Women & Non-Binary Grant Recipient | Sherry Wong

Women & Non-Binary Grant Recipient

Sherry Wong

I'm Sherry and I'm from Singapore. Because I work in the travel industry, I don't get a lot of time to rest since I'm often overseas for campaigns and work around tight deadlines. Because of this, I've never properly explored my own country of Singapore and wanted this project to reflect my home turf in an honest, unique way. I took this chance to explore neighborhoods I've never reflected upon; really using Covid-19 as an opportunity to sit my butt back down and take it slow. Although this city might come across "hustling and bustling" on the Hollywood screen, many local communities portray a more intimate look into our culture. That's what I've aimed to capture; to share these stories of the people I've had the pleasure of meeting.

The most challenging part of this entire project was the idea of accessibility. Within Singapore culture, we often refer to our elders as "aunties" and "uncles", as it's a more respectful tongue, even though we are not related. I've met a fair amount of aunties and uncles throughout this project that were difficult to get through to — many of the older folks tend to be less receptive than the younger crowds. Even if the shop owners were cranky, I would walk through those doors with a bright smile and introduce myself kindly. Sometimes I would wait 2 full hours for a shop owner to give me their full and undivided attention, as it was important me that I receive their entire personality. It was a very humbling experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

This is the first ever project I've done on my own from beginning to end. My biggest advice is that it will be scary and nerve-racking, but it's worth every anxious fright and struggle to receive the beautiful outcome you've envisioned. It all boils down to perspective — that shift is where the magic happens.

Moment Creator Grant #2 - Female x Non-Binary Recipients

Moment x @tiffpenguin x Sony x WANDRD