Paper artist and co-founder of PeiPer Arts School reimagines paper as a canvas for artistic exploration and connection

This story is one of nine on The Peak Singapore’s Power List. The list is an annual recognition that celebrates and acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, influence, and impact within their respective fields and the broader community. 

Our theme for this year is Joy, honouring business leaders who have contributed to spreading happiness, enhancing well-being, and uplifting the spirits of those around them. This theme responds to recent global challenges, highlighting the need for resilience, compassion, and, most importantly, joy in our lives to navigate uncertainties with grace and efficiency.

The story of Pei Li and her artistic journey with paper begins not at a renowned art school but in the warmth of her own home. Raised by creative parents — a carpenter father and a seamstress mother — Pei Li was surrounded by the magic of transforming raw materials into something beautiful.

This early exposure to crafting sparked a lifelong love for creation and the joy it brings.

Fast-forward to becoming a mother herself, Pei Li's desire to nurture her daughters' (Brooklyn, 8, and Sierra, 6) creativity led her to explore STEAM education, a blend of science, art, and exploration.

Witnessing the pure joy on her daughters' faces as they experimented with different materials solidified Pei Li's mission: to share this joy of creation with children of all ages.

Imperfections and the journey of joy

Pei Li readily admits to once being a perfectionist. However, her experience crafting with her daughters during the pandemic in 2020 became a turning point. She learned that the true joy lies in the creative process itself, not just the flawless end product.

This philosophy is at the heart of her PeiPer Arts School, where children are encouraged to embrace imperfections, celebrate small wins, and find joy in the journey of artistic exploration.

Pei Li tailors her teaching style to each child's age and skill level at the art school — whose classes are catered to children four to eight years old. She believes in treating them as capable individuals, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their work. When challenges arise, Pei Li encourages them to see their artwork from a fresh perspective and embrace creative problem-solving. 

The transformation of a simple piece of paper into a cherished creation sparks immense joy for the children and Pei Li herself. “Observing and learning about my daughters’ daily lives taught me the value of understanding my students personally and building emotional connections with them. Allowing my daughters to lead projects and make their own creative choices helped build their independence,” she says.

PeiPer Arts School also conducts its classes in Mandarin, inspired by Pei Li’s appreciation and observation of the importance of bilingualism. Today, she communicates with her daughters solely in Mandarin, while her husband, Symond, uses English.

Bringing large-scale joy to life

Aside from running an art school, she is a paper artist who is commissioned to create elaborate paper flower installations. Some of her clients include the Changi Chapel Museum, Pedro Shoes, and even private clients for home installations and weddings.

The creation of Pei Li's elaborate paper flower installations is a meticulous dance of research, experimentation, and refinement. She studies real-life flowers and translates their essence into larger-than-life paper masterpieces.

Each flower highlights unique textures and details, a testament to the countless hours of love and dedication poured into its creation.

Her choice of working paper stems from its versatility and tactile qualities. “It all started when I was researching for my wedding 10 years ago. I discovered amazing creations that can be made from paper. As I evolved, I also came across fabric, which offers unique opportunities for expression and creativity due to its inherent versatility and tactile qualities,” she elaborates.

Beyond its artistic potential, Pei Li is drawn to paper's accessibility and sustainability.

One particularly memorable project involved a supportive client who championed her artistic vision. The client defied corporate directives to incorporate her paper flowers into their headquarters, a significant confidence boost that solidified her belief in her artistic voice.

This project not only brought joy to the client and their community but also served as a reminder of the power of staying true to one's artistic vision.

Delighting in the present

For Pei Li, in a world dominated by screens, paper crafting offers a refreshing disconnect. The act of shaping and manipulating paper is a sensory experience unlike anything digital can replicate. Furthermore, paper crafting workshops become spaces for community, fostering shared experiences and lifelong bonds over a love for creativity.

In a world increasingly reliant on AI, the human touch in art becomes even more precious. Additionally, she believes social media's curated reality can be a thief of joy. Pei Li finds solace in unplugging and reconnecting with the present moment.

Her art is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. Pei Li encourages us to pay closer attention to the wonders surrounding us by drawing inspiration from Singapore's rich flora and fauna.

“For my audience, joy is when my creations bring smiles to their faces and help redefine spaces. Each piece I create tells a unique story and is dear to me,” Pei Li reveals. “Sharing these treasures with others and seeing their reactions brings me happiness. It’s like sharing meaningful experiences with loved ones.”

Her installations capture moments of lightness and connection in this deliberate detachment, inviting viewers to be transported to a world of wonder. The intricate details and textures of her paper flowers create a truly immersive experience, sparking a sense of joy and appreciation for the beauty around us.

For more stories on The Peak Power List, visit here.