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Charlene Shepherdson is an interdisciplinary writer based in Singapore who creates experiences using visual text, interactive narratives and historical archives.
The breadth of their practice spans poetry, creative nonfiction, visual art installations and social sculptures with a deep focus on the ideas that exist in the in-betweens. In this nebulous space, they facilitate communities and hold space for them to share their stories—to reclaim, reframe and reimagine their realities. Play is the heart of their practice.
They are currently the Business Development Manager of Difference Engine, an independent comics publisher based in Singapore.
They were the Station Control (General Manager) of Sing Lit Station from 2019 - 2022. They co-founded destination:ink—an interdisciplinary open open-mic—under the spacer.gif collective and hosted 50 editions from 2012 - 2017.
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Opinions expressed in this site are solely their own and do not express the views or opinions of any organisations, collectives or individuals working with them
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hearsay
“tell me how sheet and metal lay with text. my parents, your hands, a strike, a hit, a type. see how typos are the most human of us all.”
— Of plants and poetry: #BuySingLit to offer terrarium building with a dash of poetry, TODAY (2019)
“It's going to be a long process. But it's interesting to see this idea of state and personal narratives and where they intersect.”
— For the Record, we are Eurasian, The Straits Times (2017)
“…that’s my inspiration for continuing to write: to find community that can crack through whatever hardship someone might have in their life and find that moment, that space for them.”
— A walk inside the private worlds of four local authors, SG Magazine (2018)
“There’s a whole generation of stories that are missing…there’s also a lot of stories that haven’t been recorded yet.”
— Basement Workshop: For the Record | by Charlene Shepherdson and Cheyenne Alexandria Phillips, Centre 42 (2016)
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bibliography
contributor. editor. collaborator.
a selection of words to have and hold
”every thirty months” & “I drive an ambulance of injured in my chest”, EXHALE: An Anthology of Queer Singapore Voices
Math Paper Press, 2021^ Link”Shift”, Call and Response anthology
Math Paper Press, 2018^ Link”Bootleg Brew”, Press: 100 Love Letters anthology
The University of the Phillippines Press, 2017^ Link
”underbelly”, Twin Cities: An Anthology of Twin Cinema From Singapore and Hongkong
Landmark Books, 2017^ Link”on record”, Singapore Eurasians: Memories. Hopes and Dreams
World Scientific Publishing, 2017^ Link”Bedsheets”, Rollercoasters & Bedsheets: An Anthology of Sex in Minutes
Pillow Books Media, 2016^ Link”cremains”, A Luxury We Must Afford anthology
Math Paper Press, 2016^ Link“Storm Clouds”, poetry.sg
Sing Lit Station, 2015^ Link“Written”, From Walden to Woodlands anthology
Ethos Books, 2015^ Link”Poison”, A Luxury We Cannot Afford anthology
Math Paper Press, 2015^ Link”13 Ways to Survive the Apocalypse”, with Allee Koh, Marc Nair and Marylyn Tan at EleMental: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Party Action People, 2015^ LinkHuman Voltage”, Poetry Slam (January)
WordForward, 2013^ Link”Draw Lightly, Colour Hard”, with Nabilah H. at Rhyme X Rhythm: An Evening of Word and Music
Party Action People, 2013^ Link
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workshops
hands-on. action learning. practice-based.
creative education for the nervous to the fearless
All Ages
Poetry & Identity
How can poetry be used as a tool for self-expression? We look at the individual voice in poetry through Charlene’s writing which often examine her place in her family, as a Eurasian, and her role in the environment. Participants will learn about the power of different forms of poetry – from visual to performance poetry – that could help them examine who they are, and who they could be.^ LinkCreating Visual Vocabulary
Using textiles, found objects and Lego, we explore how words can be used as images to add tone, pace and texture to a poem. Create new dimensions to your word by thinking in 3D off the page.^ Link
Ages 7 - 17 years old
Split Narratives: Creating Interactive Stories
Learn how to write branching storylines for games, interactive fiction and multimedia experiences. Bring all those “what ifs” to life in a broad-ranging, participatory and innovative workshop.^ Link
Visual Text: A Guide to Art and Poetry
Learn how to use line, shape, colour, contrast and movement to create your own visual poetry. Gain a better understanding of the relationship between text and images in this multi-disciplinary, all-hands-on-deck workshop.^ Link
Grow a Poem: Finding Words in Nature
Learn how to use your five senses to capture the awe-inspiring sunset, or the resilience of weeds growing in concrete. Get your blood pumping and your inspiration running in this energetic and engaging workshop.^ Link
Ages 3 - 10 years old
Art Playdates
We’ll paint, we’ll draw, we’ll make our own fun. These playdates are customised to your child’s interest and available in 1-4 hour blocks.^ Link
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upcoming
Say Hi!
Catch Charlene at these appearances.
27 Oct
2:30pm - 3:30pm
“Art and Poetry [Sharing by Poets]”
Speaker
Gallery 2, Singapore Art Museum
17 Nov
10:30am - 12pm
“Building A Spoken Word Community”
Panellist
River Room, The Asian Civilisation Museum
17 Nov
5pm - 6pm
“Here Be Dragons: The Magical Beasts of Southeast Asia”
Moderator
River Room, The Asian Civilisation Museum