Cats Of The World 2014 & Saturday Purrzaars in July

Lap Up The Feline Frenzy

As ‘Cats of the World’ Photo Exhibition Returns In July For The Last Time

Don’t miss the crowd favourite Saturday ‘Purrzaar’ Markets at The Arts House

Cats Of The World Photo Exhibition
Date: 2 to 28 July 2014

Time: 10am to 10pm

SATURDAY PURRZAAR MARKET

Date: 5, 12 and 19 July 2014 (Saturdays only)

Time: 11am to 6pm

Venue for both events: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane (Tel: 6332 6900)

Admission: FREE

For more info, Email sublime.carla@gmail.com | Call 9362 3626

Visit www.gattidelmondo.blogspot.com

The highly anticipated annual ‘Cats of the World’ photo exhibition will delight both feline and photography fans alike with its eighth and final season this year. To be held at The Arts House from 2 to 28 July 2014, this non-profit community exhibition will feature photos of cats by aspiring and professional photographers that showcase these feline friends in their element – graceful, lazy, sneaky, aloof, loving etc, in unique settings around the world, including Turkey, Japan, India, Taiwan, Italy and Singapore.  

Besides the instagram photos category, the exhibition also introduces an art element, whereby local artists are invited to come up with cats-inspired artworks that are sold for $100 each to raise funds for Cat Welfare Society. Don’t miss this chance to own these one-off creations from multi-disciplinary artists including David Chan, Ginette Chittick, Ly Yeow, Namiko Chan Takahashi, Wyn-Lyn Tan, SBTG (Sabotage), Puffingmuffin and SlothStudio. The organisers remain committed to raising funds for Cat Welfare Society www.catwelfare.org and will continue to organise the Purrzaar markets to spread the love for cats.

Saturday Purrzaar Market – celebrating cats and craftsmanship!

5, 12 and 19 July 2014 (Saturdays) | 11am to 6pm | Free | The Arts House

Spend a wonderful Saturday at this fun lifestyle purrzaar to be held on the ground floor of The Arts House. This unique feline-themed flea market offers a range of quirky cat-related lifestyle merchandise and handicrafts such as postcards, dolls, cushions, notebooks, tote bags, brooches, accessories and artwork lovingly made by 18 local artists and designers, including Cat Welfare Society who will be selling their popular merchandise and available to answer cat-related queries. Sponsor FANCY FEAST^® will also give away door gifts comprising their cat food products at the three Saturday Purrzaars (while stocks last). *More information on the vendors can be found below.

Saturday Purrzaar Market Vendors

Amy Woo Ceramics is by Amy the potter who sells 100% handmade unique ceramic items including cat-shaped ceramic brooches and mugs with cat designs. The quirky artwork will brighten one’s day! Prices range from $10 to $50. http://amywooceramics.blogspot.sg

CafeWithoutCoffee offers quality handmade items such as bags, pouches, sockfriends and everything petite-ly adorable which are thoughtfully crafted by Elaine and her mum. Exclusively for the Cats of the World Purzzaar, CafeWithoutCoffee will be introducing a wide range of items with cat designs. Customisation is also available upon request. www.cafewithoutcoffee.com / www.facebook.com/cafewithoutcoffee

Cats of The World organisers are selling the cat photos, cat postcards, and accessories. All proceeds from their stall go to Cat Welfare Society. www.gattidelmondo.blogspot.com

Cat Welfare Society will sell their merchandise such as the calendars, tee-shirts, bags, books, toys, and catnip eyeballs for the kitties! www.catwelfare.org

Dainty Hands offers animal-inspired accessories and gifts for both owners and pets. Its inventory ranges from jewellery to bags and potted catnip plants. www.facebook.com/daintyhands

Dulcetfig was borne out of a girl’s dream of yesteryears.
It carries vintage clothes, bags and fashion accessories such as earrings and rings.
www.dulcetfig.com 

GOOOD Pet Collars are colourful and cute in designs. With every collar, GOOOD Pet Collars will donate 5 cans of cat food to their adopted animal shelter. www.gooodpetcollars.com

MunchyNeko was formed by four cat owners who were brought together by their love for good food (MUNCHY!) and their Munchkin pet cats (NEKO!). Their cats' whimsical, sometimes totally unexplainable yet strangely endearing and heartwarming moments are now featured on postcards, magnets, tote bags, mugs or greeting cards, etc. www.munchyneko.blogspot.com

Momshoo offers hand-stitched and hand-knitted whimsical designs. All items are handmade with a personal touch. Creations include passport covers, knitted rings, key rings, cat’s toys, pouches and many cute brooches! www.facebook.com/momshoo 

My Itchyfingers creates 100% handmade woolly animal sculptures (including kitties!) with love and care. Each animal is a unique miniature work of art so no two pieces are totally identical. They also offer customisation for animal/kitty sculptures as well as hand painted cat portraits. www.myitchyfingershop.wordpress.com / www.facebook.com/MyItchyfingers

Mystic Cat SG is passionate about enhancing the environment for indoor cats and distributes trendy feline home accessories from Catswall Design (Taiwan). Their unique in-house designer scratchers are made to suit the needs of cats. www.mystic-cat.sg and https://www.facebook.com/MysticCatSG

Oatsie's Trunk‘s love for pets extends to their cuddly pet-shaped cushions. All original pet silhouettes are hand-drawn to proportions before they are being cut and sewn. These one-of-its-kind customised designs come complete with pretty ribbon collars and trinkets! Prices start from $55 for customised cushions and trinkets are $5 for 3. There are also purses, cushion covers, and tote bags. www.etsy.com/shop/oatsiestrunk

Ozzy + Lulu is the brainchild of two sisters who share a love for design and stationery. The brand houses a range of paper paraphernalia and stationery, including books, greeting cards, postcards, bookmarks, doodle books and other pretty knick-knacks, most of which have been handcrafted with love! www.ozzylulu.com and www.facebook.com/ozzyandlulu   

repurposedbyjamie is all about the creative repurposing of materials. Each item is designed and handmade with lots of love and pride! For the Purrzaars, jamie repurposes paper! Smile along with her happy cats painted on the paper mache products. www.facebook.com/repurposedbyjamie

SlothStudio's art products are handmade from drawings and paintings of two local artists, Ng Ling Tze and Terence Koh. They have always enjoyed the company of cats and get inspired to interpret them in their artworks. Handmade art products include notebooks, wearable art (pendants with chain, earrings & rings), zipper pouches and soft plush with keychain. www.slothstudio.com and http://www.facebook.com/slothstudio

StuffSusieMade offers a trove of amigurumi items, all of them hand-crocheted, knitted or sewn, and all of them super kawaii. Look out for the many plushies of felines like the ‘Goodnight Kitten’ who's wrapped up snug in his blanket, ‘Kitty Cupcake’ Magnets in adorable muffin cups, mini ‘Puss in Pouches’ that would brighten up anyone's day as well as various accessories for both you and your cat.  http://www.stuffsusiemade.blogspot.com

WILD celebrates nature with its all natural handmade soaps, shampoo and body care products made with herbs and essential oils without the use of artificial colours or fragrance. Some favourites include Geranium with Goat Milk & French Clay and Rosehip with Hibiscus moisturising serum and creme. Wild products are gentle and most importantly, made with love. www.wild.com.sg

Whimsy and Magic is about unique handmade artisan jewellery with designs that are inspired by nature and all things beautiful (especially the floras and faunas). Through the handmade items, they hope to bring the wonders of Mother Nature closer to one’s heart. A series of cat themed handmade accessories are available exclusively at the Purrzaars too. www.whimsyandmagic.blogspot.sg and http://www.facebook.com/whimsyandmagic    

More on Cats of The World Photo Exhibition

Since its inception in 2007, this endearing community project has garnered a following among cat lovers, photographers, travellers as well as families and children. It features photos from aspiring and professional photographers from all walks of life, illustrating that cats all over the world are the same - lovable and purrrrfect! Photographing cats is an art that requires patience and luck, hence this exhibition showcases the fun and often spontaneous works of photography enthusiasts and cat lovers. Organisers Carlyn Law and Noelle Tan are both passionate about cats, photography and travelling, and started ‘Cats Of The World’ photo exhibition as a community pet project. The former journalists/editors, who also run Sixth Sense Communications & PR Consultancy, are inspired by the success of ‘Cats of the World’ and would like to give thanks to all the sponsors, partners, photographers and supporters involved in the project. Of course, the real heroes in this community project are the cats – each special in their own way all over the world. 

Sniff out more at:

Our website www.gattidelmondo.blogspot.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Cats-Of-The-World-Photo-Exhibition/96538201918

Instagram http://instagram.com/catsoftheworldphotoexhibition

For more assistance, please contact:

Carlyn Law (Carla)
HP: 9362 3626
Email: sublime.carla@gmail.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
- The Arts House www.theartshouse.com.sg(venue)
- Purple Pixel www.purple-pixel.com (design and printing postcards)
- Scissors Paper Stone www.scissorspaperstone.com.sg (printing photos)
- Fancy Feast www.fancyfeast.com (door gifts)
- Pets Magazine www.petsmagazine.com.sg (media partner)

Le Chat with Christopher Tan

Hello peeps! Here's our second interviewee for "Le Chat" column - Christopher Tan, another prolific photo contributor of COTW with a wicked sense of humour and eye for story. Chris is also an established food writer/editor, published author of several cookbooks and cooking instructor. You can find his website at www.foodfella.com

WHO:  Christopher Tan

Where are the best places to find cats to photograph?

They usually hang around where people live - so anywhere you find a thriving, stable neighbourhood, you'll probably find cats.

Nap Buddies in Commonwealth, Singapore - by Chris Tan

When photographing a cat, how do you approach cats without scaring the living daylights out of them?

Forget about them not knowing you're there - unless they're advanced in years, they will spot you. Just move slowly and look friendly. If you can get them curious about what you're doing, and they have a people-oriented disposition, they may even approach you!

What are some of the memorable cats you have come across (not necessarily shot)?

The stray that a friend of mine adopted - he had very elegant bone structure and huge ears with lynx-like tips, and prowled around above the floor by leaping from bookshelf to wardrobe top to cabinet.


Let sleeping cats lie indeed! :) By Chris Tan

Should we let sleeping cats lie, and why?

Yes, because they're probably having much more meaningful and interesting dreams than we do.

What is about cats that interest you?

They're always up to something!

Watching n' Hoping, Istanbul Turkey - by Chris Tan in 2007

If you were a cat, what kind would you be and where would you hang out?

A Maine coon….around a family with a well-stocked kitchen.



Un Petit Déjeuner Chaud in Cognac, France - by Chris Tan

Le Chat with Ketan Shah

Kickstarting our "Le Chat - QnA" column, we speak to one of the pioneer and long-running contributors of COTW on where to sniff out the kitties and how to not spook them out. Enjoy!

WHO:  Ketan Shah

If You Leave - Ketan Shah (Pasir Ris)

Where are the best places to find cats to photograph?
After a while you develop a sense about where to find strays. Back alleys in places where there are lots of shophouses, such as Little India and Geylang, are a good hunting ground. There are often strays in HDB void decks and town centres. I've come across lots of community cats at places like Toa Payoh, Eunos and Pasir Ris Central. There's a lot in Changi Village and along Changi beach also. Hawker centres and markets are good spots as well. Keep your eyes open and you'll find these 'invisible citizens' are actually everywhere.

When photographing a cat, how do you approach cats without scaring the living daylights out of them?

A good zoom helps of course but there's nothing like getting up close and personal :-) I find that it's useful to get lower to the ground by crouching. Move slowly and freeze if you're noticed (especially if the cat looks like it's about to make a run for it), then continue to edge closer when the cat looks away.

I find that many neighbourhood cats are used to being around people and don't get scared off easily. They often suss you out as you register on their radar and then ignore you once they decide you're not a threat. Some of the more spoiled community cats will actually come towards you looking for treats. Once you've gotten in close enough and find that you want the cat to look at you (and the camera), it sometimes helps to snap your fingers or make some other kind of sharp noise to get their attention.

On a slightly more technical note, my camera has a tilting LCD screen which helps a lot as it allows me to compose low angle shots easily without having to lie flat on the floor.



Master and Commander - Ketan Shah (Waterloo Street)



What are some of the memorable cats you have come across (not necessarily shot)?

There was a community cat near my office at Waterloo Street that seemed to be much loved by the locals. I have several pictures of it being petted, photographed and even given an impromptu massage with an umbrella. Unfortunately that cat as well as one or two others from the area seem to have disappeared. I'm hoping they weren't taken away by the AVA.

I think every photographer thinks of 'the one that got away'. In my case I was passing by some terrace houses in Geylang when a cat jumped onto the front gate and did a perfect stretch next to an ornamental stone lion. It would have been a great shot but by the time I switched on my camera, the moment had passed.

Should we let sleeping cats lie, and why?

Definitely. Woudn't you like to enjoy your naptime without being prodded awake for a photo?



Family Portrait - Ketan Shah (Geylang Bahru)



What is about cats that interest you?

I wouldn't say I'm interested in cats per se,but I do like to observe the relationships between community cats and and the people around them.You see busy Singaporeans often going out of their way to perform random acts of kindness. I also enjoy the challenge of shooting these cats as it forces you to look in nooks and crannies you might not normally look in and to make quick shooting decisions.

If you had 9 lives, who or what would you be?

I'd be anyone and anything as the mood takes me and probably find that 9 lives still wouldn't be enough.

Of Cats and Canvases

By Noelle Tan

We could be biased (!) but we think cats are simply wonderful in all shapes and forms, including those created with a brush. Our shortlist of artists for this year’s exhibition is coming together and we’re so excited about our first-ever art instalment. In the meantime until the big reveal, here is our tribute to feline gorgeousness in various art forms over the past centuries.

Artist: Byon Sang-Byeok
Title: Gukjeong Chumyo

This beauty’s eyes and posture tell us it’s transfixed on something and ready to pounce! This 18th Century painting is by a famous animal painter of the Korean Joseon Dynasty and the name of the painting means ‘a cat and chrysanthemum in a garden in autumn’. What have you seen, sweetie?

Title: Gayer-Anderson Cat
Period: 664 to 332BC

Currently on display at the British Museum, this bronze statue was modelled after the Egyptian cat-goddess Bastet and is adorned with jewellery as well as an amulet. It is so-named after the last owner who donated this majestic treasure to the museum.

Artist: David Hockney
Title: Mr N' Mrs Clark and Percy

Painted between 1970 and 1971, this famous work by British artist David Hockney is at first glance, a rather ordinary portrait of a couple and their cat. Look closely however, and we see distant expressions on their faces and a gulf between them, symbolised by an unusual focal point of the window. Our feline friend is, most glaringly, sitting with its back to us, further evoking a mood of nonchalance. It is said that the cat here represents the lack of moral restraint. The subjects – Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell – were friends of Hockney’s and their marriage, sadly, did not last.

Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Title: Julie Manet with Cat

The famous Impressionist genius Renoir has captured Miss Julie, the niece of the equally well-known painter Manet, and her cat in a particularly affectionate light. We love the use of colours here and of course, the utterly content expression of the mew-se!

Title: Dalí Atomicus
Photographer: Philippe Halsman

Suspend your disbelief – this is a real photograph sans photoshopping and a result of 28 attempts to achieve the perfect shot. The 1948 work explores the idea of suspension, depicting three cats flying, water thrown from a bucket, an easel, a footstool and surrealist artist Salvador Dalí all seemingly suspended in mid-air. We don’t know how it was done and we certainly hope no cats were injured in the making of this work! Dalí’s painting Leda Atomica can be seen in the background.

Artist: Picasso
Title: Dora Maar au Chat

The cat here is said to symbolise sexual aggression and feminine charm. She perches rather loftily on the regal-looking Dora Maar, who was the lover and muse of Picasso. Apparently, Picasso once likened Dora’s temperament to a cat’s – the talon-like hands are no coincidence, we suspect!

Title: Girl with a Kitten
Artist: Lucian Freud

This disturbing 1947 oil painting of the artist’s first wife Kathleen immediately brings to mind one question – what is she doing to the cat? The blank gaze from the human and intense stare from the animal send chills down one’s spine. Lucian was the grandson of Sigmund Freud.

Title: A Bottle of Red Wine That We Love
Artist: Unknown, but a meowvellous toast to you!

We couldn’t resist this last picture of ‘the cunning little cat’ - Le Petit Chat Malin - salut!

(This article is copyright of Cats Of The World and may not be reproduced;
unless with our permission)
 

 

We are back in July 2014!

Cats of the World Photo Exhibition Returns For Its EIGHTH Season In JULY 2014!

Crowd favourite Saturday ‘Purrzaar’ Markets are also back

- all happening at our favourite venue - The Arts House!

Cats Of The World Photo Exhibition
Date: 2 to 28 July 2014

Time: 10am to 10pm

 

Saturday Purrzaar Market

Date: 5, 12 and 19 July 2014 (Saturdays only)

Time: 11am to 6pm

 

Venue for both events: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane (Tel: 6332 6900)

Admission: FREE

For more info, Email sublime.carla@gmail.com | Call 9362 3626

Visit www.gattidelmondo.blogspot.com

You know you want to!
 

How you can take part:

1) We are on the prowl for Cat Photos from all over the world so start clicking away! Do email us your best curated hi-res shots to sublime.carla@gmail.com from now till 30 May 2014. Click here for Photo Criteria



Shot by Lin Xiuqi in Tokyo and exhibited in 2013 

2) We have found 10 Artists to sponsor the artwork (A4 size painting/ drawing/ illustration) which will be sold for $100 each. The key criteria is cat-inspired and the artists can use any medium / any style.

3) We are also accepting Instagram photos although the selection will be smaller. Just hash-tag your photos with #catsoftheworldphotoexhibition in order to be shortlisted from now till 30 May 2014. To view all shots, follow us at http://instagram.com/catsoftheworldphotoexhibition

4) All the booths are taken at our highly popular Saturday Purrzaars, but do write in to us and tell us more about your products for future events. 

5) We are always keen to work with Sponsors - tap on our Facebook page of close to 5,000 likes and high traffic at the exhibition! All donations from collaborations go to Cat Welfare Society. Last year, we raised S$4,000 for the group.

Big thanks to all our sponsors who are onboard for 2014:
- The Arts House
- PurplePixel
- Scissors Paper Stone
- Fancy Feast
- Pets Magazine

Photo Criteria For Submission

INSTAGRAM Cats!
Since 2013, we have devoted a new CAT-egory to Instagram cat photos - which are printed in smaller sizes and with captions. For 2014, we will be picking some to feature. So do hashtag your instagram pics with #catsoftheworldphotoexhibition so we can shortlist them and ask you to send the instagram photos to us along with some info. You can also follow us at our Instagram account 'CatsOfTheWorldPhotoExhibition'

The deadline for submission of normal photos is 30 May 2014. Please send your BEST cat photos to sublime.carla@gmail.com - Thank you :)

PHOTO CRITERIA:

CONTEXT/ SETTING:
Cats in unique situations, settings or countries, that capture the unique flavours of the backdrop; be it a cat napping in a Cambodian temple or slinking next to a Grecian column, or sunbathing atop a thatched rooftop. We accept cats photos shot in Singapore and around the world in far flung away places.

CHARACTER:

Cats with personalities that make you go awww, ooooh, yaaay, heehee; pictures that elicit any type of sounds from the viewers are generally heading in the right direction. We are tickled by photos that capture the feline characteristics - including lazy, aloof, loving, graceful, sneaky, timid, streetwise, boh-chap, fiesty, etc.
 

STORY:
A picture speaks a thousand words - sometimes great pictures need no words as the emotions (pride, envy, love, sadness) are written over the cats' faces. We look for photos with a story to tell, or one with a strong punchline or matching captions.

QUALITY/ QUANTITY:
Digital photos have to be clear and at least 300 dpi to be blown into A4/A3 size quality for exhibiting's purpose. We also accept black/white, sepia, lomo or iphone photos as long as their quality is not compromised. There is no limit on the number of photos you can submit but please be discerning in your photo selection and try to submit no more than 10 of your best entries.

PAYMENT:
This is an entirely self-financed and non-profit project, thus all contributors are required to pay a nominal S$10 per Shortlisted Photo to cover some admin costs and to contribute towards the fundraising. So if you have 3 Photos Shortlisted, kindly note that you have to pay S$30. You don't have to pay anything at the photo submission stage. We welcome entries from all ages including children too and will credit the photos to the photographers. The proceeds from the sale of photos and postcards will be donated to CWS via a cheque donation.

SELECTION:
The selection process is determined by the organisers and entry decisions made are final. All print/sale and reproduction rights of the photos belong to Cats of The World Photo Exhibition once selected for exhibition. The organisers reserve the right to re-print and sell the photos for fundraising purposes or make them into magnets, postcards and other merchandise to raise funds for our adopted charity.

For more info:
Email me at sublime.carla@gmail.com or call HP 9362 3626.
Visit our COTW FACEBOOK to see the photo albums of past year exhibited photos

COTW is on TV!

Yipee! We are happy to raise S$4,000 this year for Cat Welfare Society :) this is made possible with all the kind support from the sponsors to photographers and loyal fans of COTW and legion of cat lovers. The money will be put to good use on the sterilisation and welfare of our community cats.

 

We are also thrilled to be interviewed alongside Veron Lau of Cat Welfare Society on AM LIVE show on Channel News Asia (20 August 2013) and not forgetting our kitty asmbassadors - Scarface and David from Lingcat Feline Services, who are so well behaved and sweet. We can't believe these 2 were once tom cats who were terrorising other kitties. Only after sterilisation, then they transformed to calm kitties who are happy to stay indoors with their owner Rebecca.

 

You can watch the TV interview clip at this link : AM LIVE

 

 

 

Our message on TV is - Keep your cats indoors and please sterilise them! The worse kind of irresponsible pet owners are those who abandon pets.

 

 

 

A victim of pet abandonment is BeBe Orange who was cruely dumped at the multi-storey carpark along with 2 other cats. One of them died and the other disappeared. She was left to fend for herself and was crying in stress, and begging passerbys for food. BeBe slept at the corridor if it wasn't raining and was happy to sit on her feeders' lap. One day she was limping due to a paw injury and  her feeders called us to help send her to the vet. After medication she was fine and housed in a cattery for 2 months before we were lucky to find a fosterer for her from our Facebook page (thanks Janelle!). Otherwise we will have to release her back to the carpark due to limited funds. So after 4 months+ and 3 adoption drives, Bebe finally found her furever home in Rini and her wonderful family! Every kitty deserves a happy ending.  

Exhibited instagram entries for 2013!

 

Congratulations! Your Instagram photos have been shortlisted for our exhibition

and were exhibited at the Arts House in August 2013!

 

★ Instagram Cat-egory    ★
 

 

Aini Jurami | @ainniejoe          

Alethia Thio | @alebooboo121 

Alvin Lee | @lvnlee

Alyssa Sbisa | @LuluandFinn

Anasthasia Andika | @stacyname

April Chow | @missmonochrome

Barffie | @barffie

Carlyn Law | @carlayenlaw

Catherine Howa | @tihs

Charles Lim & Tan Pei Ru | @PixelnLuna

Chloe Halter | @halts

Chong Chin Foon | @foon26o4

Cindy Sim | @cardinalcin

Crystal Chua | @crystalm3ow

Dharma Haroun | @elhelado

Eileen Kan | @eileenkan

Elaine Tay | @skipintro

Faith Leo | @shups19


Fareeza A Rahman | @chomeyainc

Faye Tian | @fayecatz

Hasriah Kamaludin | @falinelovesu

Jasmine Kee | @eggzzorcist

Jessica Broadley | @jeck87

Jocelyn Neo | @maomeh

Joey Ng | @xiaoyanmao

Kevin Chan | @kevinchanhh

Lynn Koh | @kyohina

Ms Jones | @miwitch

Muhd JonHanafi | @jon_hanafi

Nicolette Yeo | @nicooeatsyouup 

Nurbaizurah Sahari | @bai_91

Polly Yeung | @lollypoki

Risa Schwartz | @berta_kat

Serene Wong | photo submitted by @leonalo

Shakila Rajendra | @kookiesha

Siti Sujiah | @ctsujs

Sufen Chong | @Zhong_Sufen

Suze M | @cbotti74

Syaza Lim | @Princesssyaza

Wong Chee Huey | @cheehuey

Yenleng Chia | @yenlengchia

YJ Soon | @yjsoon