SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010
CHARMAINE HARN - SINGAPORE
WHAT’S YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE WAY YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE?
We all have a purpose in life and that is reflected in our attitude towards work, the arts, relationships and ambition. I think the key is to make a life, not just a living.
Fulfillment plays a big part in MY purpose and is the driving force behind any project I chose to undertake. I want to master the art of doing less but achieving more. But discipline and patience is vital as well. And flow. Flowing is important. Understanding the cycles of life and knowing that challenges are opportunities for us to be creative.
SO HOW THE HELL DO YOU DO IT?
Prayer. And a lot of whisky. Jokes aside… it's all about Balance. Moderation. Doing everything as fairly and equally as you can. Some women call it yoga, others say Pilates, I say Balance. But according to your individual lifestyle.
Your life must complement itself. The people around you, the choices you make all must make you happy and help you be more aware.
TELL US ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE YOU?
Well I love people. I can talk to anyone and will talk to everyone. My inspiration comes from the fact that everybody has a story. Their own story. That's why often, when I met someone of importance, I ask them a simple question - "What has been your secret to success?"
David Tang, founder of The China Club & Shanghai Tang told me, "The key is to being well read. Read. As much as you can. Build a library and always be willing to learn new things."
Maggie Q, Hollywood actress and close friend confides, "We are who we are, to inspire people and we must be proud of who we are and what we do."
Faith Roberts, my Mother and Guru says, "Always surround yourself with people who are pure and good to you and bring out the best in you."
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHAKE UP YOUR GENERATION?
Add music. A lot of it. Good music. Educate through music. Inspire with sound therapy. Heal through sound vibrations.
TURN US ON TO SOMETHING?
I swear by Nature. I love holistic remedies. For many years, I have used flower essences and essential oils to stay balanced, focused and pampered. I am also fascinated with crystals and stones.
Bach Flower Remedies & Aurora Alchemy Goddess Oils
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL TO YOU & YOUR GENERATION?
The iMAC revolution. The Imac, Iphone, Ipod. Everything is «i» this and «i» that, in more ways than just aesthestically.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO WHAT YOU'RE DOING NOW?
Wow, this question stunned me. It brought me back to the time I was 4 years old and in the Botanical Gardens with my parents. We were all seated together in a café and my Dad had left his SLR camera on the tabletop. When no one noticed, I grabbed the camera, went outside and photographed a red Carnation flower.
To this day, I still have the picture. It is probably,comparatively, the best shot I have ever taken. That same year, 1981.. I did a TV commercial for Yamaha. I was the Girl for the Portasound. The print shot was of me, seated cross-legged, hugging a portasound with a huge grin on my face. The tvc had me skip down the Yamaha corridor, clasping my portasound, straight up to the camera to say "I love PortaSound!" Those were my 1st experiences with (both in front of and behind) the camera.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST WORK?
My last hosting gig was for the 1st season of Supermodelme. A reality program where 10 wannabe models battled it out to emerge victorious and win $10gs. I hosted the program, acted as guest judge on various occasions, played 'Mentor' to the contestants and awarded the 1st SMM winner live on stage in Zouk at their finale event.
As for modeling, I only do so now by special request. Last weekend, I went to KL to walk the 'red carpet' at the Bonia event where Anita Sarawak performed and I did a 'celebrity catwalk' for Bonia's Italian designer, who was present at the event. Creatively, I love photography and writing. I am currently working on a piece for a friend's newly opened concept store called Word of Mouth in Bali. I write more about the people behind the idea, and add some playful touches of my own to it to make it relatable.
WHAT IS YOUR WEAPON OF CHOICE FOR YOUR PASSION?
Charm.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER?
I have been following a photographer named Daniel Luxford whom I met in a skate shop in Perth. He sold us some skate wheels. His photography is raw and amazing. His 'personal' collection on his website are my favorites.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER?
Currently my favorite fashion designer is Sven for AllDressedUp.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
My personal style is about comfort and accesorizing. I love flowy materials and chunky jewelery. I think a woman should feel confident and sexy in her choice of clothes and know her own body well enough to wear flattering cuts, according to her moods. And I love jeans... I have them in all cuts, shades and lengths.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO NOW?
I like Funk, House and Reggae.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE IN YOUR CITY?
Singaporeans and everybody in Singapore are spoilt for choice when it comes to the Nightlife here. There is a scene for everyone, really. So don't expect New York styled lofty parties or hotel pent-house do's with pimped out luxuries (well you can imagine once in awhile, because it does happen occasionally). Our city scene is more intimate. The variety makes up for the lack of crowd and after hours are usually in cliques indoors.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY?
Drive around. When you're done in the city, take the freeways to secluded parts of the island. Like Changi Coast, Labrador Park or even Punggol. Seek out the heartlands and explore. WALK my dog out to East Coast Park, The Botanical Gardens, Changi Village as well as out on the islands when we do Boat Trips.
EAT! Katong Laksa, Sin Hoi San, Whole Earth, cockles, stingray, chili crabs… slurp.
Skateboarding. The skate park in East Coast is AWESOME> really. But I like long boarding more down slopes and gradual hills. Go to Fort Canning's concerts & festivals. The atmosphere there is incomparable. Spend a day in the week at the beach on Sentosa ; or charter a boat for the weekend to have a bbq on one of the the surrounding islands.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHAKE UP THE SCENE?
Organise a music festival with the 'Greats of Music today' and educate the people. Like a Music conference, with galleries and info on artists in the day and 'music appreciation' parties for the nights.
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO EAT IN YOUR CITY?
15 mins cafe, LaSalle / Whole Earth, Peak Seah St / Aoki Jap restaurant, Shaw Center
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO DRINK IN YOUR CITY?
BluJaz, Haji Lane / White Rabbit, Tanglin Village (I love those mini-Marys!)/ Orihara Shouten sake bar, Unity St.
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO SHOP IN YOUR CITY?
Haji Lane, Arab Street / Mandarin Gallery / Ann Siang Hill / Chinatown
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO HANGOUT IN YOUR CITY?
Charlie's corner, Changi Village / The Botanical Gardens / Raffles Marina, Tuas
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
