The GRAZIA Game Changers initiative recognises the people who have been creating meaningful impact in Singapore and throughout Asia. This year, in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we invited the honorees from our inaugural edition to pass the torch to a new class of talented and spirited individuals. Meet Genevieve Ang, an artist and designer who explores materials such as clay, sand and glass, and the way people relate to them, through sculptures, installations and visual imagery.
What does the term “game changer” mean to you?
Genevieve Ang (GA): Being a game changer means to be open, adaptive and constantly learning. In the ever changing environment we are in, it is important to remain open to new ideas and new ways of being.
How did you discover your purpose in life?
GA: I think it is difficult to say that I have discovered my purpose in life because I think through different stages we will have different purposes. We sometimes outgrow something we thought of as purpose at one point of our lives, in my case, I outgrew my desire to be an architect and pivoted to my other passions. At this juncture, my purpose is to follow my curiosities and to push the limits of my ideas and mediums.
What are the qualities that you most value in people? How do you embody them yourself?
GA: Being curious, playful, kind and resilient are some of the most important qualities that I most value in people. All these qualities are actually embodied by my mother. It is through her that I learn to be open and curious regardless of age, because she is still constantly trying out new recipes and is ever so curious about new ways of making certain pastries as she is nearing 70! Kindness is also a quality she displays, even during hard times she would give as much as our circumstance allows. Lastly, resilience is something I admire and is always inspired by but also knowing when to stop and rest are important intuitive decisions for a good reset.
How would you say youʼve played your part to be a game changer in the industry you’re in?
GA: I am thankful to have been awarded the Good Design Research Grant to research on changing glass waste to glazes in 2023. It was very fortunate that I am able to be a part of the green shift in the design industry. I am currently also prototyping an interactive ceramic product that is able to transmit human heat remotely with The Interactive Materials Lab, National University of Singapore for Future Impact 2 showcase for Milan Design Week in April this year. This is immensely exciting for me to be able to collaborate and push boundaries on clay, the material that is so dear to me.
What have been the highlights and major challenges of that journey? How did you overcome each hurdle?
GA: The highlight would probably be meeting liked-minded individuals who are willing to experiment and have fun making things together. Major challenges are timeline and budget. It takes resilience, working within boundaries and pacing ourselves to completion.
What are some changes youʼd like to see in your industry and how would you see your role in influencing them?
GA: I would like to see designers being given more creative freedom and also ample time. Time is one of the key ingredients to producing thoughtful design solutions, and I hope to convey that by slowly pushing the understanding of this.
What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do?
GA: To rest well and to ensure that I am enjoying my journey in all other areas of life keeps me motivated and passionate about what I want to do for work. It is a long run, so motivation and passion have to be carefully cared for to make sure they last a long time.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or life lesson that youʼve learned?
GA: The most valuable piece of advice or life lesson I have learnt is that there are many areas of life to be experienced beyond work.
What do you hope people take away from your journey as a game changer?
GA: To be intentional and conscious that we are the only ones who can try to steer our own journey.
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANTZ HAN
STYLING KELLY HSU
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
PRODUCER BRYAN GOH
HAIR AND MAKEUP SHA SHAMSI/MAKEUPARTISTINC, USING BURBERRY BEAUTY AND PERCY & REED
HAIR AND MAKEUP ASSISTANT EUNICE YONG/MAKEUPARTISTINC
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT YAM SIN YEAN
STYLING ASSISTANT CARLYN SOO