Mr Chuah, in his 50s, is a frame maker whose career spans more than 3 decades. In his younger days, he started as an apprentice working long hours for six years before starting out on his own. It was hard work but he persevered. He's doing very well in his business with many regular clients coming back to him. They trusted his workmanship, skills and knowledge.
I came to know him as I was doing photography in Margaret Drive area. News broke out that Blocks 6C, 39A and the 40-year old food center at Margaret Drive will be demolished in July 2010 - all part of plans to rejuvenate Dawson Estate. Residents have seven more months to live in their 3-room flats and even though they have secured swish new abodes in Dawson Estate, the residents of Margaret Drive would rather stay put.
Mr Chuah may look stern but he is a nice friendly and chatty man who is passionate abt his work. He expects alot on his workmanship to cater to his clients' needs. He showed me some of his work and samples. See it to believe it. His workmanship is indeed superb! We had a good chat in which he talked alot on family matters, work, life in Singapore, etc. When talking about the demolition and future plans, he's quite reluctant to talk about it.
"We'll see how things go." he replied in Mandarin. I guess it's hard to say goodbye to a place he has had stayed for so long. Before I departed, I made a few more photographs of him and we exchanged namecards. Hopefully one day I will look up to him to make photogaph frames for me.
Category:
Subcategory:
Subcategory Detail:
Keywords:
© Martin Liew Photography. All Rights Reserved.