As I walk into the Pearl Frame Maker workspace on Jalan Pintal Tali, Pearl Kok is scribbling in a bill book while her daughter and nephew have just finished assembling a frame. After a brief introduction, I look around for a seating area to settle down for the interview session.
Pearl notices my wandering gaze and asks, “Do you need somewhere to sit?”
“It’s going to take an hour or so. Maybe we should go somewhere comfortable for the interview?” I say.
“It is comfortable to talk while standing,” she replies.
I’m immediately reminded of what I’ve read about picture frames. A frame separates the world depicted inside it and the reality of the viewer while it subtly shapes and directs the viewer’s experience. Isn’t this an invitation to experience her frame-making world? Looking around, I realise there are no stools in the shophouse.