Mary Choo is Going to Kill You.

WE ARE ALL HER CHILDREN.

MARY

CHOO

IS GOING TO

KILL YOU TAMPINES JUNIOR COLLEGE ART ROOM COMMEMORATIVE 2015

10

THE MORE THAN

COMMANDMENTS

1

9

MAXIMISE YOUR USE OF TIME.

DON’T LEND OUTSIDERS OUR STUFF.

If coursework is due on the 26th of September, you have until 11.59pm on the 26th to complete it.

2 KEEP ANYTHING THAT IS RUBBISH/ LOOKS LIKE RUBBISH. It can be used for art coursework.

(E.g. Ziwei, Jannah, Sarah.)

This is not a bookshop/ charitable organisation. If people ask, say, “Don’t have.”

10 HIDE WHEN CONSUMING CANTEEN FOOD IN THE ART ROOM. But don’t drink near the computer

3

11

CHOPE (RESERVE) TABLES WITH YOUR BAGS/ BOOKS/ PE SHIRTS.

OBSCENE PICTURES SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT OUT.

4

12

ENSURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF EXTRA UNIFORMS.

DO NOT THROW AWAY ANY OF MRS CHOO’S STUFF.

It will get dirty; 3 sets will be fine.

Even/ especially if it looks like rubbish.

No. 2 still applies. Her parents may haunt you.

5 DO NOT DIRTY THE FLOOR. Every morning “a teacher” (Mrs Choo) will sweep it, then No. 2 will happen.

6 BE PUNCTUAL OR MRS CHOO WILL “KEEEEL YOU!!!”

If you are slow or if she has to wait for you, she will “grow a beard”.

7 WASTING ACRYLIC IS A SIN.

13 DO NOT STICK TO THE NUMBER OF COMMANDMENTS.

14 TRY NOT TO HURT YOURSELF. Everything in the first aid kit has expired.

15 A PAINTING A DAY KEEPS THE LETTER “F” AWAY.

One bottle costs $42++. Pastel dropping $3. Do not waste/ throw paper. Do not print unnecessarily. Printer ink is costly.

16

8

THERE AREN’T ANY BIG CROWDS IN THE ART ROOM BECAUSE WE’RE TOO SMALL TO HAVE ANY.

NO SUCH THING AS “LOST & FOUND”.

Once lost, prepare to see it as a piece of artwork, especially if it looks like rubbish.

(See No. 2.)

THE

ARTROOM THE

PEOPLE

TRIBUTES THE

PEOPLE (cont’d)

TRIBUTE SPEECH 1 /// TAN SHAO HAN (Class of 1998) Hello everyone. It is a great honour for me to be invited to this gathering, where so many students have assembled to pay our tribute to a great teacher who has, with great patience and dedication, nurtured and guided our paths and voices.

I must admit that I do feel somewhat awkward to speak at this occasion, for unlike my fellow alumni of TPJC, I was never an Art student--I was a student of the Arts cohort, but I did not engage in the study or practice of aesthetics and the fine arts.

Many of the best friends I made in TPJC, though--in fact, probably the only friends from TPJC whom I still keep in contact with--are students of Mary Choo, and so I remember spending a lot of my free time (and more than a few skipped classes) in the Art Room with my friends, trying my darned best to look like I belonged there and trying to look inconspicuous at the same time.

It didn’t work at all, of course--I think Mary was all too aware of this interloper in the Art Room, but tolerated my presence with great grace.

And yes--yes, I admit it, I’m one of “those guys”. Taking up space in the Art Room, not doing anything constructive in particular, that’s me.

It’s precisely in the position as one of “those guys” that I wish to offer my tribute to Mary Choo and her sustained efforts in creating a community and contributing to a culture in TPJC where young people can be free to

explore and experiment with art and creative expression.

That sense of acceptance and encouragement for imagination is what drew me to the Art Room in the first place.

This is the main point I wish to discuss--as a guest in the Art Room, and as a member of the student body of TPJC, I benefited immensely from you guys--all of you, and though we never spoke, most of all, from the teachers of the Art Room.

I mean, we are all messages in bottles sometimes, drifting through the sea. We sometimes can never fully realize the impact of our words and deeds upon others; sometimes we don’t know how we can be interpreted by others, sometimes we can never ever be sure what we mean to others.

And well--as a student of the humanities and the arts--I benefited greatly from your presence and that ambient spirit of rigor and discipline, as well as imagination and creative energy. The hours you spent in that room, working over and over again on your art--it forms a kind of a spirit of place, a genius loci, a small god that calms the senses and sharpens the voice.

Places like these are in short supply here in Singapore, and they often disappear when we aren’t quite ready for them to go. Such is life here, where as a society we are still bound to industry as our teleos, where we have so little patience and tolerance sometimes for diversity or difference, and whatever respect for heritage

and culture we might have often loses out to our respect for the bottom line of the economy.

It is what it is, and we all bear scars of these losses, and more.

And so I offer my tribute to you, Mary, for your work in providing and protecting this kind of space where students are held up to a high standard in their craft, a sanctuary for their

TRIBUTE SPEECH 2 ///

work and practice.

As a member of the larger TPJC community, I benefited from the existence of the Art Room in TPJC; it enlarged my horizons and deepened my perspectives. So, thank you very much, and I salute you for your long years of rigorous and dedicated service.

Delivered by Swee Qiao Pei on behalf of Kerlin Thiang (Class of 2014)

The mediocre teacher tells The good teacher explains The superior teacher demonstrates The great teacher inspires Mrs Choo, you have been a great teacher.

We will all remember the long chats we had with you when we were doing our coursework.

You shared with us interesting stories which made the working on our coursework less mundane, and through that process, we got to know you more.

You were always actively looking out for subject matters that were relevant to any of the student’s work everywhere you went, which showed that you truly wished for all your students to do well and ensure that we were not lost in the course of our work.

You never restricted what we wanted to do and

always encouraged us to explore, even though some forms of art may not have been your area of expertise. You were like a light to us, guiding us, when we were lost, to eventually reach our objectives.

We will be eternally grateful for your wholeheartedness in what you did and we will always remember the kind words and encouragements you gave us when we were so stressed up with deadlines piling up.

Thank you for pampering us with so much delicious food, such as your homemade jelly and even to the extent of bringing your air fryer into the Art Room to cook us curry puffs every Tuesday--filling our tummy with yummy goodies, as well as motivating us to do our work!

Even though you are retiring, this will not be a goodbye as we will continue to keep in touch and have the same long chats we had in the past!

TRIBUTE SPEECH 3 /// Delivered by CHRISTOPHER LIEW LEE MENG on behalf of Batch ‘14-‘15, also comprising Jean Tay, Kuo On Chit, Kimberly Wong Tze Lee, Maria Tang Ying En and Mohammed Syafiq.

Dear Mrs Choo, If we were to describe you in a word, it would be old. Wait--hear me out. While some might associate the word “old” with repetitiveness and forgetfulness, the word “old” also holds wisdom and knowledge. When we first started taking Art lessons with you, Mrs Choo, we didn’t have the best of attitudes particularly when you repeated points we thought we already understood. We were impatient, and failed to appreciate the knowledge you were trying to impart and the wisdom in your teaching methods. Yet despite ourselves, you were patient and understanding, giving us advice when we were troubled, and comforting us when we were feeling depressed or unmotivated.

The truth is, if it were not for your warm and welcoming attitude, I doubt our time here would have been the same. Thank you for helping us get accustomed to JC life, especially during our first year here. You have helped to make the Art Room a comfortable place to be in--a second home for us here in college.

Your enthusiasm towards learning has not only influenced us to be as interested in broadening our perspectives, but at the same time enabled us to grow closer through our learning experiences together. Without your encouragement to discover new things, it would not have been possible for all of us here to become a circle of friends who are able to

depend on each other for help. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful opportunities you have given us to grow as Art students and also as people.

Which is why we feel that the next word to describe you will be “motherly”. Sometimes, you are like a mother to us, guiding us along the way, yet fearing that it may cause us to deviate from our own path. Your constant reminders reflect your genuine worry, helplessness and concern for us. We really want to thank you for that. It is truly a blessing to have a teacher genuinely concerned about our welfare.

Your presence has made Art a subject that we can feel passion for and not one in which we merely pursue academic excellence. We may not have said it often enough but we really appreciate everything you’ve done.

Your dedication and kindness is a great inspiration to the many generations of Art students here in TPJC. Your experience and wisdom have allowed us to see art in new ways that transcend the surface of a painted canvas, and to understand the meaning and stories behind each work with the emotional depth that inspires both artists and viewers. Your dedication to help all students do their best despite trying times shines in the earnest patience you exhibit, with the hopes of them doing their best for the A Levels. We hope that you will enjoy your retirement like your time in the College and that you will find the time to drop by sometimes.

ARTWORK

STUDENTS’

ARTWORK

MRS CHOO STUDENTS’

ARTWORK (cont’d)

CENSUS /// SUMMARY

CENSUS PROFILES

Michael Ong

Diana Yeo

(Then Jackie Ong)

1991

1989

Mrs Choo, knowing you was the BEST thing that has happened to my life! Your courage to be who you are by how you dress has inspired me to follow my heart. Your gentle, kind patience and guidance have built and helped me tremendously years after leaving TPJC Art Room.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

From working as a waiter to being cabin crew and finally running my own business.

We were always on the lookout for her--wondering what stunning, fashionable outfit and superbly well-co-ordinated accessories she would be wearing for the day.

Mary, thank you so much for being such a cool, passionate and patient teacher. Your great energy and kindness will always be remembered and treasured. I am so glad that our lives are forever intertwined with Der being the sixth degree of separation and that I got to see you again when I was back in Singapore. Now that you’re retiring, you might want to travel. I welcome you with open arms and I promise to take you to all the cool museums and galleries this city has to offer! Come visit lah!!

- di xox What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Of course, she never disappointed us.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter- or mid-life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

A luxurious boutique hotel-style art studio; an icon of the TPJC.

The spirit of high fashion!

A journey of self-discovery and growth.

Have the courage to listen to your heart and follow your passion.

Always return (in good order) and keep the common storage cabinets tidy so that others can use.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter- or mid-life crisis?

I have been a graphic designer for the past 19 years! I definitely owe my basic drawing and design skills to Mary! And to find out years later that one of my good friends Der is her nephew. Small world. OK, I digress.

Most memorable reunion--lo hey CNY 2013 at Carlton Hotel Wah Lok!

A chill-out area with plushy cushions since I pretty much “lived” in the Art Room. My little haven.

How about Mary’s gregarious, free spirit?

I found solace in the Art Room.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

The Art Room is a special place where you can really express yourself and be accepted as who you are. I’m sorry that you aren’t able to experience the wondrous Mary Choo as your Art teacher. She’s truly a one-of-a-kind, special, amazing lady.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

I remember getting burnt a lot when I was pouring wax on my batik piece.

And with a squeal, Mary would rush to the pots of aloe vera plant which were placed very strategically around the room, snap a part of the leaf and toss it over to me.

Juraimy Bakar 1991

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I must thank you personally for your generosity of spirit. I have been the beneficiary of your kind guidance. May you always be showered with the blessings of life. Mrs Choo, continue to enliven the lives of those you encounter.

Kim Yong 1993

Her home. We had a small gathering at her place.

- Kim

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Yong Philip 1992

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Dear Mrs Choo, I would not miss your party except that I am and will be out of the country for the next two years. Would love to meet up with you when I get back to Singapore. Now that we’re older, have jobs, children etc, would love to hear what you have to say about us when we were young and foolish, as well as find out about the ways in which the current young are foolish. I know you will have a fabulous party as that is just your style. Thank you for your open heart and your years of service to our youth.

I sincerely hope you are well and happy.

Dear Mrs Choo, thank you for the impression made at a time when the future was not clear.

Without that positive spirit, lots of conditions would be very much confined to the usual.

You allow much impossibility; that is much appreciated.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Mainly architectural design after graduation in NUS.

Writing, housewife.

Not really, unless you count the time she came home with me to check on my collage which was too big to carry around. But, I’ve been told she was often (in those days) spotted polishing her Merc in her residential car park.

A collage, still. Maybe a few more friendships.

It’s been 20 years so I have no idea how the Art Room is like in recent years, but I appreciated how the Art Room was a place where we could relax and be ourselves. There was no stress (not even to hand in work). Mrs Choo was always easy-going, open and truly interested in each student as an individual. I remember how she would have time for any and every oddball in the cohort and be accepting and interested in our quirks and kinks. She was probably more gossipy than the average teacher, but that was all part of it and quite fun.

So:

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Would like to keep the same atmosphere it had 20+ years back.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

We treated the room as a safe haven from other classes.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

A room that is never tidy, not sure if she agrees.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

It is a space for learning and sharing. I think it is definitely a space the whole JC needs more of, rather than the usual class room and lecture hall setting.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

1. No pressure 2. Accept each individual.

3. Also, the fortnightly (or weekly) live portraiture/ still life painting sessions were great discipline.

(And Mrs Choo never made anyone feel bad about their work, thus illustrating Points No. 1 and 2.)

It is a room of no rules, so anything can happen, of course for the good.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Some things are more important than other things. And if you’re not sure which is what, talk to someone like Mrs Choo.

Mrs Choo had always been admired and noticed for her fabulous sense of style.

I had been having difficulty looking for the perfect pair of glasses for a while and it occurs to me, as I am writing this survey, that I have been, in fact, sub-consciously seeking out Mrs Choo’s glasses--late 70s large frame, tinted because that was cool, but only slightly so you could still see her flashing eyes.

Daniel Kok 1994

Admit it: You were a fag hag in your previous life and will be one again in your next!

And thank you for the taokwas that you would prepare for me every Tuesday! Somehow, every time I think of them, I always have an image of them with your lip-stick marks on then! :P

Edmund Heng 1994

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

OCS Army, PSC teaching scholarship to Goldsmiths College (London), NIE, teaching in TPJC Art, teaching in Hwa Chong AEP, masters in Dance in Berlin, post-masters artistic research programme in Brussels, independent choreographer I contributed my own books and some of them were stolen! :) (I will keeeel the student who took my Marc Quinn book.)

She attended my Young Artist Award ceremony at the Istana.

We went to Noo Yawk City together and I took her to a drag show.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Drawing and only drawing.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I was stressed out and smoked in the Art Room one late afternoon while a couple of students were painting. Oh... While I was a *student*. I honestly cannot remember. Nothing that exciting.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Biscuits.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Can only speak as teacher, fresher in my memory: it was great to have a constantly laughing, always generous and totally open-minded teacher and colleague in Mrs Choo. She has made the Art Room a sanctuary for me both when I was a student and a teacher at TPJC. When I was pissed off with the principal, I could always grab Mrs Choo to the canteen for a coffee.

Practically always.

Teaching is my number 1 job! (Prob only!)

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Absolutely not. I have put in a few tonnes worth of stuff though.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Art Room of the Future

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Being a frequent absentee from school and classes, Mrs Choo would always write my name and put it on an easel outside the Art Room to announce who was “Wanted”. I was on her wanted list many, many times!!!!

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

The Rules, definitely.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Upkeep the Marys’ Tradition!

Jeanette Ng 1996

You’re fabulous! Thank you for inspiring us!!!

It is possible to make 50-cent earrings look glamorous.

There was a strange boy in TPJC whom everybody seems to know of. This pale-skinned boy with a big head of head was nicknamed the Umbrella Boy, and was always walking around the school with an umbrella, even on fairweathered days.

After the prelims, just before everyone disappeared for their A Levels revisions, Umbrella Boy, probably out of a dare from his classmates, put on the school skirt and strutted down the classroom corridors. It caused a big commotion. Students ran out of their classrooms, squealed and laughed.

Umbrella Boy was called up to the school office, of course. If I remember correctly, he was to be suspended from school by the principal.

Yet, even though he had little to do with us, Mrs Choo decided to have a word with the principal. She wanted to say that we should be giving support to the boy, not aggravate whatever problems he might be facing so close to the final exams. She stood up for Umbrella Boy and I was immensely proud of her.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Video production.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Some batik.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Magnificent library of books.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Art Room = a sanctuary = best part of my life at TPJC.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

It’s good to imitate the masters.

Walked into the Art Room early one morning and smelt cat poo. We suspected a cat came into the Art Room at night and looked around for incriminating evidence. After a while though, I realised the poo smell came from my own shoes--I’d stepped onto it when commuting to TPJC : /

We all love you Mrs Choo. We were not friends and teachers in the Art Room--we were--ARE-family. And you made that happen. We will always treasure the times we spent there.

Nadirah Sultan 1997

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Architect, construction management, property developer.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

More pastel art. I’ve stopped pastel painting since I left, but I might do a photo book for the Art Room.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I may (or may not) have skipped a tutorial & lecture or two.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Set yourself free

Thank you for believing in my abilities and work. It was your passion for art that fanned the flames of mine for the subject. Continue to do art even after your retirement. I would love it if you could give me one of your paintings!!

Lynette Wan 1997

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid-life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Vivien Won 1997

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I wish I could be there at the reunion; I miss you and wish you a wonderful and busy retirement :) I’m moving to Kuala Lumpur in August from Belgium for three years. I plan to take up art again (fingers crossed). Hope to visit you during my next trip home!

Sociology and psychology lecturer at NUS and SIM university; research assistant at IMH; First Secretary at the Singapore Embassy in Brussels.

I’ve visited her at her home!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I love pastel portraits; I would revisit other subjects like landscape and still life now; as well as experiment with other mediums. The two years at TPJC only opened my eyes to a new world where I found confidence in myself as a budding artist. I didn’t have the time and chance to explore and learn about my (potential?) creativity beyond the A Levels.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Doing a naked portrait without a head.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

The mess and the freedom that students had! It was chaotic but it was the most genuine place in the whole school. I felt most at home there and this sense of security gave me the confidence I needed to get through the A Levels.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Make the most of the Art Room autonomy, but use your time wisely.

Freedom is not worth much unless you have discipline and motivation.

The A Levels are just the start of life. Don’t take yourself too seriously!

Full time: editor, co-editions manager and lecturer; Leisure: writer.

Yes, in an interview for my SG50 project.

Pantry.

Tia Kai Yen 1997

The freedom to be there whenever we want.

Gave me “lodging” during my non-lecture/ tutorial time.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Love what you do.

It made my JC years so much more enjoyable, which was most likely why I got A for Art but D for the other 2 subjects.

Joanne Lim Rhao Mei

Lau Alvin 1998

1998

I never expected to be an Art teacher, and credit my A Level Art teachers who gave me the chance to read the subject in 1997. I learnt that MOE selected me for the interview only because I had read A Level Art, as they were hiring Art teachers in 2003. Who could have guessed that art would eventually enable me to earn my livelihood?

For that, I am eternally grateful to the Art teachers, for allowing me to read Art as a fourth A Level subject. I would not be an Art teacher today, if not for the opportunity in 1997. Thank you.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I’m currently on no pay leave from work as a teacher, to pursue my doctoral studies full time.

Digital 3D stereo media based video and photomicrographs.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I once ate three cookies from the biscuit tin at one go--it was way past 5pm, and the canteen was closed. Burp! Excuse the hungry ghosts of the Art Room lurking over their batik paintings and fashion plates.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

A photograph of each cohort, displayed for posterity.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Graphic design, ad agency, uniform design, drywall consultant, indie jewellery, HR manager.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Watercolour paper. But I used it for portraits of some guy whom I had a crush on. It was art therapy?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I’d probably try to create the improbable clothes and accessories that we were drawing for Fashion Illustration. It would be pretty interesting, because we were just drawing without any consideration for construction at that time.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Eating in the Art Room and skipping Math and Econs classes (by hiding in the Art Room) pales in comparison to a pretty epic group fight in 1998. It all started when a few of us were painting. Somebody said something bitchy, and there was light water splashes of retaliation--which rapidly devolved into an acrylic paint fight, and several TPJC uniforms were ruined. Raihan, Shiping, Robert, Deyi and more whom I don’t remember. People were fleeing with semi-transparent clothes. That was also the year someone set fire to the public coin phone booths that used to be in the foyer. (But that

Yes. Attending art workshops and courses for JC Art teachers.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Thank you. For being all-inclusive and generous with your time.

For nurturing our young, clueless minds. For showing confused angst-ridden teenagers how to be fabulous. You and Ms Mary Lee together have made a very real difference in all our lives.

Scaffolding while initially necessary, has to be eventually removed, so that the learner can succeed without the scaffold. As a teacher, I better recognize and better appreciate the wisdom and significance of the Art teachers’ pedagogical approach to the processes of visual representation and expression.

You are responsible for your own failures. Every success is owed to your teachers, parents, society, the PAP, the SAF, grandparents and all other relatives dead or alive.

The girls would attack the instant noodles, while the boys were interested in the tins of biscuits that the Art teachers placed on the grey shelf above the metal sink (OK, not quite--the girls devoured everything). This was in the 90s, when there was nothing to eat once the canteen closed in the afternoon, so the two tins of biscuits and instant noodles were a real blessing to the hungry ghosts of the Art Room still lurking over their batik paintings and fashion plates way past 5pm. The girls were careful to wait until the Art teachers left, to lap up the noodles. We were simply contented with the wafers and chocolate cookies and cream fillings, as the only other option was the water cooler in the evenings. How things have changed since, with the ubiquitous food and drink dispensers at school canteens, and fast food delivery. The hungry ghosts of the Art Room are eternally grateful for the caloric sustenance.

wasn’t me.)

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

There used to be a spray bottle of water meant to dilute paint on canvas in the Art Room. The Art teachers used that same bottle to spray a number of sleeping students awake. Refreshing!

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

For growth: try everything; even uncomfortable things.

For self-awareness: don’t confuse what you do with who you are.

For survival: learn to budget and start investing at a young age to create a passive income stream so that you can do whatever you like without worrying about survival or putting up with horrible bosses.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Shafiq was probably my most exciting flatmate in Sydney. Deyi popped over from Melbourne to clean the house and wash our dishes. Sabrina had her dog harassed and humped by our flatmate’s dog. We may all have stopped doing portraiture, but the bonds of the TPJC Art Room can extend across space and time, on occasion.

Daphne Ng 1998

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Stay fashionably young, Mrs Choo! :)

Taught Physics in JC for about seven years; worked at Ministry of Communications and Information for about two and a half years; recently joined the National University of Health Systems.

I’d still like to hone my skills in fine art--portraits, still life, landscape drawings etc.

But I think it would be fun to explore multimedia installation too.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Uh, using Art Room as a hideout when I was supposed to be attending lectures/tutorials?

That’s all really. Was pretty guai otherwise :p Ok, might have stashed away a few pieces of those nice felt paper for my personal use...

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Everything as I remember it to be since 1998-1999!

The mantra: “Just try”--the need to take that first step of picking up the pencil/brush/oil pastel stick and hit against the blank canvas or paper, and build my piece one stroke at a time and adjust it as I go along.

Pretty much the same attitude I took when I was making the decision to switch jobs.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Sharon Thien 1998

I would love to be at the party but I won’t be in Singapore at that period of time. I wish you a Happy Retirement and many happy, healthy days ahead. You are a wonderful teacher!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Counsellor, social worker (five years), flight stewardess (three years until now).

Do more acrylic paintings.

The ambience: relaxed, encouragements, space, music, acryliccrayons-woody-water-biscuits smell.

Remembering that I was good at something or that I had a creative flair.

Perseverance. It takes consistency and great perseverance for Mrs Choo to become a legend.

I still remember her teaching me about perspective. She gently and patiently told me twice to stand back and look at my drawing.

Treasure your time and friendships made in the Art Room.

Bjorn Yeo Chern Yih 1998

Yu Chou Chuen 1998

Thank you for the wonderful memories!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Four times civil servant, PhD candidate.

This memory is still very vivid in my mind: Mrs Mary Loh would unscrew the caps and take deep sniffs at the acrylic paints on her routine checks on their upkeep.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Design. Design. Design.

Probably something big and gigantic.

Is there a “no teachers” sign? If not there should be one.

By providing a place of escape.

Enjoy student life. Do not take anything too seriously. Have fun.

Jingle Chen 1999

Dear Mrs Mary Choo, thank you for inviting me back to TPJC to be the guest of honour last year. I loved my JC years; it held the most wonderful time, where you gave me the freedom to be who I am.

I have always loved the process of thinking and creation. Although I am not a painter now nor fashion designer, my time in the Art Room shaped my path, aspirations and personality.

I hope you have a happy retirement. When you take a walk and look around you, it is likely that some of our creations are interwoven around you, somewhere, somehow in your life. It could be in a pasta packaging, an advertising message on a bus, a portrait on a magazine cover.

We are all around you, always.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Primarily a creator. Creating marketing collaterals for clients from all kinds of organisation and all kinds of industry. I am not a graphic designer; I am not trained as one, but I direct and run a design firm.

Currently, a brand consultant for new business owners looking to grow their companies.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Shafiq Majid 1999

Thank you for being the best memory I have of my two years there.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the Art Room? If so, what were they?

The statute of limitations is up on this one.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Havoc, more than anything else.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I was quite a late enrolment into the Art Room. I couldn’t paint or draw and didn’t think I had an ounce of creativity. A philosophical dispute with my History teacher that led to a screaming battle and me walking to the office to drop the subject left me no choice but to take A Level Art.

I would still be doing fine art and fashion design. Painting and drawing are therapeutic. Fashion and design engage the mind and inspire.

During my audition, I was told to draw Sharon Thien sitting in a classroom with the other Year 2s. She was in our putrid green school uniform and since I couldn’t draw, I went on a completely different tangent and drew her in a purple tube top and gave her Medusa hair.

We need a balance of both.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I made use of the colour printer to print a picture of a Golden Retriever that shared the same birthday as me.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Her bold and colourful earrings should be lined up from end to end.

Each pair tells a journey, tells a mood you can be in, and shows an inspiration that could make you the star of the world.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

When you want to hide from the real world, go to the Art Room.

When you are inspired enough, go out and face the world.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Take art seriously, but not yourself so seriously.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Lauretta Fletcher 1999

When art materials are free, art tolerates all mistakes. When you have to pay for materials now, art has to be perfect.

After a discussion with Mary Loh, Mrs Choo decided to take the risk and let me take the subject.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

[Ed: Lauretta had minor surgery earlier in the day.]

Any pictures of me or the 98/99 batch. My Timmy and Mimmy coffee cup.

Ok firstly, whose mid-life?

The Art Room is where I got closer to a few friends whom I cherish till today, namely Mark Wong “DD”.

Also it taught me a very important lesson that life is not all black and white, right or wrong. It’s our faults and colours that make life interesting and worth it.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Don’t do anything different from what you are doing now. Enjoy your time in school and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s not these two years that define you. Try everything at least once. Painting is more important than PE and if anyone tells you differently, just walk away and paint.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the Art Room? If so, what were they?

A book (can’t remember the title or content), which I passed down to a junior, Andrew Chiu ;)

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

The fact that we could cook instant noodles over the wax stove.

That’s the reality of life.

Still feeling the effects of sedation* to fill this form to the fullest, but I’m really looking forward to the event. Will pass you a personal note at the event.

Streetwalker, style icon, office Girl Friday, waitress in the sky.

Mark Wong De Yi 1999

Thank you so much for making the Art Room what it was and still is to me, Mary Choo. I cannot thank you enough for letting us have such a big space in the school and in your heart to fly so freely while still being under your quiet protection.

Without your guidance, I would never be where I am today.

I will try to keep this Art Room spirit alive beyond the Art Room.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

After university, I returned to Singapore to start a campaign with a couple of friends to move for the repeal of marital rape immunity in Singapore (No to Rape campaign) in 2009. After that, I joined the Preservation of Monuments Board as a research, education and programming architectural consultant, where I mainly organised events for PMB, held talks with schools, trained walking guides, as well as contribute to artwork and research to the Board.

The constant exposure to architecture and other people’s work fanned the desire to return to practice. I was turning 30 that year and suddenly felt that if I didn’t try again, I might get too old to pick up new skills and keep up with contemporary architectural thought. So I took the plunge, joined RSP, and have been there ever since 2011 :D

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

No way; I was the mini-Mary Choo in school; I was all about “please return the books” and “please keep the library book record book tidy”. I also contributed some of my own art material supplies to the Art Room.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I sat in her car a lot because she used to (extremely kindly, and for this I’ll always be grateful) send me home--I lived next to where her mom used to.

She also brought me to see her new condo when she first bought it. I think because I was in architecture school then and she thought I’d be useful feedback--I wasn’t! Oops!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I don’t regret anything I did in school, but I can think of some stuff that I might do differently: a) I tried to be very ironic in my design for my A Level paper. The fashion paper called for an ice-themed costume, and I chose to drape an ice character in a costume of rather fiery tones. I thought it’d be... Ironic.

Well, I guess my B in Art really taught me that lesson in irony. b) I dropped ceramics for fashion, thinking that I’d have a real future in fashion instead of ceramics. Neither came true, but I do wish I hadn’t dropped ceramics--if only ceramics could be less messy!!! My obsessive compulsiveness couldn’t bear it even after three years working with the medium.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

These aren’t really petty crimes, but two incidents that received heat: a) Telling on a former teacher of Subject ___ who made snide remarks at Art Room students during hir lecture, to the effect of how Art wasn’t a real subject and Art students shouldn’t rely on it so much. When I learnt about it, I complained to Mary Loh and Mary Choo, who both huffed up and raised the matter to the HOD. This caused a bit of commotion, and eventually I was called up to the HOD office and accused of causing dissent based on hearsay (as witnessed by an entire lecture theatre).

The telling off was too much for my fragile young ego, I had a breakdown in the Art Room later and Mary Choo, then Mary Loh subsequently, had to comfort me. b) Someone in my class made some uncomplimentary remarks about me, so I publicly read out a sarcastic, backhanded apology in the Art Room in front of the whole class, Mary Choo and Mary Loh. It was hurtful and extremely juvenile. Said person and I, I hope, are past this episode now, but I haven’t apologised for that cruel act. I’m really, very sorry!

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

The two most important things about the Art Room for me were the camaraderie as well as the lack of judgement against things that were not normal. Until today, some of my best friends were made in the Art Room, and the constant questioning of the hollowness of “normalcy” stays with me--I hear Mary Choo’s voice utter: “What is normal!?” whenever I hear someone tell another to be normal.

The Art Room has helped me forge bonds with friends and teachers; people who have helped me through my quarter-life crisis and the darker periods in my life. TPJC may never have been the best school and I have heard my friends and peers bemoaning their perceived failures often--but the Art Room’s culture of “just do it” experimentation has really left its mark on us.

These are the people (whom I know) who have ventured out on the oddest and most unusual adventures in life, and I think that is truly inspiring–to know that life can hold so much variety, that it is so flawed, yet so beautiful.

Normalcy and the world’s popular notions of success are truly, truly overrated.

I loved nothing more than when Mary Choo and Mary Loh lied to or made practical jokes on each other. Like when Loh asks if anyone’s seen her keys, Choo may say she thinks Loh left it in the canteen even though Choo has the keys right beside her knowingly. Those were always a riot!

Shafiq and I used to not have much concern for an Art classmate (Rachel Ho) when we were in school because she hung out with the “cool kids crowd” at the foyer rather than in the Art Room with us misfits. It wasn’t until we left school that we reconnected (for reasons I can no longer recall) and the three of us became very close. Rachel died in 2006 in Melbourne, where she and I were pursuing our post-graduate studies. Whenever I think of the Art Room, I’m reminded of her and how Art Room dwellers can have a much longer reach in our lives than we can see then or now. I wish she could be here today to respond to this survey because, man, she would tell you stories!

Charlene Ong

Suraya Ismail

1999

1999

Mrs Choo, thank you for all the guidance you gave me back then and encouraging me to let loose. I also remember during my A Levels, my Art paper clashed with another paper, so I had to sit for it earlier and be “quarantined” after, and you actually cooked and brought lunch for me. So grateful and totally honoured to have had that privilege! Thank you very much!

Wishing you a fulfilling retirement! :D ALL THE BEST!!!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Art and English teacher (was terrible at it), Rehabilitation Officer with Ministry Of Community Development, Youth and Sports (it was interesting), now flight attendant in the unfriendly skies.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Hell no. Was not there often enough. Fine... I lied. I had a crush on Khairudin Saharom, so I may have kept one of his fashion drawings that was lying in a heap of random artworks from previous years. Sorry?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I heard people used the computer to chat online and set up dates to get free lunches and dinners. Rumour.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

You think life is tough now... Just you wait.

Graphic Designer.

NO! NEVER!! I have, however, accidentally used someone’s personal set of chalks thinking it belonged to the Art Room. I only discovered much later that the owner and company were angry with me over it. But I had no idea!

Sorry.

Yes, I’m sure I have... Maybe/probably she was eating? On another occasion, I bumped into her at SGH (something about her leg?) I think we later had a little chit chat at the foodcourt; we ate and had a coffee or something...

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

More nonsense; hopefully better than the crap I’m creating these days...

Bahahaa!

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Always eating in that place when we weren’t supposed to. I use “we” because you never eat alone in the Art Room. I especially remember the MAMA tom yum instant noodles (from Deyi). Using the hot plates meant for batik to cook it--man, that was fun. That’s the only thing I can remember.

I was too much of a goody-two-shoes to do anything worse than that -_-

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

That sense of whimsical, eccentric creativity while keeping that room clean and tidy!

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Har??? Help me get through? If anything, the art room has ruined me!

There are people out there who find me offensive! Me leh... Charlene Ong...

Offensive!!! And I blame it all on my Art Room friends... Teaching me to become like that…

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Just have fun while you are there; one day you will graduate and the memories you make there could be some of the ones you will cherish and remember fondly for the rest of your life :) The Art Room can also be a place that helps shape your character, so make sure you allow it to shape you in the right way--a way that helps you to be a better person in all stages of your life.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you for being a true inspiration.

You always kept it real. The best and most memorable teacher I’ve had in my pursuit of education. Hope you enjoy your retirement fully.

The Art Room was like a safe place to go to; it felt a bit like a home in school. It was a place to go hang out with my fellow weirdos, a place to laugh and cry--yes I’ve literally cried there a few times… Heheh.

Waheedah Taib/ Wyda 1999

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Mrs Choo, art education is one thing but you gave us much more. You’ve been more than a teacher to us. You’ve been a friend as well. Had I not taken up Art as an additional subject back in school, I would never have known that you’re such an awesome person. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Hugs

Financial planner, insurance broker. (Nothing fanciful. Boohoo.)

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

None since Suraya, Deyi, Shafiq and I would head to East Coast Park or somewhere after school sometimes. Books were deemed inconvenient?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Better portrait illustrations.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

I haven’t been to the Art Room since graduation. But Mary Choo’s work that’s exhibited should remain as an inspiration to all and testimony to her legacy.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Never use the Art Room to escape from your Physics lecture/lecturer etc.

OK, ok, maybe some chalk pastels.

Goh Jian Ting 2000

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the Art Room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Mrs Choo! Now that you are FINALLY retiring, I want to tell you that Teck Chin and I still do not know whether or not you’re for real.

Regardless of your decision, I do admire you for your passion and cheerful spirits which all Art students should be thankful for.

Thank you once again for your patience with us and I will never forget your smile!

3M spray mount! Guilty as charged.

Yes, at Cold Storage Siglap. I went to visit her house at Costa Del Sol after that.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I think I’ll still do batik.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Keep bonding. We were the envy of many non-Art students, weren’t we?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Time spent in the Art Room was fortunately / unfortunately the most memorable time I had of my JC days. We were often the envy of non-Art students because we could do what they couldn’t. Very often, non-Art students thought drawing and laughing away during our “free-period” in the Art Room was a very good way to chill but do be mindful that time is precious. Practice and keeping up with your schedule is sooooo important.

NEVER procrastinate to do your FYP at the last minute.

Hadrian Khoo Teck Chin 2000

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

You’ve fabulously helped shape the way I look at art and design that got me to where I am today. For that I thank you.

Enjoy your well-deserved retirement Mrs Choo! Get out there, create more and see the world!

I created all the reference books and art supplies in the Art Room.

Yes, the pastels were made from my sunburnt skin and the batik wax was from my ears.

No, I firmly believe Mary Choo was created in the Art Room and has never left.

I can’t, I am not free today.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

You tell me a story.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Her collection of giant earrings which are always bigger than her ears.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

My time in the TPJC Art Room helped TPJC get through its mid-life crisis.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Stay in the Art Room. Don’t go to the lectures for your other subjects.

You won’t need them.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

2000

What are jobs?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Samantha Yong Tse-yunn

Hey, Mrs Mary Choo Choo Train, glad you are retiring for real this time; time for another new chapter in your life and thank you for inspiring so many of ours.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I believe there was a full body plaster cast of me in the Art Room for quite a while. Some days, I would switch places with it and just stand there, watching all of you.

Graphic Designer. I have stayed true to my calling!

Just ran into Mrs Choo at the Affordable Art Fair 2015.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A giant edible monument of Nyan Cat made out of different coloured candy floss.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I may or may not have used the Art Room a couple of times to hide from other tutors. The store room was an awesome place of refuge, even though it smelt of rat/cat piss sometimes. Good times... Good times.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The spirit of creativity, lunacy and camaraderie.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

I met some of my best friends during my time in the Art Room, friends who are my life and moral support to this day. They have helped me keep it all together, happy, sane and (mostly) legal.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Be unafraid of failure. Imagine. Explore. Create.

Lynn Lee 2000

Thank you for making the Art Room our little nest and for being our mother hen :)

Lin Minghui 2000

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you Mrs Choo for teaching me during my two years in JC. You have helped me refine my art skills, and the days spent in the Art Room have been the most memorable ones during my JC time.

Mainly piano teaching, some part-time and temp jobs before that.

Stills photographer, cinematographer.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I want to redo my A Level Art project. Haha. Probably do some installation art instead of fashion.

Does the school canteen count? She was eating “cheeeeechoooongfuuuun” with the other Mary, who had a tummy ache right after XD

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Hogging the Art Room computers to play Internet Relay Chat; using art supplies for personal use.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I’d build a hammock under the desks.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The biscuits--it helped keep me full (and save money on food) during my JC time.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I remember using the batik wax hot plates to cook Maggie Mee for lunch :D Naturally, the noodles also smelt like wax.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

If you’re not sure whether or not to do Art for A Levels, go for it! (If you know that you’re good.) You won’t regret it. And if a teacher discourages you from taking because you didn’t do O Level Art, don’t listen to him/her... But do your best in all your assignments :)

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Every single paint stained easel :) Assuming they’re not already gone.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

The TPJC Art Room was actually my first foray into the creative world.

I had never studied art before. Mary Loh tested me by telling me to choose a picture from a book and a medium and reproduce it. Five minutes after I finished, a teacher (can’t remember her name) walked in, liked it and bought it for five dollars. Realised I could do this art thing.

And I haven’t stopped since :)

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Initially, I was not sure whether to take Art for A Levels, but one of the seniors encouraged me to take it. I had been discouraged by one of the Art teachers (not Mary Choo) as I didn’t take Art for O Levels--but that teacher promptly changed her mind as soon as she saw my first artwork :)

Don’t hide in the Art Room if you want to skip a lecture. If they know you’re an Art student, they know where you are. Try the library.

Mary Choo has very strong arms. She WILL beat you at arm wrestling.

Lauren Tan Si Hui 2000

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Trecia Lim 2000

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

You’re one happening, inspiring and the hottest Art teacher, Mrs Choo!

Architecture, tuition teaching, research assistant, retail sales, park ranger, hotel housekeeping, waitressing.

Try not to waste the expensive paint.

Thank you, Mrs Choo for being a motivator and inspiration to so many of us! I currently live in Chicago and sincerely apologise for not being able to make the reunion :( Please have a drink on my behalf. Time to enjoy your retirement and paint the town red!

Advertising art director, brand strategy/ communications designer.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Nothing! It was perfect the way I remembered it to be.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Pontanging C Maths lecture and hanging out in the Art Room.

Best hideout ever.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Sense of adventure, creativity, eclecticism, camaraderie.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It helped me realise I didn’t want the monotonous 9-5 cubicle life many JC students/Singaporeans end up living.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Life gets better after 30.

I remember a foul stench in the corner and no one knew what was for a LOOONG time. It turned out a stray cat had snuck in and peed there!

Huang Yulin

Long Yinghan

(But Mrs Choo calls me “Yue Lin”)

2000

2000

Dearest Mrs Choo, I can’t believe it! It’s been almost 15 years since I graduated from TPJC!! It has been an eventful 15 years filled with ups and downs, but in general it has been fulfilling as I tried to find my life direction through art. I studied fine art and animation after I graduated, and am currently a visual effects artist at LucasFilm. I thank TPJC for kick-starting my artistic endeavour, and I thank you for all your guidance and kind support over those two tough years! ^^ I always felt bad for not visiting after I graduated. Partially because I started my education at NAFA soon after and partially because I felt embarrassed of my borderline A Levels results.

Haha. Then years passed, and we actually bumped into each other at ADM six years ago at my grad show! It was such a pleasant surprise! What’s more amazing was that you still remembered me as the “Long girl”! I was very touched. Haha... :) Well, time flies Mrs Choo, and you are actually retiring this year!

I remember hearing you mention your retirement even during our time, but you managed to persevere for 15 more years!! *Applause and salute* Once again, thank you for all your hard work and dedication in educating kids like us all these years. I remember you staying back late with us and helping in all possible ways as we prepared for our final year project in those container classrooms.

Those were fun times indeed. May the next chapter of your life continue to be the most fulfilling, meaningful and fun one!

All the best, Mrs Choo! Stay cool and happy! :)

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Winston Tham Wei Yang 2000

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Warmest regards, Yinghan aka “Long girl” :) What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

From office girl to mural painter/ instructor, children art teacher, digital imaging artist and digital compositor (2D visual effects).

Yes, we bumped into each other in NTU at the inaugural ADM grad show in 2009! It was so good to see her again after nine years! And Mrs Choo was still as fashionable and cheerful as ever! ^^

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I don’t remember committing any crime, but I’m guilty of leaving all my barang behind in the Art Room (including my final project--a big batik painting), which I was supposed to claim but never did. I guess someone had to clear the mess after me :p

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Open up your heart and keep trying until you find the way!

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

No anecdotes but some random memories.

Sounds weird but I remember I used to like the smell of fixatives from the Art Room which couldn’t be found anywhere else. LOL! I guess we were using hairspray at that time?!?

Oh and big bottles of acrylic paint, which I realised was a big luxury after I graduated and wanted to buy some for myself!

Chanced upon Mrs Choo one Saturday long ago at the basement of Siglap Centre, where she immediately invited and drove me and Jian Ting to her new apartment.

Resident supervisor, operations exec, seafarer again, History teacher.

Yes, Mary Choo in her imposing Mercedes. Wah, I see teacher so rich....

I also want to become one. Now, I am a teacher--but I am not driving a Mercedes??? What happened?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Some works of Antoni Gaudi.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

My life crisis started in the Art Room. I decided to pursue a seafarer career, then later contemplated whether to continue my A Levels.

Thank you, Mrs Mary Choo for hours of advice back in ‘96 and ‘98.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Art is in every vocation and profession--it is an expression of life itself.

It is present in every teacher, architect, business owner, etc.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

The Art Room is quite a conducive place for secret courtships. It is like the SDU in TPJC. I courted a number of girls using the Art Room, or went and tried to date girls inside the Art Room. It is positioned right next to the canteen, where all students pass by. You can easily position yourself at the door to say “hi” to some passer-by. This room is also open every school day until pretty late in the evening. If the Marys display your work up on the board, there is certainly something to talk about or worthwhile to bring someone in to show off a bit. Sometimes a lone girl may work in there until late to rush her project, so you can go in and disturb her when Ms Marys are not around. There is always something to talk about inside the Art Room, even with random strangers.

Candice Tang 2001

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

I would like to thank you, even though you were not my primary Art teacher, for accepting what each and every one of us was like.

Some of us were maybe not so talented (I couldn’t draw to save my life), or were awkward and shy, but the Art Room environment made it safe for us to be ourselves. The reason why the Art Room was such a great relaxing place, or why everyone sought refuge from classes there, speaks volumes of the nurturing and supportive environment set by Mrs Mary Choo. Thank you so much, all the best, and continue sharing your passion, warmth and advice with everyone!

After TPJC, I actually went straight into design at Temasek Polytechnic. The two years spent in TPJC Art Room made me realise that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts field eventually.

Sean Yeo 2001

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Since then, I’ve dabbled in graphic design, and am now in advertising.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I wish that I could still paint a decent piece of portraiture.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

We took the wire cutters from the Art Room to cut a hole in the school fences to escape from our classes :D

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

I think all the knick-knacks that have accumulated over the years are priceless and should be kept. The Art Room never discriminates. All people, despite their differences, are warmly accepted into the Art Room. Doors should still be open, and music should still be blaring from the speakers.

The best part of TPJC in my opinion :) It helped me realize that I’m never going to be the next engineer/IT somebody. It got me enrolling in design immediately after TPJC, going against the conventional route, as most of my classmates went on to the local universities to pursue their degrees.

Embrace yourself, the real you. Never feel that you have to fit the mould to become something that you might not enjoy, but for the approval of your peers/family. Something weird and true is still better than something safe or conventional.

I’ll never forget going to the Art Room to nap, re-enact crazy music videos with Sean Yeo (the mastermind) or cook instant noodles over the hot plate.

It was almost a second home to many of us.

Thank you, Mrs. Choo, for being so crazy-and for teaching me that a random tat from a wholesale market can become the most original of fashion accessories.

Not many and not well-paid. So Art certainly has, as promised, not rewarded me with the riches it said it wouldn’t. FIFA merchandise sales assistant would have to be the most out-of-character one, I guess.

No. But going off on a tangent: I did steal a very good graphic design tome from my secondary school library; it cost $105 back in 1982 apparently (it’s pencilled on the front cover) which is still a lot today, and had pictures of titties in it from various lad mag covers, which for me at the age of 15, held no prurient interest, but felt like a very avant-garde thing to have in a school library.

So naturally, when I first saw TPJC’s collection of art and fashion books, I was in awe and very reverent of that locked room of mildly pornographic literature to which only the Art students had access. In combination with her eccentric sartorial sense, Mrs Choo’s constant exhortations for us to look at naked bodies in these books made her seem like this benevolent degenerate, who had somehow slipped under the watchful gaze of the MOE to broaden our minds as artists.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I did Fashion Illustration, so I reckon I’d try my hand at making the actual outfits I designed on paper.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I was very law-abiding, apart from sleeping behind the massive bricolages of salvaged doors to evade teachers, who’d come to look for me to attend their classes.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

The sense of utter chaos and her Christmas-tree portrait. All future Art disciples of TPJC need an icon to look upon them daily to remind them of their purpose. And to not waste acrylic paint.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

I might be just about there soon, give me a year or so. But there’s a reason I’m a fairly well-adjusted gay man (I think) and I think the other gay men who have been nurtured in the Art Room will agree.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

I know you guys don’t have a timed drawing paper anymore, but please, draw from life when you can; it’s what helped us the most as students in my year. Also, you need to really foster a bond within the class. It’s what has given me some of my best memories.

Amelia Chan Ming Hui

Eugene Kosgoron 2001

2001

Dear Mrs Choo, I’m sad that I will not be able to attend your retirement party! It’s not farewell, I think your presence will always be felt in school. Hopefully there will be another reunion in time to come, and I wish you the best adventures outside of the Art Room!

Take care, sending you much love from Hamburg, Amelia XOXO What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you for being a care-free and inspirational person. It allowed me to understand a different side of life.

Architecture and fabrication; artist-in-residency.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Affective environments.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Happy memories.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Art Room was the best excuse and escape from the boring Physics and Economics classes.

Architecture internship for xxx months, and then eight years in IKEA as interior designer/leader for stores in Singapore, Taiwan and now Germany.

Never! I was always tempted to buy my own and I gave in to temptations more often than I should ;)

Doreen Tan Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Yes, Mrs Choo was highly-visible as she is always in bright colours.

And especially obvious against the dark green tables in the school canteen!

2001

Art. Or re-create Mrs Choo?

I was supposed to have a GP lesson once (ok, maybe two or many times) but no one turned up for class that day. Sean and I were hiding in the Art Room which happened to be across that classroom. We felt really bad for Ms Quek, our GP teacher and were guilty of using the Art Room as a hiding place for pontanging classes so often. In the end, we decided to go to her and tell her that we were sorry no one wanted to have GP class that day but to our surprise the class was cancelled! We didn’t have to go to class in the end! *claps* I was a student of Mr Ang and he was a real inspiration for me. Thinking out of the box, challenging norms and succeeding at making the “impossible” possible. I remember a few of us couldn’t draw very well, but through a different way of thinking, we created really decent artworks at the end of two years. I admired people with talent, but I know by working hard I can get where I want to be too.

Persevere. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Teaching Art and Science in Fengshan Primary School, then in Elias Park Primary School. Currently a mother of three.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Nope. I was the one chasing after everyone for things. Haha...

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Everything BIG. I miss doing big art pieces.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

We illegally stayed in the container classrooms to complete our projects, then cut the fences to go out and buy food in the middle of the night and let a few other classmates in!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The 101 odd things that can be used for still life!

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It saved me from quitting JC to join poly.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Treasure your time as an Art student. You will never again have this kind of space and resources to do whatever art u like for a long time.

I have nothing but great memories in the Art Room.

Alastair Tan 2001

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Lionel Wong 2001

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you Mrs Mary Choo for always being patient, kind and so sure of yourself.

Your guidance and wisdom will always be remembered.

Banking, teaching, logistics.

Probably make the room more cosy with a pantry but Mary Choo will probably go berserk with even more things to worry about. Haha.

Thank you Mrs Choo. The Art Room was the first proper creative education I got (since there was none available in my secondary school) and this solidified my life path. I can’t imagine what I’ll be doing outside of creating things. Art Room has been a refuge and comfort from a lot of stresses I had at that time, and for that, I’m thankful.

More sculpture, more concept art, more fantasy.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Wasted lots of paint. Regret not trying watercolour.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

2001

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Retiring? Finally?

Making a collection of chicken rice or having a meal at the meepok stall before the canteen got monopolised. We know very well she will be at the gym after work, on the treadmill to cut her 2kg water weight. Otherwise she’ll be preparing chicken curry, a once-a-while treat to the weary n miserable souls in the Art Room.

Paint was too expensive. Ziplock bags were cheaper. The best thing is to use them to store the paint for use. Just once. The whole 2000 year was responsible for making holes in the fences. The Art Room stores abundant devices for making entries after school hours. Just so we have extra time to work overnight for project work. It was amazing. We holed up in the container blocks.

Sophia Ng Sok Hui 2002

Product design, UX design, education, 3D printing.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Eugene Tan

Mrs Choo, you are the best teacher I’ve ever had! Thank you for the great times and now u can finally perfect the art of doing nothing!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

The sink. Most invaluable.

Don’t be constrained by what you perceive are limits imposed by the teachers, but don’t neglect your foundational skills either.

WE CUT THE FENCES.

Programmer and creative designer all the way.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

I still have an easel from the Art Room but I think I (and Huishan) did get [Mrs Choo’s] permission to bring back one!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Do an interior makeover of the Art Room. And a gigantic mural of Mrs Choo in acrylic.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I took an awesome shot of Mrs Choo with the school’s digital camera-nostril flaring pose. Unfortunately that glorious photo has disappeared :( Oiying was there to see it!!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Everything :) But it still wouldn’t be the same again.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It was a respite, a solace, a haven away from the world. I truly enjoyed every moment spent there and till now relish the fond memories of my best school years spent in TPJC Art Room.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Lose yourself in doing something you love, and be good at it.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Muhammad Fariz

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

2002

It’s been awhile, are those wine bottles still there or did Jane break them all? (Jane is this crazy-in-a-good-way girl who was doing an Art project that involved hanging a couple dozen bottles from the third floor of campus and then singing gaily to herself, 10 green bottles hanging on the wall...)

There was this girl I had a major crush on, I think Serene was her name.

She briefly joined Art Club even though she wasn’t a formal Art student.

I would stand slightly behind her as we did pencil sketching just to smell her hair; it was nice.

Then she stopped coming to Art Club and started having a life (not implying anything about the social life of Art students heh) which actually started my quarter-life crisis.

All is good though, the Art Room was my refuge and sanctuary against tutors seeking me for overdue assignments, and that scary world of cute girls way out of my league.

Thank you and God bless you for your dedication and all the fine lessons and memories you have coloured my life with.

From you I learnt not just art but how to listen to that rhythm in every person’s soul and dance to its tune.

You have inspired me to continue creating art as a way of life and we all hope that you will somehow come back.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Para psychologist, love doctor (unpaid), matchmaker (two successful clients depending on your POV), graphic designer, caricaturist (freelance), environmentalist (in Waterways Watch Society), businessman (in Nadim Games LLP), karaoke singer (and destroyer of microphones).

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Stealing art supplies is for amateurs. Instead, feel free to waste as much paint in the Art Room. Use your hands and your feet instead of a brush, giggle madly and swing your arms about in great triumph as you stab the canvas with your body parts. No one will dare to interfere when you are in the zone, plus you become a legit artist!

This I learnt from Mrs Choo herself.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

When Mrs Choo was reprimanding me (which happened a lot) I often found myself narrowing my field of vision down to her mouth and somehow that was therapeutic for me. Try it!

Copic markers. Haha. I also wasted a shit ton of acrylic paint during my “Impressionist” phase.

More like she spotted me trying to sneak away from the Art Room.

It’s funny how back then I was desperate to avoid her most of the time due to how much work I owed her.

A remix of Mrs Choo’s favourite song back then, she just couldn’t stop singing it every time she saw me. I would title it the “Muhammad Fariz, I am going to KEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL YOUUUUUU Anthem”

Low Hui Shan 2002

I had a girlfriend. It was her birthday. I hid in the Art Room (there was a secret partition not many knew of) till it was dark and the gates were locked. I decorated the Art Room with balloons and stuff. There was a nice cake in the centre of the room.

The plan was for my girlfriend to climb the school gate, and I would lead her to the Art Room to surprise her with all my hard work. Nothing could go wrong right? What was I thinking?

Anyway, long story short, after about half an hour of trying, we couldn’t get her in, I gave up, climbed out of school and we ate at Tampines Mart Macs.

I told myself I’d clear the stuff early the next day right? Yeah I took down everything except for one thing.

I shit you not, the cake was gone the next day. Candles and all.

Hi Mrs Choo, thank you for being the most wonderful teacher I have ever met, and I will always treasure the memories of my days in the Art Room :) If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Create a comic as my major project!

#missingcake #dudewheresmycake Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

When trying to “secretly” work overnight in the Art Room, a few of us accidentally triggered the alarm when we left the Art Room for the toilet!

Nip Oi Ying 2002

Mrs Choo, it is amazing that you have dedicated so much of your life to helping students discover themselves and their passion for self-expression. You have touched many lives, including mine. It has been more than 10 years since I was under your wing as your student, but I have never forgotten all the wonderful memories and bonds forged with my peers under your guidance and encouragement.

As you step into retirement, please know that you have our profound gratitude. I wish you happiness as you embark on another exciting time for self-discovery and enjoyment.

You have been a gardener of young minds; look around you today to see how your garden has blossomed. Congratulations Mrs Choo!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

I have been a History teacher at River Valley High, where I learnt to see things from the teacher’s perspective. I moved to San Francisco with my family, and since the move I have ushered at a live theatre, worked in a children’s clothing store, tutored at the local community college, was a copy writer for an online culinary store, and now work in a non-profit organisation in public and community health.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Lots of glue sticks.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Lots more wonderful memories with Mrs Choo and my peers, and oh, edible art or participatory performance art or something like that where everyone can have fun.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I liked playing truant and going to school late. One time, I actually went for breakfast on a school day with a classmate at the nearby McDonald’s, skipping GP class. I hid in the Art Room afterwards to escape from my form teacher.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The Art Room always felt like a sanctuary, probably because of Mrs Choo’s caring, yet laid back style--it really felt like a breath of fresh air from the oppression of JC life. I always looked forward to going to the Art Room.

This feeling of unconditional welcome should be preserved.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

I always look back fondly on the Art Room days. Happy memories helped me through tough times, be it quarter-life or any other crisis.

The A Levels that you and everyone around you are fretting about will soon pass and fall into oblivion in the grander scheme of things. The experiences you have today and the bonds you form will be the only thing of true value in the long run.

Low Xue Zhen 2003

Dearest Mrs Choo, I have been blessed to have met a great teacher like you, who gave me a chance to take Art. I will always remember how you encouraged me to create better “soft-jewellery” through your support and wearing my wobbly handmade prototype earrings. After my A Levels, you encouraged me to further my studies at university. Truth be told, I never thought I could do all these things before--to study Art, go to uni, get an Honours degree (in Philosophy) :D Your unwavering belief in me boosted my confidence. I’ve accomplished all the above and more because you first believed in me. Thank you Mrs Choo :)

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Sales assistant, tuition teacher, EL & Art teacher in a secondary school, full time daydreamer.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Eh... I think some soft pastels?!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A mess.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Soft pastels were free for all to take. Most items came in a package--soft pastels, papers, fixative and whatever we could lay our hands on. Finders, keepers.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

I thought Dan K ordered a mass clean-up in ‘03?? Oh, if that toaster is still there, keep it :)

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Eh... There was never a quarter-life crisis ‘cause we’re forever 18. If there were a Fountain of Youth, the Art Room was it.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Buy your own art supplies will ‘ya?

Jasmin Lau 2003

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Deborah Ang 2003

May you always keep that big smile and laughter of yours. Thank you for always being a wonderful and positive teacher and inspiring so many of us. I hope that you will always enjoy good health!

Music teacher.

I stole some soft pastels to do my work ;)

Dealing with some crazy Art people and having fun together ;)

Dear Mrs Choo, It has been such a long time--really over 10 years--since I graduated from TPJC in 2003. I am so happy to come back to the school and see you again. Indeed, your passion and enthusiasm for the arts is evident in the coolest Art Room ever and your zany kickass earrings and jewellery. Although you were not my main Art teacher, I felt glad to have had the chance to chat with you and benefitted from the wisdom & knowledge of art that you freely imparted to all the students. Thank you for inviting me back to the school for the exciting chance to celebrate your retirement. I hope you will enjoy yourself. And to many more wonderful years ahead.

Keep smiling and shining! :) Deborah

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Librarian.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Sculptures.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Definitely the decorative jewellery she created which will go a long way in spicing up the Art Room, such as by turning them into hanging fixtures, wall art or sculptures. Hahaha!

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Such a welcoming place to just kick back and let the creative juices flow while chatting with friends.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Keep your face to the sun. Keep shining!

Rebecca Heng 2003

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Architecture, art and design related jobs.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Probably the same stuff: portraiture relating to the human body, emotions and expressions.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

That axe-claw combination tool.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Art was basically my salvation.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

To love, and be loved, and to pursue passionately work that is meaningful to you--those are really everything one needs to exist here; carpe diem because death hangs like a guillotine, and always be good, nice and curious.

Stara Low 2003

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return� any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Banking and finance.

Erm, better not say. But seriously, I was a good student

Maisie Yang 2004

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Mrs Choo, thank you for being the first teacher who was more to me than just a teacher; you were a friend. You encouraged me and believed in me and stuck up for me, you had patience with me and helped me solve problems. Even when we didn’t know answers, you would always want to find them out together. My JC experience was all sorts of things, but it was always wonderful with you. Thank you for being there for all the other Art students too. You will always be a part of my life. Thank you!

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

I was the latter; I wanted to be an artist from the first day. The most important thing the Art Room provides is the freedom to, excuse my French, fuck up. You should do that. Spill paint, “waste” materials. Waste all your time trying to paint one thing for several weeks, and then realize it’s not going anywhere and give up and try something else to make it work. The sooner you get all the failures out of your system, the sooner you will attain what you’re trying to find. You’ll probably never get such unbidden access to art materials and a space where you can get dirty for a while, so take advantage of that.

I was at TJC for a week after the 3-month period back when there was such a thing, where I got to see their tightly-run, clinical art space. I took one look at it and chose to return to TPJC’s messy Art Room. That freedom is of ultimate value.

During college/university, I restocked printers at school. At my second college, I was doing social media branding. I went through a few freelance concept art and illustration jobs: one independently for a game designer who was trying to pitch her own game, and several for a mobile games studio who worked on social Disney games--I did background art for a hidden object game called “Blackwood & Bell Mysteries” on Facebook.

I got paid peanuts for all my hard work, but it was an important learning experience.

Study art history. Study all of it and be wowed by all the progress artists before you made. I didn’t study very much when I was in TPJC, but I ended up doing so for many years after the fact. It is absolutely important in art education.

The world is big. There’s so much to discover, and importantly, so much to have feelings about. That’s how art is made; from that raw place inside each and every person. That’s how you find things to say that only you can say.

It might also be that you find, through your time in the Art Room, that you don’t want to be an artist--and it’s important that you know that that’s okay.

Not everyone should be one, but that doesn’t make you any less important or significant than people who want to be artists.

Ultimately, my biggest break was in 2013, when a mentor took a chance on me and I got a job as a concept artist at Riot Games, helping to work on the “League of Legends” IP. Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

There was one time I was about to head home from school when Mary Choo spotted me and asked if I would like a ride home. I agreed and I got to ride in her white Mercedes at the time!

If you DO want to be an artist, however, the only way is to draw and paint until your fingers ache and colours bleed out of your ears, because that is what it takes. And it’s all going to be FUN if this is what you really want to do.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers are all there to help you.

There’s no need to do everything on your own.

I hope this doesn’t sound terrible, but I wouldn’t re-enrol. The Art Room was a great time in my life and it was what I needed at the time--but it wouldn’t be the same anymore. It was an essential chapter, but I’ve grown and there are further things to do! If anything, I would say that if I were to return, it wouldn’t be as a student.

Lastly and absolutely most importantly, don’t doubt yourself. JC is that time when everyone likes to tell you what to do because they’re afraid you’re not adult enough or something like that, but the number one thing is that you need to give yourself respect, love, and kindness. No matter what--you’ve got this. It is one week to the deadline and your project is blowing up-doesn’t matter, you got this. You, with the help of your teachers, will find a way to solve it.

I was a withdrawn and emotional teenager, so I often skipped my other classes and I would hide in the Art Room for some quiet. It gave me a lot of solace to just sit in the small computer room, or wander around breathing in the scent of art materials. Often there was no one around and it would be my little sanctuary for half an hour, or until the next class started.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

I have a fondness for those easels. I have used many other easels in my time after TPJC’s Art Room, but I remember how weird and unique those were. They had an excellently economical and ingenious design for Art students.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Mary Choo was the first Art teacher I had who believed in her students, including me. I wouldn’t have made it through JC without Art class and the Art Room. I would say that Mary Choo’s belief in me and the kindness she showed me during a difficult time in my life kept me believing through the difficult times ahead.

There are two kinds of Art students who go through the Art Room. One group is there because Art may be an “easy A”. The other group is there because they are yearning, hungry, thirsty for art education and some guidance to become professional artists. Identify which group you belong to, and it will help you get what you need out of the Art Room.

In short, go forth and fuck shit up and find yourself and discover who you’d like to be and kick all sorts of ass in the process.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

I was never very social during JC as those were some dark years I was going through. I remember one day, I was in the Art Room, and Mr Daniel Kok came up to me and asked me, “Why aren’t you more social? Don’t you want to join us?” Or something along those lines. In my stressed out antisocial anger I hissed back, “No, I don’t like JC and I don’t like everyone and I don’t like this place.” I felt horrible immediately afterwards, but I was too chicken to say I regretted saying all that.

I never forgot that and it’s great to get this story out because now I get to say “I’m sorry” for that and if I somehow were an Art student there again as the person I am now, I would absolutely love to join in all the activities and fun.

Yao Baoji Nicole 2004

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Dear Mrs Mary Choo, thank you so much for your guidance. You are really a very nurturing teacher.

I grew to love art after taking art in TPJC. However, fate has it that I didn’t get to pursue art after that. It’s really a pity. I still love art and I do miss those days. Thank you so much for giving us so much freedom and support.

We love you Mrs Choo!

2006

I was a secondary school teacher under MOE. It’s weird. I wanted to be an Art teacher and put that as first choice, but they gave me Math and Science :) I really enjoyed the freedom that was given to us in the Art Room.

This culture was really great. We had a lot of freedom to do what we wanted to do and all the supplies were there for us to utilise.

Williana Sarwono

Thanks for making art fun.

2004

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

May Lim

Disney infant fashion illustrator, theme park design, mobile game artist.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Clay sculptures.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The mess.

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Graphic designer, arts and culture associate, exhibited at some shows.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

No, but I was given a book of rococo ornamentation, which I still keep.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

More drawings.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Hiding in the Art Room to avoid having to attend morning assembly!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The commandments.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Not sure, but it was definitely the days of my school/education life.

There is a ghost in the Art Room.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

You can do anything you want in life, but that doesn’t mean someone will pay you for it. Choose wisely.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Staying overnight at school eating instant ramen--bad for the body but good for the soul.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Creative courage--it’s not easy, but you must.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Acrylic Paint! They were stuck on my canvas.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Video production.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It is ok to be lost or feel lost. Keep trying different things, keep seeking, find a mentor for honest yet encouraging feedback; keep going.

Anna Koh 2005

Thank you so much for consciously keeping the Art Room a cheerful and positive place to be in. It was a haven from all the other demanding and rigid subjects.

I always looked forward to the time in the Art Room.

During Art class, we were always encouraged to try different styles and boldly express ourselves. Being a reserved and quiet person, it was difficult. But from there, I learnt to step out of my comfort zone, learnt that it is ok to make mistakes and grow from each experience. Even if a piece was not well done, at least we tried and were able to appreciate our effort.

Your encouragement and guidance was crucial in getting my distinction. Thank you for your genuine care and loving reminders. You have definitely impacted many lives and touched may hearts.

I was out of a job for almost a year, felt lost for a year, felt clueless about where I was heading in my career. I’d take things step by step and regain a general direction. Life is a journey, not a sprint. Sometimes it is ok to take time out to stop, think and reflect. We need to be lost or take a fall in order to find new paths and perspectives.

May you have an amazing time in retirement and away from the school brats. Thank you so much Mrs Choo!

Anna

During my time in JC, I had neither a background in painting nor any prior experience. I had no clue what I wanted to do for the final A Level coursework. But I kept reading, kept doodling, kept playing and trying out various materials. Finally, because of an accident, I chanced upon an interesting, unconventional way of using a certain paint. Eventually, I mastered the material and got my distinction.

Past my quarter life crisis only la.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Keep creating, keep experimenting.

Sarah the Great

(Sarah Amnah Zaihan) 2006

Dearest Mrs Choo, thank you so, so, so much for giving me the faith and encouragement to continue creating. I was very, very lost when I first came in. Lost because I was not sure if I was meant to create, unsure whether I had some worth, unsure whether I had the ability to do something beyond myself. You have shown me that it is possible, and that grades do not define us.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

And oh, TPJC runway! Where did it go and what happened to it? We started something so great. My only dying wish (with regards to this question) is that they continue to uphold the LEGACY that we started. Also, there’s a nasty video on Youtube of me and some performers in the 2006 Runway show with one dislike. Seriously people, why would you dislike that? I was upset when I saw that.

You are the reason why I am a teacher today (wow, they should get me to do the next MOE advertisement), and I could not have asked for a better teacher in my life. Love you so much!

- Sarah (your self-proclaimed favourite student)

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Relief teaching in a secondary school. Did an internship at a media agency, and well… Been teaching ever since.

This is not from the Art Room per se, but I did borrow a book from the library for art. At least that’s what I told myself. In the end, “The Big Book of Cats” cost me $34 and I really contemplated just saying I lost the book, but I felt really dishonest so I returned it anyway.

Nope, but I have been to her natural habitat (her house) a few times.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

More pastel drawings, more paintings because acrylic was free, y’know?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Boxes of pastels sitting in rice have been taken home on several occasions, especially in the last few days of my school life. And also on the day we came back to collect results.

Paper--I took lots of it. I admit, like Mrs Choo, I liked to erm... How do I put it... Collect paper? I mean, who doesn’t right? Let’s just say I STILL have some paper from the Art Room which I have difficulty letting go…

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It is a constant reminder that there will always be people to embrace your uniqueness/ weirdness.

PLEASE KEEP OUR (MORE THAN TEN) COMMANDMENTS! My name is on the list! At least if I don’t make it in life I can say I have accomplished something, even if it is a tiny thing.

Keep the floors clean--oh wait. Forget it.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Have fun, experiment in your art. Use all the materials while it is still free. In the real world, art materials cost money. Be open to influence, and be open to learn. You don’t know everything, but you can always share something.

I can’t recall which year it was, but there was some sort of haunted house thing in one of the lecture theatres. Long story short, it was dark inside, and I unfortunately sat on a bowl of “blood”, knocking it over, resulting in a nasty patch of “blood” on my skirt. I left the LT with some “blood” trickling down my leg. Needless to say, the first place I rushed to was the Art Room.

Actually, that was very poor logic. I mean, if I stained my skirt I should go to the toilet, right? Sigh. I was 16/17 and people don’t tend to be very bright at that age.

So yes, I washed my skirt, and left it on the table to dry. So I was walking around in my uniform top and PE shorts in the Art Room when I heard a loud exclamation, “AIYO! WHOSE SKIRT IS THIS? WHY IS IT SO SHORT?”

Me: Mrs Choo, it is mine...

Mrs Choo: AIYO! So short ah your skirt! How can you wear it when it is so short?? How come it doesn’t look short when you wear it?

Me: I think I am also short, that’s why.

And I wore that mini skirt TILL THE END OF COLLEGE HAHAHA. There were some crazy weird stuff we did like trapping people, and I mean like, ordinary members of the college, in this wooden teepee structure that we found. I am not sure what we were trying to achieve, though it seemed the right thing to do at that point of time.

And of course, there was the time when bird shit fell on a classmate while the two of them were sitting at the door having a heart to heart talk. HAHA.

Zubaidah Lah 2006

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

I think I forgot to bring back things la, like my painting. I’ll bring it back on 29 May!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Simple things like spending hours on painting; sadly, we stopped doing that in this crazy pursuit/focus on digital art. I would like to do the marble-effect spray painting again, the outcome was mesmerizing! That was one of the most exciting lessons by Mrs Choo, besides visiting art exhibitions at TJC/ NJC/Lasalle.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

(My deepest apology in advance for disappointing you, Mrs Choo!)

Mrs Choo, I’ll not have taken Art if you did not invite me into the Art Room and shared with me your past students’ artworks with so much enthusiasm! (You had this drawer on the left of your desk containing all of your past students’ artworks that you treasured.)

My first love is eating, and sadly the canteen is beside the Art Room.

Even though I scored an A for O Level Art and my O Level Art teacher, Mrs Lim who was taught by Mrs Mary Loh, encouraged me to take Art at A Levels (she said I’ll be able to learn a lot from the two Marys; she was not aware Mrs Mary Loh retired), my parents thought science was the way forward.

All those crazily arranged artworks in the window always made my steps slower as I passed by to and fro the canteen. One day you saw me and asked me in.

You asked me to do a painting. It was already so late into Term 2, but I don’t know what magic you did to get me enrolled into Art (maybe that painting you asked me to do has something to do with this).

There was a junior who always used my acrylic painting rags to clean her oil paint brushes. It was so hard to get rid of that smell and oil from my rags. To make sure she stopped using my rags, I painted her artwork when she (and Mrs Choo/Mr Daniel) was not around. I hoped the teachers would be “satisfied” with the work and ask her to stop painting (phew!). But Mrs Choo saw the painting and was so happy to see how well it turned out.

Someone did tell her the truth. Mrs Choo asked me, but I did not confess (I think).

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

10 commandments

I think you might not remember this in detail, but it means a lot to me, because during that few weeks in TPJC, I felt lost, restless--caught in a mundane routine.

I was the only Malay Language Elective Programme student doing Art. I felt at home in the Art Room rather than at the MLEP room, which was catered specially for us.

You allowed me to combine my innate interest in Malay literacy and art together, while pushing me to explore deeper into Impressionism.

I was keen to major in Malay Literature at univesity and work at Berita Harian.

But you were always yapping about NTU ADM, blah blah. I was piqued and visited their open house. Four years later in ADM, I applied to be a reporter at Berita Harian and community manager at People’s Association (forgot to mention that community service is also my love interest since JC too, i.e interact club). I was offered both jobs, but I chose PA after they told me that they were focusing on art as a tool to bring people together, rather than the usual block party etc.

Looking back, your simple act of approaching me and inviting me into the Art Room was the key reason that my art interest has not waned but built the momentum to where I am today. To bring the residents together, to make them talk and build a support system among themselves.

I look back at the activities that I enjoyed and brought me closer to my best friends Jasmine and Clarissa (not an Art student, but she always visited me at the Art Room). It was the t-shirt lino printing, KTM train project and runway. Why was it all so memorable until now? Because the person who organized it did it wholeheartedly with the best interest and care for her students, combined with her love for creativity in the arts. Mrs Choo, I respect these traits and would like to show the same in my working career.

Nuraini Jamal 2006

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

The Art Room and the people in it were one of the highlights of my TPJC days.

Thank you, Mrs Choo, for being such a passionate and dedicated teacher and mother to all of us :)

Constituency manager at People’s Association, senior executive at National University of Singapore.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

A bottle of gouache. Oops :)

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Something to do with fabric and weaving.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I once skipped two periods of Art to sleep in the sick bay. (I’m sorry Mrs Choo!)

Jasmine Wong

Chen Ziwei

2006

2006

Mrs Choo, although I was not your best student, and probably will never be anywhere near that, I just want to say, thank you for having so much faith in me back then. Thank you for being there.

And thank you for accepting me when I had nowhere to go, when I had to repeat my first year. Thank you.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Pen illustrations, stop motion animation and graphic design perhaps.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

I was a graphic designer and art director before moving on to being a teacher.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Be open.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

I guess Mrs Choo gave me the confidence to draw, paint and do anything related to art, even though much of my work was not good enough for a JC Art student. That pushed me to do greater art projects and to pursue an art degree. I want to thank Mrs Choo for giving a repeat student like me a chance to take Art as a subject (which resulted in my Chemistry teacher dropping by the Art Room to beg me to drop the subject). Being in this class also gave me a chance to befriend a really close friend I have to this date, Zu. We shared much joy, tears and blood together since 2005. And last but not least, thank you Mrs Choo for all the fond memories and interesting classes you planned, especially the photography assignment we had while going on a train ride to JB. I’ll never forget them.

Faisal Husni 2006

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you Mrs Choo for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. It helped me find myself and motivated me to work towards where I am today. Thank you for acknowledging my strengths and bringing out the best in me. Have a lovely retirement! I wish you good health and happiness always!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

I’ve volunteered at Singapore Art Museum, interned at NUS Museum for a short duration, temp’ed for a production company--and hated it. Now I’m teaching visual arts :)

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I bumped into her at Art Stage this year when I was trying to take a picture of a work made of wire that was sculpted into the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s portrait. Her face came into the frame on the left and I put down my phone to have a closer look at the woman. It was Mrs Choo with her student!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A gigantic collage sculpture using all the crap swept up from the floor.

Must recycle. Don’t waste material.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I wasted a lot of Saga City white glue when I was doing collage as I didn’t know how to control the flow of the glue coming out. Oops!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The 10 commandments of course. Kudos to Faisal and company who started it.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

I finally dropped Econs after talking to Mrs Choo. No regrets.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Curatorial Assistant.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A mess; and waste Art Room materials, only to be scolded by Mrs Choo.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The mess. The mess is vital for creativity.

Be bold. Experiment. Fail regularly. Use these pitfalls to build your resilience to bounce back and improve.

Ong Ai Juan Lynette

Nurjannah Ayub 2006

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

2006

Art teacher at Macpherson Primary School.

10 commandments.

Thank you so much :)

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

I loved to dress up using whatever materials there were in the Art Room and then scaring other pupils in school.

Running away from classes and assembly programmes by hiding in Art Room.

2006

Thank you for making Art class so enjoyable :) The ability to teach is a special gift, and I want to thank you for sharing that gift with me.

Customer service for Krisflyer (hotline), art related tasks: doodle on notepad.

Administrator at a tuition centre, art related tasks: try to doodle more extensively with the supply of stationery I was provided.

While in university, I gave Chinese language tuition to Korean kids. Art was the medium to break language barrier. Where Korean fails, draw.

Account executive (fancy name for sales support) at China-based multinational IT service provider. Art related tasks: thank-you cards to client and handicrafts--DIY to stay within budget. Yes, company’s cheapo like that.

They are lucky to have me.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Foo Xuewei

Dear Mother Choo, although I wasn’t remotely a talented nor diligent student, you were patient with me, showed me past works and gave me ideas. Sorry I was such an uninspired child! I thank you for your attention, guidance and abundance of patience for me.

You kept the culture in the Art Room fun and conducive :) I didn’t really make art part of my career but you taught me values.

Your patience rubbed off on me for when I deal with new people at work.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

I am not into multi media. I don’t keep rubbish. May have accidentally stepped on some chalk pastels before but never brought any home.

Yes, at MPH or some other cosy book store at Parkway with a great book selection. Mrs Choo was browsing the top sellers while waiting for her husband. I spotted her from far, far away--that red scarf, red flower earrings, leggings and that little sling bag. How can anyone miss that?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I am more clueless now than I was in JC. I did the water colour carousel thing. I would... Maybe do the same thing, but with more twirly swirly Mucha fancy.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I was a boring kid. My fondest memory was Sarah trying to demonstrate how a fabulous contemporary dance was supposed to be done right.

Or me sweating and dying while I tried to contort into May’s tiny olive Victorian coat.

You see. The worst thing I did was probably be late for class, ok.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The “n” commandments.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Learn to have fun. Wherever, whenever.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

It may be easier for you kids now. Social media and smart phones weren’t that prevalent then. If you Instagram your food, great. Bring that habit to the Art Room. Document everything. ‘Cause when you are preparing your boards for finals, you can paste more pictures and sketch less :D

Ng Wei Lin 2007

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Dearest Mrs Choo, I miss my paint-splattered skirt and nightless days. The TPJC Art Room was a sanctuary for me, and you were the centre of it.

What I would give to go back to those days when creating art did not instil a sense of guilt, and ideas and creations meant something.

You really touched my life. Thank you for choosing to be an Art teacher. Thank you for your guardianship over the Art Room and Art students.

You are truly irreplaceable. xoxo I have been in educational publishing as an editor for the past three years.

We had a party at her place :P

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I would grab the biggest canvas I could find and paint without thinking.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

My goldfish memory fails me yet again. In my mind’s eye, I was a paragon of virtue.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

That fairy dust that makes you believe anything is possible.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It created it.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

These two years will be one of the best experiences of your life. Creating art is the best catharsis for everything. Go crazy, dive deep and don’t hold back.

Just be considerate to your fellow comrades and support one another.

Eunice Choy 2007

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

“Thank you” is insufficient to express my gratitude in the short year that I have been in TPJC Art Room. It was my greatest sanctuary during a difficult time in my life.

Forever indebted to you.

Telemarketing, patisserie, accountant, sales.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Jackson Pollock wall of terror.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Re-ignited my love for art.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Use the Art Room as much as you can now. You’ll never find another place as magical as this one.

Wasn’t in the Art Room, but helping Syafiqah with the postbox in Little India was one of the best projects I have done.

Prakash s/o PerumalHaridas 2007

Thank you Mrs Choo for always looking out for us and giving us all of your warmth and guidance!

Muhammad Nasiruddin bin Abdul Razak

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

2007

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Admin, freelance videography etc.

ADM show. Bringing students around.

QA Tester at a printer assembly line, video editor for a small company during internship in university, currently working in university as a research assistant.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Make some more 3D animations! Make immersive content and play with virtual reality! Make a short film! Make prints! Just making stuff!

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Using the iMac to watch YouTube music videos to de-stress.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

For things that should be up-kept/ upheld, that’d be cleanliness and the general rule of keeping things organised so that it’s always easy to find what you are looking for.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Enjoy the creative process and don’t hesitate to do new or unconventional things!

Louis Sim

You’re sweet, kind and loving. I am eternally grateful to have you as my teacher.

2007

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Constantly going to the Art Room to use the hairspray to style my hair, then getting caught by Mary Choo. Going to the Art Room to sleep (after doing work of course!)

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It’s definitely a place where I know I am welcomed and feels always like home.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

If you want a fun-filled, liberal and hands-on life, the Art Room is where you ought to be!

Eugene Lim 2008

Harlo Mrs Choo! Hearing that you’re finally retiring makes me feel both happy and sad.

It is hilarious how every year you say that you’re going to retire but you don’t. Even when I met freshmen in university from the 2010 batch Art Club--they told me the same thing! It’s been so long that the thought of you actually retiring has faded away, and it’s so hard to wrap my mind around that fact that it’s actually happening this time.

I’m happy for you because now you can finally relax, enjoy peace and quiet instead of having to worry about your students’ coursework and “grow a beard” from nagging at them. You are a truly kind-hearted and caring teacher; I remember how you were always worried for my coursework as I was such a clueless and lazy student. Yet you were always so supportive of any ideas I had and encouraged me to try it out. Thank you Mrs Choo, without you I wouldn’t have made it.

Which is why I’m also sad, as now the Art Club has lost such a wonderful teacher.

Nonetheless, I would like to wish you a great retirement. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to join the party as I’ll be overseas. But if we ever have another reunion I’ll try my best to make it!

Take care Mrs Choo! <3

Jacqueline Chua

My times in the Art Room will be ones I treasure for life.

2008

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Teaching.

Maybe if I had borrowed some reference books I might have received better grades.

Yes! Laughing and eating in the canteen usually with other teachers.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A mess... Teehee.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Hiding in the Art Room when I should’ve been somewhere else. Sleeping in the Art Room. Wasting paint ):

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Quarter-life crisis would be about the time I started studying engineering in university--dull, boring engineering. I told myself that as least I was once arty farty, haha.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

OMG START PREP WORK EARLY! Last minute prep work is not fun… At all!

Video and sound art.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

One memorable day, Cheng Hung attempted to hang himself in the Art Room with a USB cable and a mouse and he went on a long rant about how much he hated technology. This was before he ran away from school, of course. I think Jonathan was a witness. It was hilarious.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Earrings. Hang them everywhere.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Yes, I made so many friends there.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

I’ve worked at a shipping firm for six months before university. And a series of odd part-time jobs during the breaks like garangguni (rag & bone man).

I was mostly preoccupied with school activities like organizing orientation camps. I really miss being involved with art activities like helping out the Mr Daniel’s fight club performance and going to New York to visit galleries together with the whole club!

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Build strong relationships with each other and don’t be afraid to question authority :P Mr Daniel Kok and Mrs Choo taught me my drawing style. Mrs Choo allowed our friendships to blossom in the Art Room. All these were important experiences!

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

The funniest would be when I approached Mrs Choo, for the first time, to change subject from Chemistry to Art, and getting all excited when Mrs Choo said, “A is for Art, so you’ll get A for Art!” Art Room is like a safe haven, for students to interact, enjoy conversation and do nothing. But sometimes it can be a trap! When Mrs Choo suddenly steps out of her office, spots you, and starts talking to you--it’s over.

There are two possible outcomes, either you get comfortable and listen to the super looooong talk, or you give up and actually start doing work.

This actually happened once. The few of us went to the room to stone, instead succumbed to Mrs Choo’s persuasiveness and ended up working instead.

Le Trong Hoang Minh 2008

Dear Mrs Choo, for all your life and school advice given to me, I will always feel like you are not only a mentor, but also a great friend to me. I think your greatness as an educator lies in the fact that you removed all the walls that can exist between the teacher and the student. I’m able to share a lot of my thought processes with you that I wouldn’t even feel comfortable telling my friends.

The freedom with which you allowed me to explore art-making in the Art Room multiplied my passion for the subject. I like how you always wanted to emphasise on the specific aesthetics in the work produced by your students.

Thank you for your education.

Le Trong Hoang Minh

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

So far, all have involved drawing and designing.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

I have never. But I did use up a lot of available art materials in the Art Room.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A painting.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The freedom to explore art-making with various materials. And the encouragement that Mrs Choo gave us, which probably made us believe ourselves enough to bring our coursework to the end.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do not lose your curiosity and zest for learning. It does not matter if you fail or succeed. Focus on the journeys and what you keep with you afterwards.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the Art Room that you are willing to share?

Ananthanarayanan Yagnya 2008

Dearest Mrs Choo, thanks for never telling me to leave the room.

It really was a safe space for me especially when things got tough.

Your smile was always so warm and I’m really thankful for being allowed to intrude into that amazing creative space (and be a shameless freeloader).

You have an amazing, amazing energy which you spread wherever you go.

I wish I could come see you again, but I’m a teacher myself in Japan!

You were one of the amazing people in my life, who gave me the freedom to dream big and will to work for that dream. I wouldn’t be here without you.

I can only hope that I can be a teacher like you for my students too.

So I want to thank you with all my heart.

Love, Yagnya

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

I remember how I pissed off Mr Daniel Kok when I failed to clean up my Yoko Ono-inspired installation somewhere in the college.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Something weird based on my mood. With lots of mess.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I pretty much leeched off the Art Room for my two years at TPJC. I never became an Art student but I always hung out with the people there because I felt like I could exist there without judgement. I don’t know how many times I “borrowed” stuff from the room anymore.

But, I’ll always remember the Art Room (and the Black Box) as the best parts of TPJC.

I remember how often I ate the snacks Mrs Choo brought to the Art Room.

I remember how my artwork was painted over by the school cleaners.

It is kind of sad, but kind of poetic at the same time.

I remember how Mrs Choo would not let me keep my A Levels prep panels. Mrs Choo!!! Why... With my actual work gone, those were the only things I could keep as physical reminder of that work.

I went to LASALLE for three years and studied Theatre and Performance.

Then developed an interest in Japanese theatre.Then worked around as a freelancer for two years. Now, I’m teaching English in an ulu part of Japan and travelling on my days off. :D

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The ability to welcome everyone in and its warm atmosphere and acceptance for the eccentric.

Syafiqah ‘Adha Bte Md Sallehin

Ho Ming Qian 2008

2008

Mrs Choo, you are one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.

Even though I was more musically inclined than I was art inclined, I remember how you still encouraged me to do my best in my artworks, and you lauded my effort even though I thought my paintings were horrible! (Remember my charcoal model painting, the painting of the hills and beyond and the alien-like yellow sculpture with protrusions, which you insisted on keeping even though I hated it!) Also, you helped me so much with the STAMP Postbox Competition that I emerged as one of the finalists! Thank you Mrs Choo, for the love you’ve given to me and your students!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Freelance musician--pianist, accordionist, composer & arranger.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Yes! It was a book from some museum or art gallery about Art and Soundscape... Omg, I don’t have a clue where it is already! So sorry....

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Create art and sound installations!

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

No crimes I hope, but just unforgettable memories at the Art Room and with the Art Club members. Painting a sculpture for Yellow Ribbon organisation, spending hours and days creating the TPJC school song soundtrack in the Art Room, getting involved in STAMP Paint-a-Postbox Competition, modelling for TPJC runway, raising funds for NY trip and going for the trip itself. The Art Room and Art Club activities were quite a huge part of my JC life!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Enjoy it while you can!

I adore how Mrs Choo is always young at heart! One thing I will never forget when I went for the NY trip was that Mrs Choo had two little polar bears as her bedtime buddies and she treated them like her babies! I was so surprised and thought it was really cute! I wonder if she still has them now!

Banking.

That’s the problem! NOTHING.

Yah. She was opening her car. And to my HUGE surprise, a Lexus two-door S series sportscar. It was freaking cool for a lady in her 60s.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A mess.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Waste paint?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Everything, especially the family bond among the Art students and synergy with the Art teacher. It’s perfect the way it is.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid-life crisis?

I’ve made really awesome friends and met a really awesome teacher, Mrs Choo. We did a lot of crazy things together, spent a lot of time together, and we’ve all come together to make TPJC Runway possible. All these experiences definitely made my life in TPJC extremely memorable.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

The list of 10 (and more) Commandments! Actually I loved every bit of the Art Room and won’t change a thing.

Hanging out in the Art Room was an escape from the bad/ terrible days at TPJC.

Thank you Mrs Choo for everything.

Your dedication towards Art, students and life is very admirable. You were always the pillar that we all could rely on. Art would not have been so interesting and fun, if not for you.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the Art Room that you are willing to share?

Never be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

That’s what the Art Room is for. It’s where you can do crazy things without being judged.

The 10 Commandments and famous quote from Mrs Choo: “I WILL KIIIILLLLLLLL YOUUUU!”

Michelle Lin Qin Rong 2008

Thank you for voicing up for me for my coursework space in the library, especially when the VP was out to renovate parts of the library.

Nur Aquilah binte Rajab 2009

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Part time teaching? o.o

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

=D I returned--a year after I graduated. I’m not sure if I still have some in my room though.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A huge crazy installation

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

*proceeds to look at the do and do not list attached to the Art Room cupboard*

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Go ahead. Try stuff. Create a mess. You’ve got the space. Just pack up before Mrs Choo comes after you?

Dear Mrs Choo, I am sorry for being such a horrible student. Though your memories with me is something I always treasure. How you always nagged at me for being so slow! Every day of my life it will replay in my head like a tape recorder, and I actually work faster. I’m not proud of who I was back then, but I can safely say I am slightly better now (based on my mother’s comment). You never failed to be a second mother to me. Now I’m in Kuala Lumpur pursuing my degree in Sociology and Islamic studies. Over here, I joined an organisation, and fortunately I have been given the opportunity to create posters and media work. I can still carry out my love for art!

Thank you for always being my Ma for two years of my life! I will always love you.

Even though I used to put on a sour face at times and grumble. Well, pathetic looking always. Sorry! You will always be my one and only Ma! I will always remember your passion and love for your students!

You are truly a great inspiration.

Lim Hong Wei 2008

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you.

AQILAHHH!

Currently majoring in photography at ADM. Hope to be an artist and photographer after obtaining my degree.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Few pages from some fashion magazine. They were used as reference for my A Levels Art.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Create more paintings and artworks. The Art Room is still the best place to work in ever after years of leaving TPJC.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

I have no idea how the Art Room is like currently but I just hope it is still the same as the one I was in five years ago.

Jonathan Tan 2008

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

I really I cannot be there on the 29th May, I have examinations on that day.

But I’m blessed even for a second if you remember me :) Your worst student!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Gold paint--the very expensive one! Please forgive me, Mrs Choo!

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Posing like a model, talking to someone else and always smiling!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

My own corner where I can hide from the world!

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Ohhh, I accidentally spray painted the table!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Mrs Choo’s beaded top! The very sexy one! It should be framed and labelled, “Property of Mary Choo.”

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid-life crisis?

It was a place where all the round pegs in the square holes came together, the misfits and weird ones! How can it not feel like home?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Honestly, when I entered TPJC I was ready to quit art forever, but a happy accident put me in the Art Room and re-inspired me.

Starbucks, drama teacher, bookshop.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the Art Room that you are willing to share?

You will not be the same person in the future, whether you want to grow old, be happy and healthy like Mrs Choo--that’s a choice you make every single day to be a better person.

The Art Room will always be a place where I hide from the world and be who I want to be.

Muhammad Syazwan B Senin 2009

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

I’ll always remember Mrs Choo for being the single one who painstakingly talked to the principal and level head over my school suspension. Forever greatly indebted and grateful.

Oh and also for allowing me to have the corner of the D block for my final artpiece for A Levels :)

National Service.

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Took more than I needed for sure. (But only for inspirational purposes!)

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Memories ;)

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Bringing food in. Bringing non-Art students in. Using the Mac for Facebook.

Breaking in via the back sliding door :)

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Sleep whenever in doubt; no one disturbs you when you’re doing just that in the Art Room.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

“Nothing is rubbish.” - Mrs Mary Choo

Tay Ee Teng

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Lots of scenery drawings. A life size Mrs Choo painting? :D

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I wasted lots and lots and lots of paint on experimenting.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Almost everything? Including Mrs Choo :D

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

2009

Thank you for everything that you have put in for us, things which we may not have noticed and appreciated, as well as things which we noticed directly and thanked you at that moment. May you live a long, happy life and remember that we are all your children!

We love you!

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Coming to my first Art lesson after 3 weeks of JC1. Kena death stare from her.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

The drawings on the window, those are inspirational.

Explore your inner self because your art is about you.

Bartender, Primary School Art teacher at Innova Primary School.

Some paint brushes, probably.

Lim Yu Shaun 2009

I’m not good at this kind of things.

Admin, designing freelance, retail and tutoring.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Art Room is always a place to escape from the pressures of school life and a quiet nap place.

Belize Chan Li Chun

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

2009

Starhub customer call service, teaching.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Mohammad Zuhairee

Big LOVE for you Mrs Choo! :)

2009

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Professional student, professional intern

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

A film again.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

If you know, I will have to kill you.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

I’m at my quarter-life crisis.

I’m not living your life, so I have no words of wisdom for you. Go fix yourself.

Charissa Kwek 2010

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Uh, Mrs Choo I’m sorry for doing so badly in Art even though I know you expected greater/ better things from me. I get that my coursework was so unimpressive it’s almost impressive how unimpressive I got towards the end, actually.

That said, thank you for always encouraging that spirit of experimentation and giving us your valuable input and advice even though I was an ostrich with my head in the sand. Enjoy your golden years, and thank you for painting ours gold.

I left my heart in the TPJC Art Room, but thankfully it gave me back a lot of lost naps.

I think I might have but I’m pretty sure I’m trying to repress the memory due to the horrors of coursework.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Something that I won’t regret (although talk only lah, do already regret is eternal)... Definitely not installation work... Oh my god...

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

• Sleeping on the work tables.

• Sleeping on the trash bags (filled with shredded paper) under the work tables.

• WATER BOMB FIGHT!!!!! That continued in the field.

• Illegally (but not really) entered the Art Room on Saturdays for coursework by turning the lock at the back door by the window.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Azri Alwi 2010

• The spirit of experimentation • A portrait of Mary Choo under the work tables so if you’re hiding away for a quick nap... BAM! “The normal position” (quote by Mary Choo, thanks to a question from Joy which if given the chance I would gladly bleach from my brain.)

Loh Li Zhi 2010

Hi Mrs Choo, sorry that I can’t be there for your big send off; by the looks of it, it must be huge and certainly, you deserve every bit of it. Thank you for the many years of guidance and sportscar chauffeuring home, you have been a remarkable teacher and inspiration. My time in the Art Room was the most memorable part of my JC experience, I can only hope that we weren’t too much of a pain for you and Mr Khairul.

You have big plans for your retirement and I’m glad that you can finally get a chance to slow down that crazy fast paced life of yours; do pop by London and visit if you can. I still have another five years here, plenty of time for you to convince your hubby.

I hope you stay happy and cheerful as always and keep up your infamous thriftiness even with your buckets and oodles of retirement money. I guess once again all I can say is thank you for everything you’ve done for me and all your students, your warmth and kindness have not gone unnoticed. I sincerely hope we keep in touch and you’ll be sure to hear from me in your retirement! :D Cheers, Li Zhi

Until today, Lizhi still cannot believe that I was the Art Rep. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Hi Mrs Choo! Azri here! Thanks for being my guide through my time in the Art Room.

It was a whole new world and my eyes were opened. You’ve affected me so personally that I can only imagine how many students have gone through those doors and left as different people, blessed by your presence in the two (sometimes three) years. I hope they can keep up the same spirit of exploration and its joys that you have upheld for so long. Have a nice life!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Student.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The spirit of exploration and expression. Real positive stuff.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It was the cave I could enter at any time on any day.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

I want to see her grow a beard.

Nothing to it but to do it.

Tan Xiao Li

I would but I’m so damn busy now (architecture submission) :(

2010

Yan Zhuyun 2011

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Architecture student.

Yeah, she was eating food at the canteen. And we went to her house for lunch one day!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

More memories.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Sneaking into the Art Room from the back as it was locked (standard).

Sleeping.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Life size statue.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It helped tremendously because I was retained. Compared to H2 Chemistry, which I dropped, Art seemed so natural to me; I was thankful I stayed back and made new friends.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Trivia Goh 2010

Go hard or go hard.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

I’ve returned at least five ultra-thick fashion magazines the year after I graduated.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

1. A cosy sleeping corner,

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

When I was in JC1, my family was going through drastic changes. My mom was hospitalised so I had to approach Mrs Choo to seek permission for leave (during her lesson time). As she got to know more about the situation, she shared her own experience of changing the way she addressed her in-laws when she got married. It untangled a problem that stressed me for years. Always look at things from the bright side. Everything happens to you is a gift, it makes you special! <3

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

2. An ideas sharing corner--sometimes our time in the Art Room does not provide us with the opportunity to interact with everyone. I’d love to exchange interesting ideas with others.

Be crazy and wild, live your life with no regrets :)

Dear Mrs Choo, you are an inspiration. I’m glad I had you for Art lessons. I’m glad we were given the freedom to create and explore. I wish I were bolder then. Do know that I’m proud to have known you and had the privilege of being your student.

Freelance designer, waitress.

Nazrul Fahmi 2011

I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

At the assembly area wearing a long skirt so she doesn’t have to do the Qigong shit exercise we were basically forced to do every morning for a period of time.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Large charcoal murals.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The papier mache fang, the stacks of magazines: Vogue, Nat Geo, some artsy magazine.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

It was a hideout from everyone else.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

I’ve sold myself to MOE, and I’m still undergoing training at NIE, NTU; part-time tutor.

I would love to see if the photos taken using the Photo Booth in the iMacs are still there!

Trivia Goh What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Don’t waste the freedom. You will not get it very often.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Made full use of the Art Room printer. Hehe.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Start early. Don’t procrastinate!

Kyla Wong 2011

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Thank you for giving us the freedom to choose, experiment and learn--each at our own pace!

2012

Random part time jobs; currently a country manager of one of Singapore’s biggest women online fashion store!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Playing with colours on merchandises that can be used!

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The iMacs!

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

The thought of the friends I made and grew closer to during Art makes me grateful for where I am today.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Do what makes you happy!

[THE ART ROOM] HAS A LOT OF MOSQUITOES OMG HAHA

2011

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Sharon Salim 2011

Mrs Choo, you are like my fairy god-mother holding a magic paint brush. I still remember you once brought to school your personal collection of Indian silver filigree jewellery. And you wore huge dome-shaped earrings accompanied by a baby blue top, black stockings and skirt. I just loved it on you. I may not have told you directly before, but every time I saw you or when you were talking to me, I felt like I had a second mother in school to take care of me.

Your warm nature made me feel so comfortable in your presence.

THANK YOU MRS CHOO. <3 What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Ng Kai Yuan

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Vimal

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Not really. I always asked Mrs Choo before doing or taking anything from the Art Room. Moreover, she would surprise me with old but completely untouched art materials that really made me feel like I just inherited some Art Room treasure from the past. Haha. I still have the full set of gouache that Mrs Choo said I could take :)

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I would create jewellery for Mrs Choo to wear. I love embellishment.

Jewellery is something I love the most of all. I think it would be great if we had such facilities in our Art Room :)

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Anything deemed rubbish by others needs to be thoroughly analysed by the Art department first. They could be an art material. If so, they should be stored in the Art Room without much care for neatness etc.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Mrs Choo is not only an Art teacher, but also a person who has seen so much. She has lived more than double or even triple our age. You can practically ask her for any kind of advice and she will not mind speaking to you for hours for your own welfare. And the topics can branch out so beautifully that it would seem to cover all aspects of your life. When I thought I had failed academically, Mrs Choo always assured me that I could do it if I tried.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

If I am not wrong, Mrs Choo became so furious with the late completion of coursework, particularly by my batch which graduated in 2012. Haha. She does not get angry easily but we just had to push it. Lol.

Barista, stage crew, audio engineer.

Documentary film.

Didn’t really like Study of Visual Arts (SOVA) back then but as Aldous Huxley puts it--the more you know, the more you see. Really glad I did SOVA now.

Thank you, Mrs Choo for all of your guidance and patience. I still draw creatively in watercolours up till today and I hope I can be an entrepreneur in the arts industry. I hope you know the impact and difference you have done in my life! Hugs!

I’m currently working for LTA’s hotline, a temporary job before starting uni. It’s sort of my first proper job after leaving the army.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Well, I surely feel very emotional that the future Art students of TPJC will not have a chance to be a student of Mrs Choo. All I will say is be daring and try. It does not matter. There is no such thing as wrong in art. Don’t make it so technical like science. Just create freely and you don’t need to give a damn about anyone judging you. They will judge regardless of how perfect you may be. Mrs Choo was the most creatively dressed person in TPJC as far as I can recall. Many cannot accept and understand her style. There were people who judged her. But nothing deterred the wonderfully positive spirit of Mrs Choo to be a fashionista ;)

Dorothea Leong 2012

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

DID YOU MISS ME AND MY CONSTANT EATING AND ARE YOU SURPRISED I’M NOT FAT YET? All the best in your future endeavours!

Please rest well hehehehe :)

Lai Hoi Bing 2012

Thank you for all the guidance on our coursework and the occasional useful tips on life. It was a great experience being taught by you.

I work part time in a school now. Dealing with children just as annoying as I used to be. What goes around comes around, I guess.

Rule No. 2 (“Keep anything that is rubbish/ looks like rubbish”).

The room should also remain in the current state of organized mess.

Saajidah Firdausi 2012

Sorry for the angsty and haphazard teenager issues, Mrs Choo; thank you for enduring and seeing me through it all.

Pang Yun Jing Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

2011

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Freelance photographer, graphic design intern.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I’ll probably do a photography installation!

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I used to tabao paint home so I can work on the prep work. Mrs Choo collected all these containers for us to use and I stored paint in them.

Literally the tabao containers.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Prepare yourself for hidden cockroaches.

Quek Mei-Xian Joanne 2011

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Hi Mrs Choo, thank you for everything you have done all these years. You are a well-loved Art teacher! Time to rest and enjoy life. Most of all, thank you for being my beloved Art teacher.

Gallery assistant, cafe staff and design intern.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Saw her at Art Stage Singapore and she brought us in for free once :D Thanks, Mrs Choo!

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Really enjoyed working with my batch’s Art students and thanks for your guidance Mrs Choo and Mr Khairul.

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Just a paintbrush. Haha!

Just walking by in her bicycle tights.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Nothing should change; it should remain the glorious mess it has always been.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the Art Room that you are willing to share?

Being accosted by Vimal whenever I entered the Art Room and being treated like a live mannequin.

Hitting the Art Room on Saturdays and jamming to music while we sewed, painted and drew away.

The butt vase.

Ang Zi Qing 2012

Thank you for allowing me to take H2 Art despite the deadline to submit our subject choices :) I still remember you telling me that all of the students who made a last minute decision to take H2 Art got an A for the subject. Initially I was afraid I would be the one to break this trend but I’m glad I did well for the subject--it would not have been possible without your guidance. Dropping Lit for Art was one of the best choices I made in TPJC. Thank you Mrs Choo for everything :)

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Hiding in the Art Room to skip Sports Day

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Appreciate the Art Room because only a few of us will have the opportunity to enjoy it.

Belinda Sng Wan Xuan

Adeline Tng 2013

2012

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Flower illustration book.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Never throw anything.

Cheryl Foo 2013

You have inspired me to be unconventional in the way I live! Though my time in TPJC was short, everything I learnt from you has really given me an edge in poly now. Thank you.

Thanks Mrs Choo for being the greatest, naggy but lovable mother of my TPJC life! I remember times when you would take a chair, camp beside me and start reading me newspaper articles about art that I just didn’t really want to hear. HAHAH. But it was enjoyable nonetheless because you just really cared for us a lot! I know I was a rather lazy bum during my years in TPJC, especially for Art, which you even predicted I would get a D :’( But you really made me sure that I want to do art in the future and I’m so glad I escaped the Arts stream in TPJC! :D Sorry for making you wanna kill me so many times and making you grow a beard probably 6 lifetimes worth; I promise I’ve been a better student ever since!

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Haha, I’m still studying but it has been an eye opening experience, learning so much more about art.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Probably something more commercial; see what I learnt in poly and JC can be combined to become something interesting.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The commandments, of course.

Tammie Quah Tian Li 2013

Thank you for your guidance and help during my two years with you, Mrs Choo!

(Your ghost student.)

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Wire mesh sculptures!

Nope, but my friend Yan Jie and I always explored the Art Room for freebies and art materials such as expired paint and whatever we could lay our hands on to do artwork that may (or may not) have been part of our final work for A Levels! Hahahah!

Oh yes, sometimes my friend and I kept a mini stash of the snacks Mrs Choo brought back from Malaysia(?) because the crispy, sugar biscuit thingy was sooooo good and we wanted to be the selfish ones to clear them.

Heheh :B

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Strolling around school and having a simple tea time with other people in the canteen! We’ve also seen her participate in TPJC’s Sports Day. Hahahah! Who can miss Mrs Choo’s unique appearance around school?

Sometimes she comes out to hunt for the missing Art students, who were often aware that they’re being hunted though. Hahahah. Oops, sorry, Mrs Choo!

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

I’ve been a teaching assistant in an art centre for kids (Abrakadoodle) as well as a freelance designer for various projects in my free time!

Currently pursuing a degree in NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media!

Chasing my dreams to be a children’s book illustrator and animator! :)

Character illustrations, a mini house for camping through project nights and maybe gather people to invest in some food machine to encourage survival for future students inhabiting the Art Room!

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Daniel Yeo 2014 Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

There was a time when Yan Jie, Christyasto and I explored the different kinds of acrylic paints in storage, and we got our hands on mouldinfested paint! We took it out and were intrigued by the mould (ew, I will never understand what state my mind was in during my JC years) and before we knew it, we used some (or most) of the paint to paint this wooden chair, and it stank so badly that we left it there! The next time we came, it was gone... (Gawd bless whoever took that chair. Yikes!)

Also, there was a time when Yan Jie and I came back to the Art Room during the June holidays(?) and while washing my palette, I noticed that Mary Choo’s favourite bamboo shoot thingy (in a trough of water) was infested with mosquito larvae!! I took a video and helped her kill the larvae (being the mean me) with whatever toxic substance I found in the Art Room before clearing the larvae!! Gosh!

Lastly, I got caught and chased out of the Art Room many times for eating chicken rice in there. Heheh. It may have been many times but it wasn’t ALL the time ;)

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

We should make a Mary Choo section in the Art Room! Like a lounge area made of recycled stuff since she likes collecting cardboard and stuff from the recycling centre! Hahahah.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid-life crisis?

Apart from being a great place to nap, the Art Room was also a good excuse to be late for class in my years in TPJC! It’s a relaxing place that was also good for spying on people in the canteen extension (not for stalking purposes, I promise!!), listening to Mrs Choo’s stories but ranting about life to Mrs Choo was the best way to calm my nerves!

Also, it’s the best place to hide when you’ve got no friends to chill with in the morning before assembly or during lonely breaks when you’re the only one in your class who doesn’t have lessons :(

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

The journey will only get tougher from here in the art industry! But be brave because the journey ahead will be tough but fulfilling :)

Do you have any other anecdotes about the Art Room that you are willing to share?

I would get so angry when random people entered the Art Room without their Art friends as though they have the right!? Okay, maybe I’m just possessive and selfishly exclusive but during my time, there used to be a group of people who kept entering the Art Room (they’re not Art students) to take stuff. Once I got so angry, I went to confront them and told them that they were stealing students’ property, not the school’s (although, yes, it’s the school’s but a little lie won’t hurt right?) and they got so shocked because they thought it was school property, so they apologised and left! I didn’t see them again when I was in the Art Room but gosh it made me so mad!!

Almost wanted to beat them up using rods and metal bars but alas, that is against the rules in school. And illegal in Singapore :(

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

Dear Mrs Choo, the Art Room will be a very different place without your presence.

Thank you for being the best teacher and also a friend I ever had and ever will have.

Photographer, currently jobless.

Shopping for groceries.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Everything. The Art Room should be an organised mess.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

Mrs Choo was there for me through all four years of my life there. Art was most likely the only subject I enjoyed in JC.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

To be less stubborn and more willing to try different things rather than stay with the medium that you are comfortable using. If you don’t want to try something new, at least show people you can execute works with your current medium with skill. Never think your work is that good that you no longer need to improve on it. Once you think that way, your works will never move further.

Toh Wan Yu 2014

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the art room? If so, where and what was she doing?

CPF; Jumbo Restaurant; telemarketing (very short).

Eating at the canteen with Mr Khairul.

Driving on the road and waving at me.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

New bookshelves.

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

Sins are meant to be pardoned.

What do you think should be up-kept/ upheld in the Art Room post-Mary Choo?

Mrs Choo’s artistic ambiance.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid life crisis?

My cave to recede from the noisy school environment.

Swee Qiao Pei Kristine 2014

HI MRS CHOO, thanks for being the MOST MOST MOST encouraging teacher who never stopped us from doing anything (well, except for letting us stay overnight in school to do art coursework. HAHAHAAH)!!!

I enjoyed spending time with you talking about random things and trying to figure out how to cut sleek looking boxes for my coursework!

I am going to major in Chinese which means I may eventually become a Chinese teacher, but I genuinely hope that I will be an educator who is as dedicated as you! Love you!

Soo Kai Leng 2014

P.S. Your fashion sense is awesome What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Have you ever “forgotten to return” any reference books or art supplies from the art room? If so, what were they?

Have you ever spotted Mary Choo outside of the Art Room? If so, where and what was she doing?

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

Teaching intern, admin assistant.

Yes, some paper cutting design books and paper. Lots of paper.

Eating with Mr Khairul and Mr Singh in the canteen! They always sat somewhere near the drinks and Malay food stalls #justsaying

Paintings! And probably a paper cut-out book which I never did for coursework in the end.

Wasting paint and paper. HAHAHAHA

Mrs Choo’s artwork!

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid-life crisis?

Every Art lesson was an art therapy session. We splashed paint, tore paper, stuffed food into our mouths while chatting with each other and somewhat, somehow, school was a lot less stressful.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

When confronted by critics who questioned whether ”The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” was art at all and told, “Anyone could have done this.” Damien Hirst replied, “But you didn’t, did you?”

Think out of the box

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

Dear Mrs Choo, thank you for everything!

I know I used to bother you a lot in the morning to tell you about my new idea of the week, and we would spend the time before assembly just sharing ideas with each other. I miss those times more than you know, because it’s seldom that a teacher is willing to devote so much of her personal time to interact socially with her students.

Thank you for feeding us to boost our morale, as well as periodically checking up on us as we toiled in the gallery for hours. I will always remember your extremely colourful and refreshing fashion sense and the kindness you bestowed on us all. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

I rewrote the “More-than-10 Commandments of Art Room” but stopped halfway because the marker ran out of ink and I haven’t finished it since.

Oops...

What are the jobs that you have taken on since graduation?

Just went to SUTD! Took on an internship as a teacher for students with autism for a while before that.

If you were to re-enrol into the Art Room today, what would you create?

Painting! My installation didn’t score well :(

Tell us a story. A tale of the petty crimes you may (or may not) have allegedly committed as a student of the Art Room.

I brought a vacuum cleaner to clean the top of the cupboard in my first year and reorganized the tables. Mrs Choo also always called me her “most stubborn student”.

What do you think should be upkept / upheld in the art room post-Mary Choo?

The self-portrait that she drew.

How did your time at the TPJC Art Room help you get through your quarter or mid-life crisis?

Friends and endless chattering with Mrs Choo! I love how she always fed us with homemade food and was always available in the morning for us to bounce ideas off her.

What life lessons or words of wisdom are you willing to share with the future TPJC Art Room students?

Treasure your Art teachers, because they are the most creative teachers you will ever encounter! Also, take the initiative to improve the Art Room, because if we keep thinking the next batch will do it, nothing will ever get done.

Do you have any other anecdotes about the art room that you are willing to share?

During the moth epidemic last year, one flew into the fan and exploded.

Fish had to clear the little bits of wings and body off her area. Quite traumatising :C

CREDITS

/// CORE TEAM ///

/// PICK.A.CHOO AUCTION ///

Joanne Lim Rhao Mei (98)

CONCEPT /// STYLING /// PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Wong De Yi (99)

Joanne

Samantha Yong Tse-Yunn (00)

/// COMMEMORATIVE /// /// ART ROOM LIAISON /// CONCEPT /// ART /// DESIGN /// LAYOUT /// EDITING Edmund Heng Aik Ming (94)

Samantha, Joanne, Mark

Jacqueline Chua Jie Ying (08)

/// SPECIAL THANKS /// /// 29 MAY 2015 PARTY /// FINANCE COORDINATION Goh Jian Ting (00) INVITATION /// RSVP Muhammad Fariz (02) Trecia Lim (00) PARTY LOGISTICS Alvin Lau (98) Nasiruddin Bar (07) Yan Zhuyun (11) CAKE Doreen Tan (01) EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY Farizan Wahab (99)

Mary Choo for being on this journey with us right from inception to end (as always) and for being such a sport at our many requests, even at one point quipping, “Wah!!! Not easy to retire!!!”

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO Koh Hong Teng (87), Bjorn Yeo Chern Yih (98), Robert Tan Zie Ciang (98), Tan Shao Han (98), Kerlin Thiang Hui Zhen (14), Kristine Swee Qiao Pei (14) and Christopher Liew Lee Meng et al (Year 14-15) for stepping up to the plate when called to present their work and/or thoughts at this party experiment; Zubaidah Lah (06) for her enthusiasm and help along the way; all the census respondents who made this book possible with their stories.

SCRIBBLES

SO HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TO HAPPY ENDINGS.