Art is kind of therapeutic – feel better after scribbling so “intensely” on paper. On the upside, the art piece created, during the outset of negative emotions, do not look too bad.

I was engaged by one of the grassroots leader from the Choa Chu Kang Residents’  Committee (RC). It was an unexpected opportunity – he noticed my sketch at the the Taoist temple event and wanted to give something “different” as a souvenir to be presented the acting Minister of Choa Chu Kang.

I started my day at the Keat Hong Market at 8am, and followed the entourage of the Minister and his colleagues, the various Member of Parliament (MPs). It was a crowded and boisterous affair as enthusiastic residents came forward to shake hands, and photographers went snapping away.

As part of the day’s itenitery, which last from 8am to 12pm, the Minister and the MPs visited 3 places – Keat Hong Market, Lam Soon Community Center, and a carnival set up in Choa Chu Kang Loop. It was a major challenge  - to capture the likeness of the Minister/ MP within short time and the hectic pace in which I could observe and record on paper. I invited strange stares from onlookers, which is an unnerving experience for me. I had nagging doubts and worries that my drawing will not be good enough, given the high expectations of my “artistic capability”.

The commissioned artwork turns out satisfactory, and the Minister appeared to be pleased (although I thought I could do better) . They signed their names on the artwork, and many people at the event took photographs of it. It is flattering (and overwhelming) that they like my work.

I proceeded to the RC office to scan and framed the artwork. The rest of the work is left to the grassroots, and left soon after.

For many years, I seek comfort and an outlet for self expression in drawing, and thus seldom consider the commercial viability of my artistic skills. I do get paid but rarely. More often then not I give it away (because people take it for granted and not pay, or I am not confident think my works are mediocre and not worth me keeping it). This incident implies that there are people out there who appreciate what I can do.

I wonder if I will get reimbursed for the service rendered adequately. Hopefully, yes.

• Title: “I LOVE ART”
• Size: 24″ by 36″
• Medium: Acrylic paints and Marker on canvas

Rationale: “I LOVE ART” is a self declaration professed by the subject, the abstract girl, who paints what she thinks of life around her.

Doodles fill the background, as if there are infinite possibilities of subject matters to draw as self expression. From boats, to rabbits, to birds, to grapes and … these becomes a manifestation of the girl’s zeal for life and imagination abound.

The various lines run across the entire painting, linking the various elements together. The eyes seem to follow the flow of the lines from the speech bubble, to the girl, to her hands and the brush and around the canvas. Interconnected – It is as though art seeks to represent the aspects of life, while life reveals itself through art.

This artwork was inspired by the Mr Mas Shafreen, the conductor of the “Bear Fruit Illustration” workshop. He was unabashed about sharing his joy for illustrating or doodling, and giving tips, tutorials and encouragement to the participants to do likewise.