Some are wondering how in the world did I suddenly start sketching. Few thought I did it on computer. Others thought I trace photos or prints to do it. I had all sorts of questions. I will share the journey here.
Process of Healing
On 13 Sept 2021, I walked into the operating theatre and was on the operating table for 2.5hours. I emerged with a 15cm surgical wound right across my lower abdominal to remove 45 fibroids. The total mass of the fibroid was about 21cm x 10cm x 20cm. So I have a big 15cm wound and 45 smaller wounds inside to heal. I will relate this testimony another time with more details. I was physically very weak. Sleeping a lot for the first month. In the second month, I committed myself to do 14 days of sketch journal.
What is in Your Hand?
On the 13th day, I was at Papa Khoo’s home and witnessed his hen laid its 5th egg. I was rejoicing with the chickens and sketched them. Papa’s helper, Nenang requested that I also include their pet terrapin, Grasion in the sketch. I added Grasion within 10 minutes. Papa Khoo started to encourage me to sketch, landscape sketch. “What is in your hand” referring to Exodus 4:2 was the rhema verse that Papa Khoo received.
Reality
Truth of the matter, I have not done any serious sketch for at least 20 years. When I say serious sketch, I mean a full sketch of minimum A3 size. The last time I did it was for my A levels exam, which as A2 still life sketch. I did not say anything to Papa Khoo except to go home and try.
First Serious Sketch
I remembered an old childhood photo of me standing in front of an interesting building, which I have no idea where it was. After some enquiries, I found out that it was the National Theatre that was demolished. It was not a battle of skill but of self doubt throughout the sketch. I drew with pens and pencils on paper. Since young, I was taught that no rulers or measuring apparatus are to be used in drawing, so pardon that some lines are not as straight as they could be with rulers. To my surprise, I completed the sketch in the first try within less than 4 hours. I honestly do not think it is me, but God’s gift and empowering at work. Here’s the sketch:
More Sketching
After sharing the first sketch on social media, the positive response was completely unexpected. I never once saw drawing as my gift. It was something that I loved doing as a child. I drew a lot when I was little. Even before big exams like PSLE and O Levels, I will be sketching and drawing with my pencils, pens and paints. It was my little pleasure. Since I was still recovering from surgery and not able to do much physical activities, even singing was strenuous, I continued sketching.
White Ink on Dark Paper
Eiffel Tower was one of the suggested buildings to sketch. I love how the Eiffel Tower looked at night when I first saw it, and wanted to capture that. So I decided to try sketching it with white ink on blue night paper. That took a bit of strategising in my mind as dark coloured paper and erasers do not go well together. I am so glad it turned out good in the first try. Since then, I was more bold in doing white ink sketches on dark paper.
Moving Forward
With more encouragement, I eventually set up a shop to have them available, praying that they will be a blessing. I pray that the shalom peace of God will rest on each piece that is being sent out and the peace of God will permeate the atmosphere wherever the sketches go. This remains as my hobby.
My sketches are in a shop format because this seems to be the easiest way to present my sketches and also have them available. No obligation to buy them, only if you want to. If you want to keep up with my small updates of my sketching journey, you can follow my Instagram and/or Facebook Page.
