Is Art really valuable?

Why would people want to steal artworks? Are artworks worth so much? Why are some art pieces valued more than others?

Here are some criteria that determine the value of an art work:

Authenticity

First and foremost, the artwork needs to be officially authenticated. Art pieces could be forged. The process of authentication varies depending on the period in which the piece in question was created. Contemporary art is perhaps the easiest to authenticate, especially if the artist is alive and working as they can easily confirm they were the ones who authored the artwork. However, if the piece was not made in recent times, the artwork’s documentation must be verified and the physical traits of the work itself are analysed.

The Name of the Artist and the Value of Art

Big names equal big numbers, that’s how it’s always been. Works made by the likes of Jackson Pollock or Frida Kahlo will always have elite price tags. On the other spectrum, an emerging artist cannot be valued exceptionally high, although new rising stars have been known to contradict this notion every now and then. Keeping the author’s name in mind does not determine the exact value of a piece, but it does provide you with a certain indicator of the price’s range.

The Condition of the Artwork

The important factors are any changes to the state, possible restorations, effects of any modifications to the physical integrity of a piece or its visual quality. If any of these factors are present, the value of the artwork deteriorates at a frightening rate. Needless to say, the pristine condition is highly desirable. So, the golden rule is that you should never, under any circumstances, try to make direct changes to the piece. Just leave it as is and do not risk compromising its value.

Provenance and Status of Artwork

Provenance provides us with information like the work’s creator, history, and appraisal value. Although it may not always directly influence the overall value, it’s always interesting to have a good story behind the piece you are trying to evaluate. Oftentimes, people are willing to pay more money knowing the piece belonged to a certain important someone or if the artwork was a part of some exciting event. Needless to say, provenance is more important in terms of authentication and lawfulness, but it can play a role of a price booster if the circumstances are right.

Subject of the Artwork

Although it may seem a bit odd at first, the subject the work tackles is an important element in art appraisal. Depending on the theme depicted, it is often possible to roughly determine a market, therefore narrowing the possible price range of a piece. One collector may be drawn to nineteenth-century landscape etchings while another finds value in late twentieth-century color photography.

Not every piece is interesting for everyone regardless of the artist and the overall state of the piece. It should also be said that artifacts and rare objects are always more desirable than common things, so rarity is also a substantial factor in price determination procedure. Logically, the value often has a lot to do with the technique in which the piece was made.

What makes an artwork ‘better’ than another artwork? Is it all about perspective or is there something more?

Let’s have some fun!

Are you ready to play the role of a detective to solve the mystery of the Gardner Art Theft?

First, take a look at the 13 stolen works here:
https://www.gardnermuseum.org/about/theft

Next, go to the art museum via:
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/thirteen-works-explore-the-gardner-s-stolen-art/gAIyZKoNat4oLA

At the same time, listen or read the story by Anthony Amore, the Museum’s Chief of Security, and Chief Investigator, to retrace the steps of the thieves on the night of the robbery.
https://www.gardnermuseum.org/audioguide/english/theft-walk

PDF of the audio transcript: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/sites/default/files/uploads/files/TheftAudioWalkTranscript_FINAL_20200301.pdf

After watching the videos and going through the evidence, discuss and share your theories on the theft.

Source:

• https://www.widewalls.ch/how-to-value-an-artwork/
• https://www.gardnermuseum.org/audioguide/english/theft-walk

The Inside Story behind the biggest art heist in American History https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPBPOzurjo8 (4.25mins)

What Happened Inside The Gardner Museum During The Heist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAxZSdNej-I (6.35mins)

How are the limited living spaces in Singapore used for different purposes?

With limited living space in Singapore, spaces have to be used constructively. Each space has to serve a specific purpose or better yet, serves multiple purposes. Here is how Singapore seeks to transform her space to better use.

Preserve and develop distinctive identities of the towns and estates in Singapore to foster a strong sense of place and belonging for Singaporeans

Where are you staying in Singapore? Do you know the history of the area that you are staying in? What are the distinctive qualities in your HDB town?

To enhance the distinctive identity of each HDB town, Housing Development Board (HDB) will be introducing Town Design Guides for each of its 24 towns. Each customised Guide will chronicle the town’s history, vision and distinct character to unify its future developments as the town evolves.

Some examples:

Singapore’s first man-made waterway

Image taken from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/life-by-the-water

Punggol has been selected by HDB to be developed into its first eco-town in Singapore, for the tropics. This residential project focuses on multiple initiatives for sustainable living through effective energy, water, and waste management. To date, Punggol Waterway and Treelodge@Punggol are 2 successful iconic developments that set Punggol apart as a sustainable waterfront town of the 21st century.

Transforming Woodlands

Image taken from: https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/press-release/hdb-introduces-town-design-guides

Woodlands is divided into 5 areas, each with its own distinctive sub-theme. Complementing the “wooded” theme for Woodlands Town are five distinctive sub-themes which have been developed based on the social and physical features of each area within the town. These sub-themes will guide the design of the public spaces and landscaping for each area, thereby strengthening its identity. The town is also comprehensively planned with good connectivity to amenities and abundant community spaces to encourage interaction and strengthen community ties.

HDB will continue to seek out new planning concepts and design ideas to create towns with strong identities to foster a strong sense of place and belonging for Singaporeans.

Enhancing connectivity throughout Singapore via Park Connector Network

The Park Connector Network is an innovative program that allows busy Singaporeans to enjoy the outdoors more. Helmed by the National Parks Board (NParks) and developed in cooperation with other government agencies, it involves the development of a green matrix of paths connecting parks and nature areas from underused spaces along roads, canals and railway corridors. In land-scarce Singapore, these spaces promote diverse benefits – from healthier lifestyles and sustainable transport, to social interaction and biodiversity. The program proved to be a popular and relatively low-cost solution that has brought recreation and nature much closer to people’s doorsteps and continues to evolve in interesting ways.

Are you feeling adventurous and ready to experience Singapore in a different way? Gather a few friends, put on some sunscreen, grab your water bottles, put on your helmets, hop onto your bicycles and go on the Round Island Route! (PS: Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out!)

The Round Island Route (RIR) is a continuous 150 km park connector that goes around Singapore. It will complement the existing Park Connector Network, connecting existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites and linking communities together. It will provide opportunities for recreational activities such as cycling, skating, jogging and hiking. These connections and activities will enhance our ‘City in Nature’ experience for all residents.

The first phase of the RIR is the 60 km route between Rower’s Bay and Gardens by the Bay. The RIR junction at Rower’s Bay features a new boardwalk that brings visitors closer to the water, a lookout pavilion, swales and a wetland. Visitors to Rower’s Bay can make their way towards Seletar Aerospace Park and the next point of interest via a completed 3 km of RIR. This area features three Heritage Trees, as well as a shelter with charging points. They can also venture into The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park to explore its rich colonial history and enjoy the F&B offerings in the area.

Today, of the 60 km first phase of the RIR, 50 km between Sengkang Riverside Park and Gardens by the Bay is already connected. With the completion of Rower’s Bay and the 3 km to Seletar Aerospace Park, 7 km remains to be linked up. This brings us closer to completing the connectivity along the entire 60 km by 2020 when the public will be able to enjoy more nodes with amenities, widened paths along several sections and enhanced planting to provide shade.

In addition, by 2021, another 60 km of paths between Gardens by the Bay and Rower’s Bay, part of which runs along the Rail Corridor, will be connected, making a loop of 120 km.

If you do not have the time, check out the Park Connector Network that is near your neighbourhood.

Cyclists along the Eastern Coastal Loop of Singapore’s Park Connector Network. Photo credit: NParks

Image taken from: https://development.asia/case-study/park-connectors-living-large-small-spaces

With a large interlinking network of park connectors, you can easily park hop while indulging in various fun and recreational activities. Feel the cool breeze as you navigate your way along the roads, picturesque rivers and canals that link you to the major parks in Singapore. Hop on a bicycle, put on a pair of rollerblades or simply jog along the park connectors and appreciate the myriad of sensory delights and adventures on offer.

Screenshot taken from: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network

There is no doubt that with limited space, Singapore has to plan carefully and innovatively for the long-term, ensuring sustainability in designs and functions.

Where is your favourite place to be in Singapore? What do you like about that place? What do you think are some qualities of a ‘great place’?

Sources:

• https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/press-release/hdb-introduces-town-design-guides
• https://development.asia/case-study/park-connectors-living-large-small-spaces
• https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network
• https://thesmartlocal.com/read/new-malls-2019/

Where Singapore’s Future Homes Could Be Built

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_OSqzQgS9E&feature=emb_logo (7.12mins)

Can A Floating City Be Singapore’s Answer To Rising Sea Levels?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rhLK9sfaQs (2.27 mins)

NEVER TOO SMALL ep.19 15sqm OPod – Experimental Micro Living Housing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2AMqinJZ3E (4.19 mins)

What is empathetic listening and how can it prevent suicide?

Suicide is preventable. To play a role, we need to start by becoming better EMPATHETIC LISTENERS. Empathy does not come naturally; it is a learned skill. While it is difficult to master, it starts from something basic – listening.

Often, when others come to us with their troubles, it is common that we start providing advice and responding with our own stories from our own experiences. Perhaps when your friend shared that he or she failed an examination, you responded with your personal struggles of coping with academics. Or when your family shared with you about their stressful day, you responded with an ever-ready phrase ‘me too’.

Unfortunately, we are hardwired to talk more about ourselves, which will not help a struggling friend.

Here is what we can do instead:

Listen and validate people’s feelings

We often share our own stories with good intentions – to motivate them and to show them that we understand how it feels like to be in their shoes. However, these responses may not achieve what we intend it to be. By not acknowledging that everyone’s experience is special in its own way, you may have unintentionally regarded their feelings as irrational and downplay the severity of the problem.

Personal anecdotes and phrases such as, ’things will get better’ and ’if I can do it, you can too’ may seem like harmless encouragements, but they actually disregard the feelings of the individual in crisis. And when one repeatedly gets their emotions undermined, they may inevitably experience an overwhelming feeling of isolation, loneliness and worthlessness. What your loved ones need is for someone to listen and to acknowledge what they are going through – not your experiences.

Listen to connect, not to provide solutions.

Often, we listen not to understand but to reply, and this stems from a lack of empathy towards our friends and families in crisis. As emotional human beings, we all need empathy; to have someone to understand, listen and validate– not negotiate – our own feelings.

Active, empathetic listening requires making an effort to listen more and to talk less, and to ask questions that encourages the other party to share and allows you to gain a deeper and clearer understanding of what they are experiencing. While listening, we may feel compelled to give advice. However, the goal of empathetic listening is to connect with – not changing – them. Acknowledge their feelings and what they are going through with an open mind without ‘preaching’ or judgement. Without having to say a lot, you will be surprised at the help you have provided by simply allowing them a safe space to express themselves.

It makes people feel important when you show them that they matter simply by listening.

If you are contemplating suicide, you need to:

• Postpone any urge to end your life. You may find your mood changing if you wait for these feelings to lessen.
• Remove anything in your surroundings which may be used to harm yourself on an impulse. Alternatively, move out of reach of these items.
• Stay around other people and let them know how you’re coping.
• Keep the contact numbers of hotlines and people you’re close with on speed dial. Call them just to hear a voice.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. They intensify low moods and impair decision-making.
• If you feel you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 995 or approach the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
• Approach an adult you trust and one whom you are close to. It may be a family member, friend, community leader, teacher, etc. Tell them what you are thinking of, or at least how you are feeling. Let them know you are struggling and at a loss.
• Be prepared for their reaction. They will want to help but may be startled or react emotionally. Let them know you want to work things out but can’t do it alone.
• Ask them to help you find additional support in person, online or on the phone.

You can write to pat@sos.org.sg, or call the organisation’s 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1800-221 4444. You can be anonymous and any information given will remain confidential.

Things can change for the better.

Most importantly, seek support from mental health or counselling professionals if you feel suicidal or anticipate recurring suicidal thoughts. They can work together with you in creating a long-term safety plan or finding ways to cope with difficult experiences, situations, or emotions.

Sources:

• https://www.sos.org.sg/blog/what-it-means-to-listen
• https://www.suicideispreventable.org/
• https://www.sos.org.sg/blog/suicide-warning-sign-here-where-to-start
• https://www.sos.org.sg/get-help/if-i-am-feeling-suicidal

Image taken from: https://www.towardszerowaste.sg/resources/infographics/towards_zero_waste

The management of the three main waste streams will help Singapore achieve her Zero Waste vision.

Food Waste

How can food waste be reduced?

Donate to a Food Bank

Cook And Order Just Enough

Choose the right food portions and cook just enough food. Also order just enough food, thus avoiding food waste and saving money.

Cook Your Leftover Food

Keep and cook your leftover food instead of throwing them away, thus helping to reduce food wastage at home.

Join in SG Food Rescue

Being involved in an SG Food Rescue can help you understand the food waste situation and make you more aware of food consumption and food wastage. Often, food is disposed because they do not look ‘edible’. However, ‘unattractive’ food can sometimes still be edible! Join in a Veggie Rescue or Cooked Food Rescue if you want to find out more.

Find out more on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sgfoodrescue/

Electrical and electronic waste

Did you know that you’re harming the environment when you don’t dispose of your electronics properly? So if you can’t donate or repair your old gadgets, recycle them. By doing so, you’re sending your e-waste to proper facilities where recyclable materials (including precious metals such as gold, silver and palladium) can be safely extracted and then reused to make new products! Here are some common e-waste items you can recycle and more info on how to do so.

Packaging waste

Some products come with unnecessary plastic or paper packaging for aesthetic and advertising purposes, and these packaging usually end up as waste. You can choose products with less or no packaging, thus reducing the packaging wastage and cost.

What Can I Do?

Make a conscious effort to choose products with less packaging.

By buying and supporting products with less packaging, you are sending a signal to the companies on the increasing demand of products that have minimal packaging.

Bring your own utensils to avoid using plastic or Styrofoam utensils

Avoid single-use packaging. Bring your own reusable bag or re-useable containers

How can you play a part in reducing waste in school and at home?

• http://www.zerowastesg.com/
• https://www.towardszerowaste.sg/resources/videos/hold_that_trash_ewaste
• https://blog.helpling.com.sg/tips-to-reduce-food-waste/
• http://www.zerowastesg.com/2008/12/08/choose-products-with-less-packaging/

About the Author: Daniel Wong is the bestselling author of “The Happy Student: 5 Steps to Academic Fulfillment and Success.” He blogs on topics related to education and career at www.Daniel-Wong.com.

How to Overcome Distractions When It’s Time To Study

You have a big exam coming up next week, so you know it’s time to study hard.

You sit down at your study table and start reviewing your notes.

Five minutes later, your phone goes off. It’s a text message from your friend, asking you which chapters are tested for your exam.

After exchanging six text messages, you look at the time. 15 minutes have gone by!

You put your phone aside and get back to reading your notes. 10 minutes later, you get the sudden, overwhelming urge to check your Facebook news feed.

You only intend to spend a few minutes on Facebook, but you end up browsing through three photo albums, commenting on four statuses, and watching funny videos about cats and babies.

You decide to update your own status: “Life dilemma: Study for exam or check Facebook. Facebook wins.” All of this takes you another 20 minutes.

I’m sure something like this has happened to you before. It happened to me when I was a student, and most of the students I work with tell me that it happens to them far too often.

But there’s hope. There are simple techniques you can use to win the war against distractions.

Here are six tips for you:

1. Put your phone on silent mode and place it at the other end of the room.

If you own a smartphone, you know how distracting it can be. Facebook, Twitter, email, text messaging and yes, the entire Internet, are at your fingertips.

Even a non-smartphone can be extremely distracting!

As such, I recommend that—at the start of your study session—you put your phone on silent mode and place it far away from you. Preferably, you should place it at the other end of the room.

This way, you won’t be interrupted by phone calls or text messages while you’re studying. You can always check your phone every 30 or 45 minutes when you take a break.

If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit that few of the text messages and phone calls you receive require an immediate response, so it’s reasonable to get back to the other person when you’re taking a break.

2. Turn off your Internet access.

You might intend to use your computer for work, but you can easily find yourself on Facebook or YouTube instead. (You know what I mean. 🙂)

When you’re using your computer, the World Wide Web is literally just a click away. Don’t trust yourself to resist that temptation. Turn off your Internet access before you begin your study session.

If you need to access certain online resources, then download all of the necessary information at the start of your session before you turn off your Internet access.

The Internet is tool that has the power to both entertain and educate. By turning off your Internet access when it’s time to focus, you’re harnessing the power of the Internet effectively.

3. Take a deep breath when you’re about to get distracted.

Distractions come in waves. The urge to watch TV, clear your room (I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like clearing my room when it’s time to be productive, right?) and check your phone attacks you suddenly—and it can often be overwhelming.

But these intense urges only last for a short while. If you’re able to resist that initial wave, you’ll be able to carry on studying instead of succumbing to temptation.

Here’s how to fight off the urge when it hits you: Close your eyes. Breathe in for two seconds, then breathe out for two seconds. If the urge still persists, repeat until it goes away.

Using this simple technique, you’ll spend four to eight seconds breathing deeply, after which you’ll get back to work. If you don’t use this technique, you’ll probably end up getting distracted for 15 minutes, or even longer.

4. Ask people to give you privacy.

I’m sure that something like this has happened to you before while you were studying:

• Your mom came by to ask you about your day
• Your friend dropped by to chat
• Your younger brother asked you for help with his homework
• Your sister asked you for advice

The list goes on.

Don’t get me wrong; relationships are important. I firmly believe that, in many ways, the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life.

But when you’re studying, interruptions can be especially disruptive.

Just before you begin your study session, I recommend that you go up to the people who are most likely to disturb you and say something like this: “I have an exam coming up next week, so I need to focus. Would you please give me some privacy for the next two hours and not interrupt, unless it’s something really urgent?”

When you make such an intentional effort to ask others to respect your privacy and your commitment to academic excellence, they’re likely to show you that respect.

5. Get eight hours of sleep every night.

As a student, it seems almost impossible to get enough sleep. There’s always so much homework to do, so many projects to work on, so many activities to participate in, so many friends to hang out with, and so many parties to go to.

Compared to all of these things, sleep seems so unimportant!

But sleep is vital if you want to perform well academically. It’s an established scientific fact that sleep affects your memory, concentration and brain function. If you’re not sleeping enough, you’re not setting yourself up for success in your student life.

When you’re sleep-deprived, you’ll also be easily distracted.

Here are some ways to help you get to bed earlier:

• Have a nightly bedtime routine
• Wind down at the end of the day by reading a book
• Don’t drink caffeine after 3pm
• Go to bed at the same time every day
• Set a nightly alarm to tell you it’s time to go to bed (this has been exceptionally helpful for me!)

6. Use a tool like Asana.com to help you prioritize your tasks.

(Asana.com didn’t pay me to say this, I promise.)

Asana.com is a web-based tool that allows you to conveniently manage projects and prioritize tasks.

I started using Asana.com half a year ago, and I’ve found it to be beneficial in keeping my life organized.

Students often get distracted when they think about all the other tasks they need to accomplish. They start to wonder if they should be working on another assignment or studying for another test instead. This hinders them from focusing on the task at hand.

By using a tool like Asana.com, you’ll be able to stay on top of all of your assignments, projects and other commitments. With a systematic approach toward task management, you’ll make the most of every study session.

In closing…

In our increasingly connected world of smartphones, tablets, laptops and high-speed Internet, distractions are everywhere.

You’ll need to make a deliberate and committed effort to stay on task. I hope these six tips will help you in your quest to become a happy and successful student!

Do you want to control your own mind or let technology take over your life?

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