art jam - Nanyang Technological University

art jam 28
heads up
O
ne of Singapore’s best kept secrets is Doinky Doodles,
a cosy shop found at 33 Bali Lane. Selling a diverse
range of handmade items from T-shirts to postcards
under one roof, it is a shopping haven for the shopper with a
taste for quirky designs with a unique twist.
A few streets away from Bugis Junction, Doinky Doodles is
located on the second floor of a shop house. Local designer
Weng Pixin, 26, is the brains behind this humble shop. Having
studied painting at LASELLE College of Arts, Pixin has been
sewing her own toys since she was ten. She created the
Doinky Doodles label in May 2008 and explains to ArtJam the
meaning behind the quaint name.
“It was invented after a series of frantic and fun text messaging
with a friend. Doinky is a made-up word to describe the fun
and colourful nature of my works, and Doodles represent the
drawings, sketches and random ideas that come to me before
every fresh creation.”
Vastly different from your usual department store selling only
mass produced items, every product in Doinky Doodles is oneof-a-kind.
Her passion for creating her designs and pieces can
be seen in her dedication to complete every item by herself.
Yet, all her fantastic works share one thing in common. They
exude creativity, positivity and fun. If you are feeling blue, this is
the place to go for an immediate lift to the spirits. The moment
you open the door to the staircase, you are immediately
greeted by cheerfully painted animals on the walls. The warm
atmosphere in the shop with happy colourful items surrounding
you will certainly bring a smile to your face.
Playing in the sandbox
with Doinky Doodles
Location: 32 Bali Lane (2 nd Floor)
Contact: 6292 2248
Website: www.doinkydoodles.com
Text: Cherie Thio
Photos: Doinky Doodles
When asked how she comes up with design ideas, Pixin says
that imperfection makes up a big part of her inspiration.
“Imperfection embraces the fun and freedom in art making.
There’s room for mistakes, there are no rigid rules to abide by.
Everything is made up. Art making should be fun, like playing
with mud in the sandbox.”
She adds that the individualized faces on all her plush toys
are inspired by various kinds of personalities, “from cartoon
characters… to any intriguing individuals you see while walking
around the neighborhood.”
She is not only a talented designer, but one with an environment
cause to boot. Seeing it as a “duty to be as environmentallyconscious
as possible”, every product is made using recycled
materials. Even product labels and shop promotional leaflets
are printed on excess paper left from printers.
Pixin also believes in giving back to the community. Whenever
she has wholesale orders, she liaises with the Mother-&-
Child Project that gives women from disadvantaged families
sewing jobs.
Doinky Doodles is the perfect place to shop for a unique
present for a special someone or the decoration to liven up
your working space while you are studying. If you cannot find
anything to suit yourself in the shop, you can also make a
custom order. What more are you waiting for? Head down to
Doinky Doodles for a different shopping experience now!