My kids helped me discover my love & passion for art.
It was the start of the Covid years and we were largely home bound. Just like many parents, I wanted to create some home activities for the kids. I went to a nearby art shop, bought a bunch of art materials and we started painting at the dining table. That was how it all started!
Did I really not know that I can paint? Well, in school, I had always had pretty decent grades for Art, but nothing astoundingly amazing. I do always have the eye and appreciation for beautiful things. I love seeing how colours blend and how shapes and textures create form. At some point in my life, I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer. Clearly, that didn’t happen. I was a science student all through secondary school, and then went on to do a business degree. I then spent a large part of my career in marketing. It was also during my marketing career that I find myself having a real knack for visuals and designs. I love working with advertising agencies and creative designers on ads and displays and enjoy the creative process immensely.
I started my artistic journey painting more abstract pieces. But as I went along, I felt that my abstract expression lacked a bit of depth. Hence, I started painting more representational art, with the hope to polish my skills as an artist. That was when I discovered that I love painting nature-based pieces – landscapes, flowers, trees and a special love for koi fish! As I evolve, I begin to incorporate some abstract expression into my pieces. Some of them are a bit more semi-abstract. Maybe one day, I will attempt fully abstract pieces again.
More recently, I have also ventured into Chinese calligraphy. Like painting, it is a self-taught journey that began from a place of curiosity and appreciation for the beauty of Chinese characters. I am still learning, practising, and refining my skills with every piece I create. The process has taught me patience, intentionality, and the beauty of continual growth.
Whether through painting or calligraphy, my work revolves around the themes of peace, love, and joy. These are the feelings that art brings to me, and they are also the sentiments I hope collectors experience when they bring my work into their homes.
My days are usually toggled between parenting my kids, being a strategic advisor in the corporate space and pursuing my art. I tend to paint at night. Painting is a completely meditative process for me. I feel my heart rate steadying to a slow pace, breathing relaxes to a calm note. It is thoroughly enjoyable. While I love seeing the completed pieces and feeling a great sense of fulfilment, it is the process that I love the most.
I am deeply grateful to those collectors who bought my paintings during my early days as an artist. Their decision to purchase and collect my art gives me the confidence and affirmation to pursue art seriously, transforming it from a mere hobby into a true calling. I still remember my very first sale! In 2023, I decided to step away from a full time corporate career to pursue my art more seriously. It has been deeply rewarding with many milestones to celebrate and be thankful for (check out the other blog post). Honestly, it has been beyond my wildest dream. I am super excited to see what comes next while I continue to paint, discover, learn and paint (repeat).
