REKINDLE Gifting: Tamar Village

"Much like clay is shaped by its maker, human beings are shaped by who and what they interact with; people, environments, and circumstances all play a part in making a person who he or she is. Our pottery pieces aim to ask you the question: what shapes you? "

- Pottery team @ Tamar Village

 

Share with us a little about what Tamar Village does.

Tamar Village was birthed out of a heart of compassion for the street ladies in the Lorongs* of Geylang. Years ago, our founders, Shih Shu Hui and Lois Loh, visited Tamar Center in Pattaya, Thailand. Tamar Center reaches out to ladies who have been cornered into prostitution by their families and/or circumstances. Shu Hui and Lois came back carrying this burden in their heart. Inspired by the restorative work that Tamar Center was accomplishing, the two ladies started to walk the Lorongs and made friends with the ladies and offered them a new beginning.

The vision of Tamar Village is to see justice and compassion revealed in the red light districts of Asia. Our mission is to bring hope, help, and healing to people who will rebuild, restore, and renew relationships and communities.

*Lorong meaning street/alley.

Tell us a little about the makers of the beautiful pottery.

The pottery pieces are handcrafted expressions of our friends that have left the trade. They find enjoyment in the creative process of moulding clay and creating new pieces. 

The main technique that our potters use is hand-building — it is a method of handling clay where no equipment is used, just the potter's bare hands. This technique is also taught as the foundational technique of pottery. As they get more familiar with the medium, our potters have started improvising their pieces, with some even growing an interest in wheel throwing too!

What are the makers’ dreams for the future?

The act of creating each piece is a unique and deeply personal process. Each piece is an expression of inspired moments that reflect the character of their maker. Our makers dream of using their hands to make something beautiful. Close to their hearts is also a desire to provide for their families, who are their present and future. This community of friends affords them a safe and friendly space to hone their craft and see this come to pass.

Why did you decide to partner Barehands in this collaboration?

Our Barehands and Tamar Village envision the creation of a sustainable livelihood for individuals who may not enjoy certain privileges. We hope this collaboration will help the individuals to realise the potential they carry. As both organisations have worked with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and past experiences, the different ideas each bring to the table creates space for even more interesting and outstanding products. 

Anything that you would like to share with all of us reading this?

Much like clay is shaped by its maker, human beings are shaped by who and what they interact with; people, environments, and circumstances all play a part in making a person who he or she is. Our pottery pieces aim to ask you the question: what shapes you?