Growing up, I had always enjoyed doodling and dabbling in art. My first “series” was of female Chinese operatic characters. Intrigued by their elaborate headdresses and costumes, I would draw and colour my sketches after every performance my grandma treated me to. I was about 6 then.

 

As with most Singaporeans my generation, studies and career got in the way of pursuing art “seriously”. Ultimately, it was the intricacies of Law that got my attention, then the beauty and emotive value of the English language. Hence, I devoted the last 2 decades of my life as an educator of the English language. Still, I always doodled and dabbled.

 

Things do have a way of panning out. Itching to take up painting, I chanced upon Studio Miu, Singapore, in December 2004 where I spent a couple of hours over Christmas painting with Dad. Thus rejuvenated my passion for art. I have been painting with increasing enthusiasm ever since, and certainly, art has given me much to be thankful for—painting has carried me through grief and physical pain; taught me the value of patience and practice; and fundamentally, brought me immense joy and peace.

 

My day job has revealed to me the limitations of the written [and spoken] word. Instead, I am able to evoke, emote and express at a deeper level through colours and strokes.