintings:
With the canvas spinning on the custom-built rotating table, the swinging paint gets dragged down by gravity forming an unexpected abstract art piece.
Instructions
Before heading to our stations, we were required to put on an apron and watch a looping instructional video. There are also instructional boards on the walls as well. If you do not like the wet and cold sensation of paint under your feet, there's foot covers available.
Paint
Motion Art Space provides tempera paint, a kind of washable and non-toxic paint suitable for users of all ages. This water-based paint gets cleaned up easily with soap and water.
At the corner, there are leftover paints from other users which you can use if you find that 1 paint tub is not enough. However, it is not recommended since those paints might be old and clumpy so it might ruin your art work.
Packages
There are various packages available:
- 1st Law package - Suitable for 1 person
- Couple's package
- Child's package
- Adult + Child's package
- 4th Law package (4 pax)
- Group package (5 pax)
- Corporate package (Up to 12 pax).
All packages aside from the corporate package lasts an hour - which flew by so quickly.
The 1st Law package includes 40 x 60cm canvas, 4 tubs of 100ml basic paint and a wide selection of equipment.
I got the couple's package that includes two 40 x 60cm canvases, 8 tubs of 100ml basic paint, 2 tubs of 100ml premium paints and a wide selection of equipment.
The premium paints include silver, gold, bronze and various other metallic-like colours. You're able to choose your desired colours and equipment.
Tools You Can Used
There're also bowls, plates and a mixing stick available as well.
The Stations
Each station will have a custom-built rotating table mounted to the ground. The speed and direction of the table could be easily controlled by a remote control attached to every table.
Above the tables, there will be an adjustable pendulum setup hanging from the ceiling. Artists can attach their selected tools to these setups and adjust them to a suitable height.
Squeeze Bottles
Squeeze bottles create perfect circles and clear arcs, the key aspect of a pendulum painting. You only need a small amount of paint for the pendulum to work. I would suggest filling the squeeze bottle to the top of the cap or lesser so that you can switch to other colours as well.
If you want to change the paint colours, you should squeeze out all the paint from its nozzle before changing the colours. Alternatively, you can get a new paint bottle. Do remember, the more items you take, the more you have to wash.
Wooden Trays
Usage of a wooden tray is not as easy as pouring it into a bottle. There's a strategy to this tool.
For a nice splash of paint, one would need to pour at least three tubs of paint in the tray. You can layer the paint to make a pattern in the tray before swinging it onto the canvas.
You should also extend the tray to its maximum length to ensure the tray is as close to the painting as possible.
After you're happy with your paint choices, tilt your tray and aim for the canvas.
I describe this tool as the 'go big or go home' kind of tool because it not only uses lots of paint and you only have one shot. However, it can result in beautiful waves in your art pieces.
Before using the tools, I would suggest a practice swing without any paint in the bottle or tray so that you get the feel of how it is going to be like.
Hair Dryers
If you are unhappy with a particular stroke or you like to create a waveform, you can use the hairdryers provided to blow the paint in the direction you like.
Varnish Add-On
You can request for a varnish add-on if you're looking to protect your art pieces and brighten its colours.
How Does Motion Art Space Prepare for COVID-19?
The surfaces in the studio were treated with an advanced nano-ceramic coating. The coating provides protection from viruses and other microbes for up to a year.
Additionally, all stations are sanitised after every session and visitors have to adhere to a strict 1m social distancing and mask-on policy.
Pendulum Painting at Motion Art Space Review
Motion Art Space provides the perfect venue for one to unleash creativity without restraints. The equipment and tools provided allow us to create our very own pendulum paintings. The danceable tunes and artistic environment helps us relax and not be afraid of dirtying the place.
The staffs were also very bubbly and friendly. They kept checking up on us and guiding us when we requested it.
Although the process was rather messy, I did enjoy the flexibility and privilege of listening to your heart instead of doing something by the book.
There is a toilet attached at the back of the studio for us to rinse off the paint and our tools. The best part is, we don't have to clean up the surfaces and floor after we are done.
All in all, my partner and I enjoyed the session of expression through our canvases. One thing is for sure, we both wished the session was longer.
Collect Your Artwork in 3 Days
After you're done with your artwork, leave your masterpieces there for three days before booking a date to collect it. They will keep your art pieces for up to 14 days. Alternatively, you can book a Grab courier service to teleport these painting home.
Motion Art Space
36A Arab Street (Level 2)
Singapore 199735