Kaibigan ko ang pagsusulat kahit noon pa man.
Sa mga panahon na ang isip ko ay naliligaw ng landas.
Sa mga oras na ang puso ko’y napapagod.
Sa mga sandaling gusto ko nang bumitaw.
Ang pagsusulat ko ang siyang nagbibigay linaw sa akin.
Siya rin ang tumutukoy ng aking damdamin.
Minsan na kong naghilom sa pamamagitan ng kanyang kapangyarihan.
Kaya’t alam kong aahon din muli ako sa aking dinaraanan.
I’ve been in and out, on and off of my artsy side over the years. I’ve been into crafting, scrapbooking, bookmark and envelope-making, acrylics, oil, craypas, poster paints. Whatever my hands can create, I want to try it out.
Nothing came out seriously out of those stuff. It was just something that brought me joy and made me feel alive. Art was my therapy. Then and now.
Watercolor painting is an art form I learned early on as a toddler, but I rediscovered its wonder and magic just now into my adulthood.
I guess watercolor had a great pull on me since it taught me a lot about letting go of control and accepting one’s mistakes well and being kind to myself. These and many more nuggets of wisdom has brought me to now seriously venture and grow in this art medium and learn more life lessons along the way.
Several months back, I manifested a declaration of my bucket list as an “artist”.
There is indeed power in voicing out your goals, because I have reached 3 out of 4 of my artistic targets. My dreams are not that high and mighty. But they are my dreams just the same.
My Bucket List
1. Learn from the Masters
From a tutorial I follow at Let’s Make Art, I have immersed myself in Art History and have recreated some of the amazing works of famous artists. Learning about the artist’s life and influences gave more meaning to the art they have created.
2. Museum-hopping
I got to visit only one museum – the National Museum of Fine Arts in the Philippines. But this museum houses multiple galleries in all its 4 floors showcasing the talents of various Filipino artists in their respective medium. It was indeed an enriching cultural experience – something that made me feel proud as a Filipino.
3. Art Class for Kids
I’ve said it before. I’d say it again. I think I’m finding my Ikigai now that I integrate all that gives me passion and joy – Teaching… Kids… Art…
I started teaching watercolor workshops for kids last March 2022. And since then, I’ve conducted Zoom classes for six art sessions already.
This rebirth of my teaching career was spurred on by just a simple invite from my former co-teachers to be their art resource person in their preschool. My confidence grew that I can do this on my own and my little, sprouting courage took me where I am now.
4. Live Painting with my Hubby
Not achieved yet. But I’m positive this will happen. We were just very busy that we hadn’t had the time to pursue this. What transpired however was an upgrade of the equipment I use for my art workshops, a repurposing of my art desk and a level-up of the art supplies I use. Thanks to my ever supportive husband who gives his 100% cheer everytime I make even the simplest watercolor painting.
I still have dreams that are yet to materialize. Maybe moving forward, when I am braver and more open to challenges, I will go reach those aspirations in my heart, Lord-willing.
I thank all of you for reading this far. And for celebrating with me the wins I gained on my 2nd year of my watercolor journey. May you be inspired to also find your joy and reach for your dreams, however slow you may go.
To those who have been with me at the birth of my art page in Haraya at Likha, thank you from the bottom of my heart. ♥️
I invite you to follow me and join me there as we discover happiness in art and life.
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the velveteen leah 