Since Miniature World issue 82, we have featured more than thirteen individual artists and stamp designers, including veteran Eng Siak Loy and international artiste Edmund Chen. Each of them had brought to life the stamp themes with their own creative visions and interpretations. In this edition, we are delighted to introduce a new stamp designer, Law Pei Ti. We certainly look forward to seeing more of her work in the near future.
When is your first experience with philately?
"Babies MyStamp" Precious Keepsake, an exclusive collaboration between KKH and Singapore Post.
When did you first start stamp designing?
This is the first time - Fern Issue.
How did you prepare yourself before you start designing for this theme?
Firstly, I did my research through the internet to get some general knowledge about ferns. Next, I sought the best concept to present the exquisiteness of these dedicated species, namely, Angiopteris evecta and Cibotium barametz. Lastly, I wanted to find a way to present the stamps graphically that is pleasing to the eye.
What do you think stands out most for this stamp design?
It is simply to emphasise the uniqueness of the fern. The enhancement of the fiddlehead and Sori help bring out my theme "Beauty of the Fern".
Any interesting facts learnt or events that happened while designing this issue?
Nothing is more fascinating than to discover and learn about the origins of the subject. Everything becomes interesting from the story behind it.
There are many kinds of plants, some with flowers and some that grow without. One in particular is the fern. Their physical parts are much different than that of a flowering plant. Ferns have stems, leaves, and roots, but they do not have seeds or flowers, they reproduce via spores. Their expressions may not be as colourful or as fragrant compared to flowering plants, but they are special! The folding, coiling and texture of both ferns likely speak of the dramatic transformation to come. I was amazed that a tiny species can be so detailed.
Greatest challenge for this issue?
There are about 10,000 to 15,000 species of fern, classified in about 40 families. I had a hard time trying to distinguish the different species because they all look the same. I needed either the actual or dried specimen and sought assistance from subject matter experts to make sure the inputs are correctly illustrated.
Describe this series of stamps using three words.
Simple, exquisiteness, infinite.
Moving forward, is there any other themes that you hope to have the opportunity to work on?
Childhood memories (vintage toys, games and snacks), authentic Singaporean breakfasts (kopi and boiled eggs, roti prata and teh tarik), traditional events (weddings, Getai - or song stage).
