WeFew: An interview Deborah McKellar, Talking Textiles

It was the turning point of her life when Deborah interned at Signature Prints, Sydney less than two years ago. It was there that she was captivated by the textile designs of legendary designer Florence Broadhurst and decided to take the road less travelled.

Now, Deborah McKellar is the designer behind the Singapore based textile art company, Talking Textiles. Drawing her inspiration from the exotic and bustling city of Singapore, Deborah produces designs that are both rich in colour and a fusion of Asian and Western heritage.

We chat up with Deborah to find out how she embarked on this journey.

WeFew: Tell us a little bit about your background – what brought you to Singapore and subsequently led you to Talking Textiles?
DM: I grew up in South Africa, from a young age I have always wanted to ‘make things’. My parents recognized my need for creativity and sent me to various extra classes where I was able to let my creative juices run free. By the age of twelve I decided start up a small business designing and selling T-shirts, so I guess my entrepreneurial spirit also began early in life.

I was privileged enough to travel, l which developed my interest and love for different cultures. At the age of 17, on a trip to London, I came across the textile designs of Trica Guild. On seeing her work, something leapt within me and I knew then that that was what I wanted to do!

At the age of 20, I moved with my family to Singapore. There I studied art at LaSalle School of the Arts. Unfortunately, textile design is not offered as a subject in Singapore, so once I graduated I furthered my studies in Australia, where I did my Masters in Design.

WeFew: What made you decide this is what you want to do?
DM: Different events throughout my life have pointed me in this direction, however I think the turning point that made it very clear, would have been whilst I was in Sydney doing an internship at Signature Prints. Signature prints is a silk – screen printing house that handprints the legendary designs of Florence Broadhurst.

WeFew: What challenges have you faced when starting your own business – do you struggle with the business side of things, for motivation to get started on a project, or marketing yourself? And how do you overcome them?
DM: Because of the start-up nature of the business manpower is limited. This means that as the boss I land up playing many different roles, often learning along the way. Some of the tasks I face can be mundane; however, I can push myself to do them as they are necessary requirements to reaching my end goal. Motivation for starting a project is not a problem; inspiration is always there, finding the time to do all that I have in mind, however, is very challenging.

WeFew: What do you enjoy most about having your own business and designing full time?
DM: Flexible time, been able to work late into the night and then not having to worry about been back at work again at 8am! Stocking up my studio fridge with chocolates - to be eaten at any hour.

WeFew: You recently received support from Creative Community Singapore via the Creative Talent Fund, how has this helped your business?
DM: The grant given by CCS has been an immense help, if it were not for them I may have had to put Talking Textiles on hold until I had generated enough savings to get started. Besides the financial boost, they have sent me on an entrepreneurial course that has giving me a better understanding of the business side of things.

WeFew: Who or what was your most valuable source of information and support when setting up your business?
DM: Besides CCS, my family have been a constant support as they genuinely believe in what I am doing. In stressful times it’s brilliant to have someone to talk to that will give you an honest opinion.

WeFew: What are your future plans for Talking Textiles?
DM: Ultimately, I would love to have a Talking Textiles centre. This centre would contain a store/gallery area to display the products as well as my studio space. I believe that it is very important for customers who are buying the products to have an understanding of the design process involved. These products are not mass produced, each item has been hand printed using the silk-screening technique, thus each object is unique and one of a kind.

WeFew: We all love Singapore because it’s clean, green and safe. These points aside, tell us your favourite thing about Singapore.
DM: I love the rich cultural diversity that is found here. One of my favourite things to do is to explore the different parts of Singapore. Browsing around the market in China Town, I have found beautiful objects such as snuff bottles and Chinese tea cups, these kinds of objects I will photograph to be used later in one of my designs. I love the stories that these everyday objects have to tell, they all have their own unique history and heritage.

WeFew: How has Singapore inspired your work?
DM: I could confidently say that Singapore has been the main source of inspiration for my latest range. ‘Talking Textiles’, as the name suggests, invokes conversation. Singapore has many stories to tell, my textile designs tell parts of those stories.

Much of my inspiration comes from textiles that are found in Singapore such as; Chinese silks, Peranakan embroidery and Malay batiks. Inspired by these traditional objects, I reinterpret what I have seen in my own unique way, giving the design a contemporary dimension.

WeFew: Where would you bring someone who is visiting Singapore for the first time?
DM: often have friends and family coming over to visit Singapore, so playing tour guide is role I’m pretty comfortable with. I would usually introduce them to some of my favourite local dishes such as the famous Katong Laksa and Kueh tutu, which I find at Food Republic. Taking them for an evening boat ride along the Singapore River is always a memorable experience; I love the glowing red lanterns that are attached to the boats at night. I live along the East Coast so cycling at the beach is always a fun activity. And then not forgetting shopping, shopping , shopping which as anyone who lives here knows, you can shop just about anywhere on the Island!