Life as an artist

Starting 1st January 2010 I am officially retired from my teaching job (optional retirement). Now I am a full time professional artist :). I have to prepare for my 2nd solo art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, so it is not a honeymoon period for me. I start my day in front of my computer, checking my mails, replying them, then will do some sketches. I paint in the afternoon and at night, but I have to said the afternoon session is the most difficult time for me to sit in front of the canvas. I am so used to take a nap in the afternoon. I am still feel sleepy even though I am no longer wake up 5 something in the morning. This have to change, I promise myself.

"What are you doing? You have so much time now.", this is the question I often get from friends and relatives nowadays. Actually I found myself working twice harder and busier than when I have my daytime job. Monday to Sunday, morning to night. But I am happier now. I am doing what I love.

It is a soul searching and hard thinking to develope ideas for my paintings. The main focus is still on objects/still life. I try to compose the objects or present my idea in different perspectives than the usual composition of a still life painting. It is a painful journey but I thrive on it when the idea come to life on the canvas.

It is still a long journey for me as an artist. I told myself I can do it and I will.