You leave your studio in Sembawang and start making small furniture pieces for family and friends one day. The second, you’re approached to create two custom-made seats for Pope Francis ’ future visit to Singapore.
At the end of July, Govindharaj Muthiah received the coincidental call from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore. The 44-year-old Singaporean woodworker, who took his passion for woodworking full-time in 2019, did not expect to get presented the best contrast to his Resume to date.
And for the record, even though he completed both” 100 per cent handmade” chairs within a whirlwind month, the news still had n’t sunk in when he spoke to CNA Lifestyle on Thursday ( Sep 5 ) about his initial shock.
“ When I got the visit, the first question was: ‘Hi, we knew you do equipment. We were introduced by people. And I was asked if I could create a seat. I was like, ‘Okay, do you have the proportions? I’ll work on it, ’” recalled Raj, as he prefers to get known.
“Then ( the caller ) said, ‘No it ’s more than that, there’s a lot of specific details. ’ And I said, ‘Okay, give me the gathering. I typically say to consumers,” If you can pull it and show me how to build it for you,” But also, I said that, thinking he’s on the same site.
” He paused for a while and said, ‘It’s for the Pope. ’ I was like, ‘Sorry? Who? ’ He ( repeated himself ): ‘For the Pope. ’ ”