By Rachel Chan

POP-ART illustrator Soh Ee Shaun has been a busy man recently.

Since breaking out in 2005 with his website, www.gardensilly. com, the 28- year-old facilitator at the Republic Polytechnic School of Technology for the Arts has been involved in projects with organisations, ranging from the Children's Cancer Foundation to Adidas.

The graduate of the Wee KimWee School of Communication and Information - whose work has been likened to that of the late British illustrator Roger Hargreaves (Mr Men) - has also begun to make his mark in the international art scene this year.

He was part of the curatorial team in the 11th Venice Architectural Biennale, where his graphic work is being exhibited.

Soh, who knows how to perform the Brazilian dance capoeira, has illustrated his first book recently.

Called The Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights, he has dedicated it to Hayley, his yet-to-beconceived first child, and to his wife, Ms Caroline Heng, 26, a teacher.

my paper finds out how everything fell into place for him.

When did you start drawing?

I started when I was around four or five. I was fascinated with creating worlds and characters, as far back as then.

Describe a day in the life of Ee Shaun.

On days that I teach, I start class at 8.30am and end at 4pm. I go home to paint, starting late at night and working straight through till morning.

Were you surprised to discover a market for your art?

Yes. When I started selling my stuff at Maad Market at Red Dot Museum, I was getting $40 or $50 for my paintings. (Soh's work can now fetch thousands of dollars.)

What was the inspiration for Gardensilly?

When I started drawing seriously in 2004, there was hardly anyone creating works that were cheerful and happy in a very simple, innocent and childlike way. Also, I feel we're generally a society of very career-driven, serious people. I've always wanted to change that. That comes out through my work.

Can you tell us what we'll see on the walls of the Bishan Circle Line Station you've been commissioned to paint?

The three murals reflect how I see society. There'll be surrealistic characters watching TV, using mobile phones and the like. They will be unveiled next May.

Do you still dance?

Only on an ad hoc basis. Whenever I feel like it, I'll play some music and do some capoeira.

What is perfect balance to you?

I think everyone finds balance in their own way. I've been lucky to find a balance between work and something that I enjoy.

Any advice for those who are trying to go down the same path as you?

Do what you love, because it won't feel like you're working.

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