Glass bulbs and hemispherical forms, 2026
Ting En Qin, Felicia
Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary
Almost an Idea reflects the moments before an idea becomes fully formed. Rather than focusing on outcomes or deliberate thinking, the work considers the mental state in which ideas begin to surface when the mind is at ease and not actively searching for meaning. These moments often occur during ordinary routines when attention drifts, and thoughts gather.
The installation is composed of glass and plastic forms arranged like bubbles resting on a pedestal. Their transparency and fragility suggest ideas in their earliest state, present but not yet fixed. Each form exists on its own, yet gains meaning through its relationship with the others, reflecting how ideas rarely emerge in isolation.
The contrast between lit and unlit forms suggests different stages of becoming. As
some ideas surface, others have yet to arrive or may never fully take shape. Together, they gather gently, shaped by what comes before and beside them. The pedestal becomes a place of pause, where these almost-ideas linger. Through Almost an Idea, the artist invites a slower, gentler way of thinking, proposing that ideas often arrive not through effort alone, but through rest and openness.
What surprised you when you allowed yourself to start with play?
I discovered that I should not funnel my ideas too early, but give them space to develop.
What is one play hack you would like to share to help fellow teacher-artists experiment and create without expectations?
One play hack I use is trying ideas that seem crazy at first. These attempts often lead me to unexpected directions and help surface possibilities I wouldn’t arrive at through careful planning alone.
Click here to view the artists’ process!
Read more about ►EDGE 2026 and the existing artworks.
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