Hot Pink Flowers

It all began with my lack of skill in figure-skating. Despite my best efforts, I never quite got the hang of it. That's why my ice-skating instructor suggested that I try something different, something that wasn't as physically demanding. Perhaps, I would find a better fit with art. And thus, my journey with painting began.

In the fourth grade, I discovered my love for painting with oil paints by joining a local after-school art program. This program was unique in that, instead of using colored pencils or acrylic paints, we began with charcoal for four weeks before diving straight into working with oil paints, complete with turpentine and all. This was an unconventional approach since most students aren't introduced to oil paints until their sophomore year of college.

At the age of nine, hot pink was my absolute favorite color.  Here I am in the picture, quietly thrilled, to be part of my first group exhibition, showcasing my work, Hot Pink Flowers. What I loved most about painting was learning how to layer the paint to give the picture a sense of depth and space.

At that moment, I had no idea that what started as an after-school activity to "keep me busy" and "out of trouble" would turn into a lifelong obsession.