The Art Within

Once upon a time

Like many fine art graduates, my creative journey was far from smooth sailing. 

Financial difficulties delayed my plan to further my studies, forcing me to take on various jobs to make ends meet. I started out as a visual merchandising assistant, immersing myself in the world of creating beautiful window displays. From there, I transitioned into becoming a media artist, exploring the possibilities of different mediums to communicate my artistic vision.

Subsequently, I found myself dabbling in weddings and event styling, using my creative skills to bring joy to others on their special day.

The war within

However, the demands of life began to take a toll on me. In 2015, I experienced several anxiety attacks and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. To make matters worse, hormonal imbalances brought forth other health issues that I had to face. It felt as if my world was crumbling around me.

But amidst the chaos, there was a glimmer of hope.

The art within

During my time of recovery, I found solace in my work as a florist and creative consultant. After work, I dedicated myself to flower arrangement and drawing, pouring my heart and soul into every arrangement and drawings I created. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a calming practice -Studying fresh cut-flowers in drawings and watercolours.

My fascination for the Dutch masters and their still life paintings from the 18th century paved the way for me to further develop my thoughts in such practices. Particularly, the Vanitas theme featuring still life flora and fauna caught my attention. 

Instead of confronting my anxiety and fears head-on, I allowed the beauty of nature to flow through my studies. I set aside time for myself to focus solely on the fleeting beauty of a single flower or leaf, capturing my arrangement in its essence and impermanence on paper with delicate strokes of watercolour.

In these moments, I found a way to cease the chaos, to hold space for my thoughts and emotions, and to reconnect with my heart and the serenity of nature.

Healing through art and flowers

This newfound practice brought me to a place of peace and harmony, and Just like a seed that dies in the ground and resurrects itself, germinating into new life, I too felt alive again. The vibrant colours and delicate lines on my watercolour paintings mirrored the hope and strength that slowly blossomed within me.

The courage to begin again

Towards the end of 2016, my mental and physical wellbeing have improved significantly and I had fully regained my confidence, I took a leapt of faith to start again.

This time I have ventured out as an Illustrator and started my creative business providing bespoke custom illustration and design services.

My delicate and intricate style of drawing, coupled together with an innate eye for detail, brought along the opportunity to work with various international luxury brands and companies on their events and commissions such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Bulgari, Estee Lauder Companies, Prada, Christian Louboutin Beauty, Victoria’s Secret, The Sheraton Towers Hotel, and Design Intervention, to name a few of my clients.  

holding space for the community

In 2018, I decided to introduce another service - Watercolour Workshop. 

It was an opportunity to share my “healing through art” experiences to eager students and the art community. I put my heart into curating and planning each Watercolour workshop experience.

Freshest blooms and foliages to adorned the room, as music played softly in the background. From a humble dining table, we opened our hearts to art and nature, creating a sanctuary of creativity and beauty. Each guided stroke of the brush is a moment of mindfulness, as participants immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the act of creation

Little did I know that this workshop would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my artistic journey.

The moon (Luna) represents my heart

Fast forward today, my beloved Watercolour Workshops have become much more than a source of income. They have become a way for me to connect with those who seek solace, healing and inspiration through art.

My art practices continue to evolve; however, the heart to holding space for the art community remains the same.

Despite the obstacles and hardships, I recognise their significance as vital steps along my path in shaping me into the artist and individual I am today—a person who has discovered solace and resilience through the delicate allure of Watercolors and the enduring serenity of nature. I feel an immense sense of gratitude and humility.

After a decade of anticipation, I embarked on a new journey in 2023. The path I have chosen allows me to continue my creative endeavours through pursuing BA (Hons) in Fine Art to expand my horizon and further develop my creative practices.

This season of my life is unlike any other as I navigate the unique blend of being a creative business owner, an artist and student, a mother, and art instructor.

Amidst these multiple roles, I hold a deep understanding that I am more than the sum of these parts. Art is not just an escape for me; it is a place of refuge and a wellspring of inspiration. It is where I truly belong.