Bynd Artisan may sound like a new kid on the block, but it has its roots stemming back three generations. It has went from a small bindery workshop founded by Mr Chan Koon Song in 1942, to a shop-house based Goy Liang Book-Making Company in 1947, and, finally, to its current re-branding. While you may find Bynd Artisan unfamiliar, I am sure you would have heard of Grandluxe, which is available online and at all leading bookstores. Yes, they are both helmed by the third generation of management headed by Ms Winnie Chan.
The Atelier
Focusing on the company’s legacy, Bynd Artisan took their leather products to another level. Walking in to the classy ambience of the atelier located in the midst of the Boon Lay industrial area, you get bombarded by their very own products. It ranges from card holders, book covers to hand bags in various colours of luxurious leather.
That’s not all. The main focus behind this re-branding is going back to the founder’s very first concept; book binding. Ms. Winnie Chan refurnished this to fit the modern urbanites yearning for an exit out of this sea of commerciality – with the option to make you very own (to the T) notebook. Numerous options for the type of cover, binding, clasp and even the paper inside. You may think that it’s just the colour, but you are spoilt with choice with different textures, appearances and so much more. It is truly personalised to your preference -for yourself or even as a corporate gift perhaps?
Hard at work; my very own leather cardholder
Continuing with the concept of going back to its roots, Bynd Artisan started a series of crafting workshops – from notebooks (of course) to a cardholder – sharing its book-binding and leather-making expertise with hobbyists and aspiring craftsmen.
I opted for the basic leather cardholder making – focusing on teaching the newbies of basic leather cutting. You may think they are just throwing the word basic around, perhaps, to make someone as uncoordinated as me feel less intimidated. However, being mentored personally by an experience craftsmen has made this intricate task immensely enjoyable.
The class started off with a fresh piece of leather each, and was immediately put to work. Each progressing step was done personally by each “student” – but, of course, when the going gets tough, the master craftsman steps in with his expertise. Especially for me, since I did not realize how much strength you actually need to cut leather and utilize the tools (I actually had muscle aches in my arm the next day).
After “mastering” the intricate art of working leather, I got to engrave my (almost) finished product. You can make this as a special one of kind for yourself, or for you loved one – this would be a great gift because of the heart and sweat (from using the machine, no doubt).
As an added bonus, the class even got to make a small notepad to compliment the cardholder. Nothing was left to waste, and everything had a purpose – a concept that the company prides themselves with.
The Designer Capsule Collection
“Everything is possible if we believe in ourselves and keep trying. Be passionate – live life to the fullest and make your dreams come true.” – Ms. Winne Chan, Founder of Bynd Artisan.
Bynd Artisan stays true to this message. They believe in the potential of local artists, and offers them a chance to showcase their talents in their “Designer Capsule” collection. Currently, they feature the “Sign of Our Times” collection by Larry Peh, Founder and Creative Director of &Larry. It resonated well with me as it drew inspiration from sights of our very own little island; the ever present “Danger – Keep Out!” signs. As the collection was described, this loud and crass exclamation, was muted to a private reminder to safeguard one’s belongings by the choice of a luxurious black leather. From the T-shirt (which featured a small black leather breast pocket) to a seemingly simple A4 folder, the collection was meant to be combine creative design into pragmatism.
They will continue to feature different artists in their “Designer Capsule” collection with each season. I heard from a little bird, that Gentle Bones (singer-songwriter from Singapore), may have a project in the planning – something I am definitely looking forward to. On top of that, they promote themselves as a company willing to help local talents – by providing the option to work with them closely. As many design students know, getting from design to product is an arduous journey, rifled with obstacles ranging from the right production company to the having mass amounts made at a high cost (due to companies having to balance net profit – as they do not see economic benefit from one time small productions). Bynd Artisan understands, and is openly welcoming aspiring artists (with leather work in mind, of course). With that said, what’s stopping you?
Verdict
What I thought was a simple leather craft workshop, turned out to be journey. Learning from master craftsmen, who have passionately been in their craft for decades, made me realize the enduring excellence of locally trained artisans. Where in this current model of the world where commerciality has taken over, the traditionally intricate ways of leather working continues to thrive, and if anything, is making a bigger stand in the public eye; much thanks to the founder Ms. Winne Chan’s re-focus of a well-established brand. Despite the far-flung location of Chin Bee Avenue at Boon Lay’s industrial location, it is definitely worth heading there; for you will be going home with more than just an experience but a 3 generation-long (and going) story.
Bynd Artisan has a newly open retail space, Bynd Artisan Atelier located at 2 Chin Bee Avenue. They hold leather craft workshops every weekend, ranging for S$48 to S$78. As part of the festive season, they have a temporary pop-up at Tangs Orchard where they are not only showcasing their ready-made luxurious leather products, but also a smaller personalization corner for those who are interested in something a little more special. Currently, they also have the &Larry Sign of Our Times collection available at Keepers (opposite The Heeren).
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
