|
MOST people would keep the meat cleaver firmly in the kitchen drawer when not chopping up chicken or other meats.
But Irish corporate trainer and painter Cathy Ledwidge takes it out when darkness falls.
Once she's done tucking her two daughters - Ella, four, and Iris, two, in bed, the cleaver, and a spatula or two, become her painting tools in her home studio in the Siglap area.
These works are now on display at the Monsoonasia Gallery at 11 Upper Wilkie Road - closed on Sundays and public holidays - where she is holding her first solo exhibition, When The Time Is Right. The exhibition ends next Saturday.
The 36-year-old has Singapore to thank for her art.
When she arrived six years ago after her then fiance, Matthew, a New Zealander, got a contract in a multinational company, the former business consultant dived right into her hobby as her social visitor status meant she couldn't work.
The couple married six months after moving to Singapore.
Now, she divides her time between painting and teaching creativity to corporate types, who have included employees of the Central Provident Fund Board, PSA Corporation and private companies.
Despite her dexterity with utensils, the Dublin native admits she is not much of a kitchen goddess.
'I wouldn't be renowned for my cooking skills,' said the Guinness lover who enjoys downing a pint or two at Irish pub Muddy Murphy's.
Q A survey last year showed Ireland to be the second wealthiest per capita country in the world after Japan - on average, each person is worth nearly $320,000. How do the Irish spend their dosh?
A The Irish certainly know how to enjoy themselves. It seems these days, people who have surplus money are inclined to invest in property, especially property abroad with a promise of some sunshine.
Q For a relatively small island, Ireland has produced a disproportionate number of literary greats such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and four Nobel Literature Prize winners: George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney. What's the secret?
A Our gift for great prose and poetry comes from our Celtic culture and our tradition in the art of great storytelling.
The Seanacha�, or Storyteller, kept our ancient stories alive with satire and colourful turn of phrases which are particularly evident in the Irish language.
Q It seems 70 million people around the world can claim Irish ancestry. How do you tell if someone's Irish?
A Aside from our obvious approachability and friendliness, a good test would be to ask them if they know what monumental event occurred in Munster in 1978 when the Irish rugby team Munster beat New Zealand's All Blacks for the first, and only, time. (Apologies to my All Blacks-supporting husband.)
Q What's the one thing you should never do in an Irish pub?
A Definitely it would have to be... not paying for your round at the bar.
Q Apparently, the Irish eat more potatoes than anyone else in the world. What has that done for you?
A Besides adding 5cm to my waistline, it has encouraged me to be more creative with my potato recipes, including my world-famous Potato Pavlova (recipe available upon request).
Q What's the one quality you need to be a master of Irish stepdance?
A I'll give you two: strong leg muscles and a good sense of rhythm. Of course, if you're not blessed with either, it would then have to be the ability not to take yourself too seriously.
Q If Bono ran for prime minister, would he stand a chance?
A Given his worldwide profile, I think he could have as good a chance as any.
dawntan@sph.com.sg
TIP
For great Northern Indian home-style cuisine, go to Jaggi's on Race Course Road. And don't miss their lamb shanks on Wednesdays.
| 
