From Painting to Writing

Before writing, there was painting. During my teenage years, I always felt like I was on autopilot. I was timid, withdrawn, and not so passionate about anything in particular. However, I do remember being very curious and inquisitive. I always displayed a great sense of wonder, according to one of my High School counselors. I was the kid who worked hard and did what she had to do, but with no clear direction or purpose really. 

I did not know how to express myself in High School, so I turned to painting. And the more I painted, the more fulfilled I felt. In a day, I would spend hours painting all types of strokes, and blending all kinds of colors. I found myself in the state of flow as I would paint and blend away on my canvas. Before I knew it, the sun would set and it would be dinner time. Admittedly, I may not have been the best artist, but I was definitely expressive, thematic, and colorful. Art was my way of relieving my emotions. Painting helped me sort through my archaic thoughts, and activated internal parts of me that I never thought I had. They turned out to be character strengths in the making. Because of my affinity with art, I slowly learned to open up and put myself out there as I am.  

All my artworks tell a story, and they are all parts of me. Painting after painting, my soul became more nourished, strengthening my sense of identity and individuality. Along the way, I found myself and discovered writing.