Songs for JULY. A book about art, music, and the power of the individual.
A book about the uplifting powers of art and music.
A book about art by ordinary people like you and me
About this book
written: 18 June 2019
In the Summer of 2018, I just started my instagram account to share my art online, and got to know a few new art friends from overseas. While I admired their art and interacted with them, and idea struck me: What if we had a collection of drawings, done based on different songs that mattered to our heart and soul?
And so, I began an instagram project: I welcomed my friends to join me in an art-book challenge: to either a) contribute a song that they really love, and share a treasured artwork by them that I would feature alongside an illustration I would draw for their song, or b) contribute a song and draw an illustration based on the song on their own, and I would listen to the song they share, and contribute an accompanying drawing based on it. Either way, they would be featured on my page, along with their music and art.
The idea evolved to the physical after I considered the dream of putting all this beautiful content together into a book, a book celebrating the art of ordinary people in my local country and also overseas, a book about the joy of music and art, and most importantly, a book screaming that art is for everyone.
Nowadays, art has gotten commercialised to the extent where it appears reserved for the elite. But art is everywhere, and it is for everyone. No one should ever feel alienated from art and music, especially when they are vital experiences that can nurse the soul, revitalise our spirits.
This inspired the next aspect of the book's concept and its title: Songs for July. Now, why July?
July, the mid-month of the year, can symbolise the mid-point of a journey; the boundary to which all unhappiness has past and from which new possibilities may be drawn and expanded. July, the month of hope and possibility, is a treasurable month marking change and movement.
Thus, this illustrated book follows the story of 3 different individuals struggling with their own pains in the urban city, who settle in the refuge of music and self-expression. Interwoven into this journey of self-discovery and reflection is a collection of 15 unique soundtracks treasured by 15 unique individuals, as well as their soulful artworks and stories of nostalgia, resilience and development.
A book about the strength of the individual, and the role that art and music have to play in this strength, Songs for July took me a whole year to complete, and has finally been finished. With every book sold, 20% of proceeds will be donated to The Red Pencil (Singapore), a charity organisation dedicated to spread the awareness of art therapy, and to use art therapy to help children and individuals develop towards their potential.
Songs for July would not have been possible without the artists who opened their hearts to me, trusted me in the book writing process, and shared their art and stories in the journey.
These artists are:
Adrian, Bëatrice Feng, Beatrice Leong,
Grace Chew, Jessica Yoon, Jodie Yam,
Merriley Sim, Mei Ann Sim,
Sheen Thennavan Richards,
Shirley Sim Hui Gek,
Swapnil Arya, Shermaine Lim,
Thng Teck Soon and Yin Leng Tan.
Snippets of the process
Watercolour was the medium of choice for all the illustrations for the book story. I hope you enjoy these snippets. Below are more goodies to show
Songs for July 'promo video'
This stop motion 'promo video' for Songs for July would not have been possible without my brother's beautiful pair of hands. He was too shy to show his face in the video so I got him to express himself through his hands.
The amazing music featured is by:
1st song: Brakelights, Omar Apollo
2nd song: Take on Me, A-ha
Songs for July:
A Midsummer's Dream
