A Few of My Favourite Things

A Journey into Artistic Imagination with

Danielle Tay

Creativity knows no limits. Drawn from this ethos, "Beyond The Canvas” transcends boundaries in a unique showcase of six local artists’ talents and visions. The Perfect Bound Customised Notebook isn’t merely a product, but a tribute to the individual artist’s creative flair and personal expression. Each notebook becomes a canvas on which their works come to life, offering a window into the imaginative worlds of these remarkable creators.

In conversation with Danielle Tay, she revealed the inspirations behind her vibrant paintings, collages, and murals. For Danielle, art is a profound way to understand the world, enabling her to express her thoughts and connect authentically with others. Discover her journey and the piece “A Few of My Favourite Things,” which celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the small gestures that enrich our lives for Bynd Artisan’s "Beyond the Canvas" collection.

Hi Danielle. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us and being part of the “Beyond The Canvas” artist showcase. For readers who are not yet familiar with you and your work, could you give us a short self-introduction?
Hi, I’m Danielle Tay. I’m a visual artist who creates vibrant paintings, collages and murals that enliven the spaces they inhabit. My work is inspired by the small things in daily life that are often overlooked. I enjoy bringing these unseen moments to life, capturing their essence, and sharing them with my community through my art.

How does art resonate with you on a personal level?
Art resonates with me because it allows me to make sense of the world in ways that words cannot. Throughout my journey of art-making, I’ve learned that it’s important to always trust your intuition and stay true to who you are. This authenticity translates into my work, infusing it with the kind of energy that connects with people who resonate with it. Being as authentic as possible helps attract the right kind of people who engage with your work in the most genuine way.

What inspired you to pursue art in this field, and what insights have you gained about yourself along the way?
I was a very quiet child. I found other forms of expression, such as speaking or dancing, quite uncomfortable. These things just didn’t come naturally to me, and the more I was told that I wasn’t vocal enough, the more resistant I became to trying them. Naturally, I gravitated towards making things with my hands, which provided me with a safe space to be myself and process my thoughts. Through this process, I created something tangible — a finished product — which became the most effective way for me to make sense of the world, and connect with others through what I made.

Can you tell us about the piece you created for Bynd Artisan’s “10 Years and Beyond” and what it means?
The piece I created for Bynd Artisan’s 10th Anniversary is called “A Few of My Favourite Things”. When we first met at the Holland Village Atelier, we talked about simple gestures that can have a huge impact — things like penning a handwritten note to someone, sending a postcard via snail mail, or the instinctive habit of jotting down ideas on paper. These are things we rarely do now in this digital age. When I started creating this piece, I wanted to focus on the under-appreciated things that have transformed our lives in significant ways but are often taken for granted. This piece is about contentment, living simply, being in the moment, and appreciating the beautiful moments amid the chaos of life. By highlighting these simple things, I hope the work encourages people to notice the little things in life that keep us grounded, foster deeper human connections, and remind us to slow down and enjoy what truly matters.

In what ways do you hope your artworks, particularly the “10 Years and Beyond” piece, will resonate with those who encounter them?
I’ve been working on a series of works titled “The Evergreens.” Through this series, I want to celebrate the resilience of nature and its timeless quality, with the hope that it’ll help people foster a deeper connection with the natural world, pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Live simply, be present, and cherish the moments that truly matter.

Discover more insights and inspirations from the other artists featured in the Beyond The Canvas collection, and view the full collection here.

A Few of My Favourite Things

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