Personal Background

​

Born in 1959 and a mother of three, Mdm Ai Bee Lim has spent more than three decades teaching art and inspiring the creative spirits of her students. From an early age, Ai Bee was deeply influenced by her parents, who specialized in portrait drawing, igniting her love for sketching and painting. Her artistic journey, enriched by her family heritage, led her to a career as an art teacher, where she has guided countless students through their own creative explorations.

 

Now, as a full-time artist, Ai Bee enjoys working alongside her husband, who shares her passion for art, creating a life filled with creativity, travel, and community engagement.

​

In 2017, Ai Bee embarked on a new chapter when she joined the global Urban Sketching movement, a community of artists who capture the world around them through on-location drawing. Through her involvement with the Urban Sketchers, she has had the opportunity to meet and sketch with artists from all over the world. This experience has given her a renewed sense of purpose and has inspired her to launch her own artistic initiative, focused on fostering a creative and collaborative community.

 

Creating a Community of Creativity

​

Ai Bee’s initiative brings together sketchers of all levels, from beginners to experienced artists, for workshops, group sketching sessions, and exhibitions. It is more than just an opportunity for people to learn new skills; it is a space for individuals to connect, share their passion for art, and grow together as a community.

 

“Through these sessions, I’ve seen participants grow in confidence,” Ai Bee reflects.

 

“People who were once hesitant to sketch in public are now confidently sharing their work and exchanging ideas with others. That sense of creative growth and connection is what I enjoy most about working with the community.”

​

Her approach to art is inclusive and collaborative, encouraging artists of all levels to explore their creativity. Whether working in ink and watercolor, Chinese ink on rice paper, or charcoal and watercolor, Ai Bee continues to experiment with different styles and mediums, ensuring her artistic practice stays fresh and exciting. Her initiative is also a platform for artists to learn from one another and discover new techniques, as was the case during her participation in the Asia Link Urban Sketching event in Hanoi in 2019.

 

“We had a mix of seasoned artists and beginners,” she recalls. “It was a beautiful exchange of ideas and techniques. By the end of the session, even those who had never sketched in public before were confidently sharing their work.”

​

Art Beyond the Canvas

​

Ai Bee’s dedication to her craft and community is not confined to traditional forms of art. She continuously seeks new inspiration and challenges, participating in urban sketching sessions, attending art workshops, and collaborating with fellow artists. This active engagement allows her to stay connected with the evolving art world while providing endless sources of inspiration for her work.

​

Her future vision for her initiative includes expanding it beyond the local art scene, organizing more workshops and collaborative events both locally and internationally.

 

“I want to continue creating excellent artworks and sharing them with the community,” Ai Bee shares, showing that her passion for art and for fostering creativity in others is far from slowing down.

​

Inspiring Retirees to Follow Their Passion

​

Ai Bee offers some heartfelt advice to retirees looking to embark on their own creative or community-driven initiatives. “Follow your passion and take things one step at a time,” she advises.

 

“Retirement offers the freedom to pursue what truly excites you. Most importantly, enjoy the process and allow yourself to grow and evolve. It’s never too late to start something meaningful.”

​​​

As she continues to explore new artistic horizons, Ai Bee is a shining example of how creativity, community, and passion can transform not just one’s own life, but the lives of those around them. Through her initiative, she is creating a vibrant space for artists of all backgrounds and abilities to come together, share their talents, and build lasting connections.

 

Ai Bee Lim’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, unite, and enrich the lives of all who engage with it.

​

This article has been reviewed and approved for publication by SITI 09.09.2024.