RATTAN REIMAGINED

From chance discovery to mastery, Ng Si Ying’s journey into rattan weaving bridges tradition and modernity with every piece she creates.

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Rattan weaving wasn't always part of Ng Si Ying's story. A graduate in visual communications from Nanyang Technological University, the 31-year-old initially envisioned a creative career in design. But a chance encounter with one of Singapore's oldest rattan furniture shops, Chun Mee Lee Rattan Furniture, set her on an entirely different path.

Fascinated by the intricate artistry of rattan craftsmanship and the stories behind it, she persuaded the shop's owners to teach her the techniques of this traditional trade.

Her early days as an apprentice were a lesson in patience and persistence. She immersed herself in the meticulous process of weaving and restoring rattan furniture, learning to respect the material's quirks and adaptability.

Over time, Ng's understanding of rattan deepened not just as a craft but as a medium for storytelling. She began experimenting, blending traditional methods with modern design sensibilities to create art pieces that are both functional and visually captivating.

FASCINATION TURNED ADORATION

What started as a quiet fascination since 2017, has now evolved into a full-fledged passion. Through her brand, atinymaker, she breathes new life into rattan weaving, transforming it into a medium that bridges heritage and modernity while managing her full-time career as a UX designer.

Yet her journey with rattan is as much about discovery as it is about intention.