Our upcoming ArtSpot event in January is conducted by Mr. Mohammad Razib Samsudin of BE Leather Lab. Limited to 30 adult participants only. Register now!
About BE: Leather Lab
BE: Leather Lab, formed in 2016 as a home-based studio workshop. The founder,
Mohammad Razib, who was a former teacher, conducted leather craft workshops in
his cozy and relaxed home environment. He has the objective to introduce the skills
and discipline of making leather products by hand, like a craftsman, and to create
awareness of the quality of leathers. Craftsmanship is in the downward spiral
because of automation and mass production. He wanted to provide a platform for
handmade crafts to be revived.
By mid 2017, BE: Leather Lab has evolved into a studio workshop hub that
centres on creating a variety of handcrafted bespoke products led by home
grown artisans. Their passion in the details of crafting is apparent in the
conduct of every workshop.
With the studio, BE: Leather Lab has created another platform of creativity. It is
ideal for larger group size sessions, corporate team bonding workshops, private
events, corporate gifts and the creation of many more bespoke workshops.
In 2018, BE:Leather Lab sole craftsman achieved the Diploma in Fashion
Industry-Footwear Design & Product Development at TAFTC, a textile and
fashion school. The international instructors from Arsutoria School, Milan
leading fashion industry institute, alongside with local instructors, conducted a
worthy full-time class. The achievement was made possible through SkillsFuture
funding.
In pursuit towards upskill oneself, BE: Leather Lab craftsman
advanced and learn from Japanese bespoke craftsman and artist; Noriyuki
Misawa-shoemaker and Naoki Tsunoo-bag maker. The experience captivated
him into the world of Japanese craftsmanship, the affection for artisanal crafts
and appreciation in the value of bespoke products. This impacted BE:Leather Lab
towards a new path.
In 2021, BE: Leather Lab thread towards the artistic direction in leather art,
specifically in leather sculpture. The fascination with the leather material itself,
especially full- grain vege-tannin hide, as an all natural, ecological, versatile &
durable material, has given rise to exploration & experimentation with these quality
leather. The potential of the leather to be shaped & mould via pressing, stretching,
pressure & weathering, combined with colourful dyes, the leather naturally becomes
an art medium for artistic expression.
In 2023, BE: Leather Lab has also partnered with Pertapis Halfway House to
discover potential crafters and artisans, and to participate in leather making projects.
The training and workshops conducted, act as a platform for self-descipline and
reinforcing desirable behaviours, as the resident community transits into the norm of
society.
By 2024, at the invite of PERTAPIS Halfway House, BE: Leather Lab is housed
within the compound of the centre. This allows more residents to participate in
leather crafting with the increased frequency of leather crafting sessions. The
workshop sessions are designed as part of the residents therapy as they recover
and assimilate into society. The sessions includes in-depth artisanal skills and traits
that highlights goal setting, concentration, patience and positive thinking. An
estimated 130 residents have benefited since the commencement. As an in-house
craft studio, there are possibilities to conduct other crafting and art workshops. The
journey of BE: Leather Lab has shifted towards a social cause and in serving the
community.