from duty to delight ...

After all preparation is done, it may be a normal path to seek opportunities to exhibit as an independent artist.  Such thinking, if prolonged, can easily lead me to feel that it is a ritual to keep.  But today, a new revelation came upon me in my quiet sitting at a corner of the gallery.  I was just well pleased to see my works in such context, being shown to the public.  I was at ease, ready to listen to comments, spoken or unspoken, from even visitors I don't know. 

I am ready to move on, to face more challenges - to play and experiment the unknown, to wait for my heart to tell me what next, and to guide my hands to bring about the ideas into presence.  I will not paint for the sake of painting.  Painting simply cannot stop.  I know a new collection will have to be birthed.  Making art and exhibiting are no longer dutiful, but a delight.

... explaining to Ivy about this painting "Joy".  Joy, unlike "happiness", does not depend on what happens.  Joy is stable.  It fills up the deep well of confidence from within.  In times of trials, even seemingly dark, hope and light is ever-present.  Like keeping a balance in tonal distribution on a picture plane, it is important we keep a balance in life too, be joyful knowing we have once overcome, and never let any dark hours push us back.  When breakthrough comes, brilliance simply leaps forth at staccato speed to tell of a triumphant moment.