We had the good fortune of connecting with De Ann Singh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi De Ann, what do you attribute your success to?
I’m really good at what I do and I just love doing it. I found that I’m even better at teaching my art to others than actually doing my art. I have a really great repoire with people and I really love helping them find the joy of expressing themselves through my art. I watch them grow either in the art or in the social aspect of my art classes. I’ve seen it change lives and totally enrich their lives. We learn and create together to make our lives richer and more fulfilling. It seems to work for many of us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Because I taught in Beverly Hills School District and Los Angeles School District for more than 25 years I made many friends in the adult schools and learned what worked and didn’t work in those type of class situations. There were very educated people that I was dealing with who were retired, and sometimes very wealthy or influential people. But, I was contributing joy in their lives. I think I could read people pretty well and help them be the best they could be. I may have missed a time or two but I really love people, my students, and I want them to succeed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d go to the Getty Center to see the manuscripts exhibits.I have a credential to be a community docent Also their “stacks” library has wonderful rare printed books with 16-19th century lettering to study while at the library. Another day the Getty Villa. Is there anything more beautiful than the Villa? I used to love the herb garden I wonder if they still have it. Lunch in they’re little coffees shop. Another day, tea at the Huntington rose gardens after looking at the William Morris collection. They also have a few manuscripts including an original Chaucer. If my friend is interested in paintings we can look at some of those. Their gardens are gorgeous and we could sketch before it’s time for tea. We’ll have to find time to have lunch at Jackson’s Market in Culver City. It’s a little sandwich shop tucked away in a neighborhood which has been there for ions. We have to have lunch or dinner at Pacos’s Tacos in Culver City and of course Tito’s Tacos. I’m a big fan of Mar Vista where I live and have my studio. So I take everyone to Venice and Santa Monica Beach if just to catch the breeze. I’m only 2 miles from Venice and it’s a very interesting and edgy place to experience. Who wouldn’t want to see it at least once? I cook great Indian food so we generally have at least one feast during a visit that ends the visit well and hopefully they’ll come again 😁

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Society for Calligraphy. Southern California. An organization that began in 1975 to promote all the art of the book. This organization has brought the best calligraphers from all over the world to give instruction to our local members. I have been a member since 1979. I’ve had the best instruction imaginable without traveling the world over. I have made friends with top calligraphers around the country as well. I been an active member, board member and President as well as leader in the organization since 1979. Also, teaching for them as well as local school districts.

Website: Deannsingh.com

Instagram: Deannsingh310

Facebook: Deannsingh

Other: Deannsinghcalligraphy@blogspot.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.