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 translate 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.

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.

Instead of confronting my anxiety and fears head-on, I turn my time of painting into a meditative and reflective practice, starting from a sequential sensory engagement with the fresh-cut foliage or the flowers on my desk, allowing the beauty of nature to take center stage. Over time, these humbling moments of engaging with the fleeting beauty of nature found a way to cease the chaos and holding space for my thoughts and emotions.

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. I begin to see a more confident self arise within me. The vibrant colours and delicate lines on my watercolour paintings mirrored the hope and strength that slowly blossomed within.

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 to my clients.

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 with the world. 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 the humble practice of drawing and painting a piece of nature, creating a sanctuary of creativity and beauty.

Each guided stroke of the brushwork 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 like-minded individuals who seek solace, healing and inspiration through the process of art making and open their hearts to nature.

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 have encountered, I recognise them as essential steps along my path—shaping me into both the artist and the person I am today. Through lived experiences, I have grown into a more sympathetic and empathetic being, cultivating resilience and finding healing through art-making and a deep connection with nature.

I hold this journey with immense gratitude and humility.

BA (Hons) in Fine Art Studies, Embodiment in theory

After a decade of anticipation, I embarked on a new journey in 2023.

Determined to expand my horizons in the arts and further develop my creative practice, I set aside three years to pursue a BA (Hons) in Fine Art at LASALLE College of the Arts, in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London.

This season of my life is unlike any other, as I navigate the layered identities of a creative business owner, practising artist and student, mother, and art instructor. At times, certain roles have needed to pause so that others could rise and be fully present.

Amidst these multiple roles, I hold a deep understanding that I am more than the sum of these parts. Art is not merely an escape; it is a place of refuge and a wellspring of inspiration. It is where I truly belong, and where my sense of self continues to evolve.

As I continue to develop my artistic practice and align more deeply with what my heart truly cares about—engaging with people, facilitating art as a space for connection, and advocating for mental well-being through embodied, lived experiences—I see Studio Luna evolving alongside me. Yet at its core, it will always remain a place where we meet, create, and find solace through art and nature.