Lost and Founded Series – Audrey Yeo

Author: DBS BusinessClass, Administrator of DBS

Audrey Yeo, Owner and Director of Yeo Workshop –a project space that produces a series of exhibitions, represented artists projects and gallery based programmes such as talks, symposiums and guiding research – has to start her day doing something creative (whether its productive or not) before she can feel like the day has begun. Inspired by the women around her who are community-focused and bringing value to the community, Audrey hopes to promote the work of contemporary local and international artists while engaging with the Singaporean and visiting audiences. Believing strongly in making the most out of life and that everyday should be a day for creating something new, Audrey aspires to someday be able to grow a community of people in Singapore who live and breathe the arts.

People say you are “Audrey Yeo, Director of Yeo Workshop”. Who do you say you are?

Audrey Yeo, Art Facilitator, Best Friend of Artists and Art Lovers.

What was the best moment in your start up life? It was so good you wanted to fly Business Class somewhere with someone, and pop open the most expensive bottle of champagne there.

Placing important work of art in a good collection.

Have you ever cried? Or what was the lowest, crappiest moment in your start-up life? You wanted to give up everything. You wanted to kill someone. (During your start up career of course) Tell us more!

Of course! Who doesn't cry? I cried when an artwork I tried to buy for a client was snapped up by someone else. This was a seminal piece of work that we had been working very hard on acquiring, doing many weeks even months of research, only to have lost in our bid.

What secret did you hide from your co-founder or partner or parent for the longest time? Why?

I have been buying art secretly for myself and putting it in my storage.

What’s the most eccentric thing about you? If VCs found out, they won’t have signed the term sheet then. But hell with that now.

I have to start my day doing something creative, whether it’s productive or not, before I can feel like the day is begun.

What are you up to today? What gets you up in the morning?

Today I am meeting with ten Thai Artists, recent graduates from the Master of Fine Arts Programmes to vet their work for our show opening this weekend. We have to install the work and plan the party that will be attended by our best clients.

How do you keep yourself physically and mentally fit for start-up life?

Remembering that life is about making the best out of it, everyday should be a day for building something.

Offer a life hack (or two) to a young founder.

Well! I am a young founder, so I am probably not in a good position. But I constantly think about what the future-me will say to the present-me: to keep doing things with integrity, enjoy things as they come, and not to sweat the small stuff.

Movie or song that best describes you.

“How to Make an American Quilt" comes to mind. I believe the journey and stories in our life will in the end be condensed into an essence or icon that will symbolize what our life is.

Favourite quote.

"Live and let live"

Who and what inspires you?

I am constantly inspired by the other women around me who are community-focused, bringing value for the community.

Tell me about yourself in 2030.

I hope to own a world class art collection of the most important works in Singapore, be able to grow a community of people in Singapore who live and breathe the arts, have children who work in the arts and have artist residencies and projects that continue to support art production and creation for generations.