Inspired By

There are times when I would chance upon something unexpectedly interesting, something I wouldn't expect to find while I'm in the office. A recent encounter would be when I was going through a CV of a certain candidate (I work in recruiting), I saw she included a link to her "portfolio". I thought it quite odd that she placed it there, since I didn't think it was relevant to her application, nor would it have any significance to the role she was applying for.

I clicked the link anyway out of curiosity. I was expecting to find a long list of her written publications for well-known magazines or journals, or perhaps a collection of photos from different parts of the world to show how well traveled she was-- these were all good and common things that I would usually see in portfolios whenever candidates would ever think of including one. We are living in a world which values achievements after all, and we have to impress whoever stumbles upon our works! Haha.

As the page finally loaded, I was greeted by a painting of a landscape. I scrolled down a bit more and saw that it was a portfolio of her drawings and paintings. There were drawings of children and people doing the most mundane of things, like taking a walk, eating, running around, and the like. I scrolled through them all until I reached the end. I gave another quick look through her CV. It was clear as day that her profession had no relation with the arts, yet she collected all that she made into one place, and perhaps she will continue doing so.

I like seeing art. Not just the ones framed in galleries and museums, but also the art that ordinary people create. I say ordinary because chancing upon this candidate's portfolio reminded me that anyone can make anything they like. We don't need to study in art school to appreciate and to enjoy making art. The mere process of creating something is already inspiring, all the more if it were shared with others.


And so whenever I get the chance to sit down, or I catch myself clouded with so many thoughts, I would decide that the best thing to do is to paint. It doesn't solve my problems, but it reduces my anxiety especially because pushing colors around an empty white paper relaxes me. I delight in seeing the colors blend together, as I learn along the way which colors would mix best.

I'd like to think that with every time spent on painting and allowing my mind to express itself through colors, I'm able to know myself better. Instead of running away from my thoughts, I get to really mull over them as I paint. I tend to be hard on myself most of the time, and sometimes I miss out on cues that tell me I'm doing alright. It's during my painting sessions that these realizations come in.

Which is why I keep making, I keep finding inspiration in the littlest of things; it keeps me going and reminds me that art can help us in personal ways. I'm glad I stumbled upon the above candidate's "portfolio". It's these kinds of encounters that stay in my mind after a long tiring day.

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When was the last time you attempted to make something? I'd love to hear all about it. : - )

On an even more personal note, I'm slowly getting back into my writing groove again. I've been reading through my past blog entries, and it most certainly feels like I'm having a conversation with my past self. I find it really amusing, as I'm able to reflect on my years and who I am now. One thing for sure is that it's good to look back once in a while. A few reads:

Before It Escapes Me
Small But Certain Happiness
More Time For

Last weekend, I helped my mom with cooking in the morning and I also volunteered to drive her to a dear friend's house. I took my time with chopping the ingredients and as well as with driving. As we were on the way home in the afternoon, I told her how I suck at being slow with the day's tasks that I helped with. But she reassured me, telling me it's perfectly fine, because it's not like I cook and drive everyday of my life (at least not for now); I only do these things when I have the time.

It made sense. I shouldn't be hard on myself for being slow and deliberate with the things I do. In fact, I should be glad that at least I have the ability to do these things!


I hope you're doing well, dear reader. Keep safe always. 

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