One Last Respect

My grandmother passed away just a week ago on Valentine's Day at the age of 87. Unlike gloomy situation we usually experience on a sad event like this, I witnessed such a relaxed and peaceful gathering of people, paying their last respects to a loved one. No one cried aloud or kept a longing sad face. Instead, we talked about fond memories and how we will keep her close to our hearts. I think, that is how I would want my final farewell to the world to be like.

I know it's never easy to talk about death. When we think about it, we are reminded of remorse and the fear of what comes after. No one knows what lies ahead and the unknown is always one territory that we tend to steer clear off. I myself, try to think of death as a gate to another realm that we are meant to enter one day. Inevitably, whether we like it or not. What we leave behind in the world with our loved ones will be our legacy. Our words and actions will be saved in memories, hopefully kind enough to never be forgotten.

My grandmother's passing has reminded me of my own presence in the world. The purpose of my existence and how far I've walked down the path. It is such an overwhelming feeling to see your life flashes before you and to know that time freezes for no one. One day that farewell will come. It is up to us to create the best possible memories within the precious period of time we have left.

So take a deep breath dear ones, the blank pages await us...


Much love,

A Closing Year

To me,

Life is a bountiful journey of lessons. 

It teaches you to be patient, 

to hope, to grieve, to endure 

and find faith even in the darkest of places.

It is a book of wisdom that shows all your faults and triumphs.

A fountain that quenches your thirst under the scorching sun.

Your life is a mirror, that reflects nothing but yourself.

Who you are, who you want to be and the person you have become.

The image you see is never frozen, it changes with every action and expression.

To me, my life has been a journal of sketches.

Full of marks and erased lines,

uncertain visions and cherished drawings.

It is my treasure, my legacy.

A blessed gift that will continue to be a teacher,

In sorrow and happiness.

**************

I hope the closing year has been a magnificent journey to you, dear friends. My love and best wishes to everyone for the coming chapter!

God bless,

Portrait of Jane

For as long as I can remember, I think I have been drawn to things that are old and unique. Those with quite a bit of history in them. Antique wooden chests had always sparked up my curiosity, the same way old dusty books seem to call out my name every time I visited the library. Somehow, I can't help but imagine all the wonderful stories these things must carry with them throughout their long years of existence.

Which is probably why, I like to incorporate "age" into  my art. There is something very delicious about tinting and rubbing colors to make my work look aged and worn out. Each effect seems to add a little bit of character to the piece. Just like this portrait I made, based on one of my all time favorite books, Jane Eyre.

It all started with a simple black and white sketch...a little smudging here and there...

...followed by layers and layers of paint, each one light in consistency, to achieve a more deep and solemn finish.

And of course, what's a painting session without some coffee staining? I know, I know. I use too much of it sometimes, I think it's just an excuse for me to have my studio smelling wonderfully of coffee. :)

And lastly, the most anticipated part of the whole process. Detailing. This determines the final look, adding even more depth and dimensions to the whole piece. Now, no matter how enjoyable this part may sound, it usually is the one phase where you tend to keep adding and adding, not knowing where to stop. Sounds familiar? I think we've all been there... :)

So anyway, I hope you've enjoyed that brief peek into my studio life. I know I haven't been much of a blogger lately, but I've had quite a few requests from some of you to share previews of my work process. So there you have it. Until next time, lovelies! :)

Much love,


Note: Portrait of Jane is available at The Wish Forest.