All things Singapore - The MERLION

Undoubtedly, this is a symbol which every tourist will associate with Singapore. Half-fish and half-lion, this mythical legend has long become an icon of Singapore. This 15cm-high piece is commissioned by a government agency and i wanted it to look friendly. The original sculpture sited at the Singapore River has 4 canine and it looks majestic. With the majesty comes respectable dignity and it looks somewhat serious and fierce. So, i did not attach the canine and i added a benign smile on the face. The colourful mane represents the multicultural nature and dynamism of our society. It sits on a base of marbled waves. I also used clear, flat marbles to add highlight to the sculpture. There is a thin stick joing the base and the Merlion which i used as an armature to prop up the vertical sculpture. As in all clay sculptures using Paulinda Clay, designs are not etched on it. but rather imprinted in it, which means using any kind of tools or objects to leave an impression on the clay. The scales of the Fish's body is imprinted using a rounded tool, which created circular designs. This is a piece which i am able to do for any organisation.