Disclaimer in My Written Works

This is a humble disclaimer that may address the issues in my writings. While my expertise lies primarily in the realm of visual arts, particularly drawing and painting, I find myself not well-versed in the intricacies of literary arts, such as storytelling and poetry. You see, I am but a novice when it comes to the craft of weaving words into eloquent prose or evocative poetry. However, I am filled with a fervent desire to bring my ideas to life through the written word, whether in the form of prose or poetry. To accomplish this, I turn to the aid of AI-assistants like ChatGPT, Quillbot and others, who graciously lend their virtual quills to transcribe the thoughts that swirl within my creative mind.

In my quest to express myself through the written word, I must admit that I do employ the assistance of Grammarly, a trusty tool that helps me iron out the wrinkles in my grammar. However, I have not yet ventured into the realm of its premium services, which means that the wordy aspects of my written works remain unaddressed. While Grammarly assists me in maintaining a semblance of grammatical correctness, it doesn't quite quell my penchant for verbosity. Despite Grammarly's aid in rectifying grammatical errors, it leaves untouched the challenge of striking a balance between eloquence and conciseness in my writing.

Now, here comes a confession, one that I must make with a sense of self-awareness. Some might contend that my written works tend to be excessively wordy, brimming with an abundance of words in each paragraph. You see, dear reader, I find myself in a perpetual quandary when it comes to the standard length of a paragraph. I am often left pondering whether my paragraphs are too long, too short, or just right. It's a puzzle I have yet to unravel. In my pursuit of descriptive and detailed writing, I sometimes fear that I may err on the side of verbosity, leaving my readers adrift in a sea of words.

But you see, there's a reason behind my predilection for verbosity. It's rooted in my unwavering commitment to detail. I am, by nature, a meticulous individual. Whether it's in the strokes of a paintbrush or the lines of a drawing, I am driven to capture the essence of my subjects with utmost precision. This inclination extends to my writing as well. I yearn to convey my ideas in a manner that leaves no room for ambiguity, to paint vivid mental images with words, to immerse my readers in the intricate tapestry of my thoughts. So, when you find my written works meandering through a labyrinth of words, know that it is not born of mere indulgence but of a genuine desire to share my vision in all its intricate glory.

And so, dear reader, I embark on this journey of self-expression through the written word, fully aware of my limitations and idiosyncrasies. I understand that my writing style may not appeal to everyone, but I believe that by embracing my unique voice, I can offer a refreshing perspective and captivate those who appreciate the beauty of language. I invite you to accompany me as I explore the delicate balance between the visual and the literary, between the strokes of a brush and the strokes of a pen. Together, we shall navigate the realm of creativity, where words and images intertwine, seeking to breathe life into the fragments of my imagination. 

Textbooks - My Artistic Inspiration

These textbooks were gold to me...

I remember it all started with those old-school textbooks that lined my shelves. They were my sanctuary and my wellspring of inspiration. As an artist specialising in drawing and painting, I've always cherished the pages filled with intricate illustrations, dreaming that one day, my work would grace the pages of such textbooks. I aspired to be an illustrator and to leave my mark in the world of education. Little did I know that these textbooks, seemingly ordinary, would become the cornerstone of my creative journey. Each time I flipped through their worn pages, I discovered new techniques and styles that fuelled my imagination. The textbooks became my mentors, guiding me towards honing my skills and pushing the boundaries of my artistic abilities.

It was a decision that still tugs at my heartstrings, one made by my parents many years ago. Our small, cluttered house could no longer contain the ever-growing pile of books. They decided to rid themselves of the old textbooks, sending them off to a junk shop. To them, it was a matter of practicality, making room for more essential things in our cramped living space. But to me, it felt like a piece of my soul was being taken away. Those textbooks were not just inanimate objects; they were my gateway to knowledge and imagination. Each page held a world of possibilities, and the thought of parting with them felt like losing a part of myself. I couldn't help but wonder what adventures and insights I would miss out on without those books by my side.

I remember that day vividly as if it were yesterday. My parents insisted that I assist them in sorting through the books, deciding which ones were to be kept and which ones were to be discarded. Each textbook, from my preschool years to high school, held a special place in my heart. They weren't just books; they were my companions in the world of art. Some weren't even school-provided; my mother had bought them for me when I was in kindergarten, sensing my need for educational pursuits. Those textbooks became the foundation upon which my artistic identity was built. They were filled with vibrant illustrations and insightful information that fuelled my imagination and creativity. As I flipped through their pages, I discovered new techniques, learned about different art movements, and found inspiration for my artistic endeavours.

As I watched the books being loaded into the truck, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and nostalgia. Each book held memories of late nights spent engrossed in their pages, of adventures and knowledge gained. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that my parents were only trying to create a better living environment for us, yet also realising that a part of my identity was being discarded along with those textbooks. The memories flooded back as I touched each book, turning the pages and gazing at the illustrations that had fuelled my imagination. They were my muses, my mentors, my guiding stars. It was as if I owed my entire artistic journey to those textbooks and the worlds they had opened up for me.

Yet, fate had a way of playing tricks on me. Those beloved textbooks were gone, consigned to the annals of history. I missed them with an ache that never seemed to fade. It was a longing so deep that I would sometimes find myself wandering into bookstores, searching for a glimmer of the past. On one such occasion, I stumbled upon a copy of a textbook I had once treasured. I couldn't resist the temptation to capture the essence of those illustrations, to hold onto a piece of my lost paradise. As I flipped through the pages, memories flooded back, transporting me to a time when knowledge was tangible and my thirst for learning knew no bounds. The pages whispered stories of late-night study sessions and moments of epiphany, reminding me of the journey I had embarked upon. Grateful for this unexpected reunion, I vowed to cherish this newfound treasure and allow it to reignite my passion for knowledge once more.

With my heart pounding, I took out my smartphone, sneaking a picture of my favourite illustrations. It was a forbidden act, against the bookstore's policies, and I knew it. The thrill of nostalgia mingled with the fear of getting caught. In that moment, I felt like a teenage rebel, rebelling against the mundane rules of adulthood. I yearned to preserve the essence of those illustrations and to carry them with me always. As I carefully tucked my phone back into my pocket, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt mixed with excitement. The stolen snapshot served as a reminder that sometimes breaking the rules can lead to unexpected moments of joy and inspiration. In that instant, I made a silent promise to myself to cherish these captured memories and let them fuel my thirst for knowledge and creativity in the days to come.

But it wasn't just the textbooks I missed; it was the bookstore experience itself. In those days, I didn't have my phone, and I would spend hours at the bookstore, losing myself in the pages of books I couldn't afford to buy. It was a haven of knowledge and inspiration, a place where my artistic dreams took flight. I cherished those moments, even though they were now distant memories. The smell of freshly printed pages and the sound of rustling paper filled the air, creating a unique ambience that could never be replicated digitally. Each visit to the bookstore was like embarking on a new adventure, discovering hidden gems and expanding my horizons. It was a sanctuary where I could escape from the outside world and immerse myself in different worlds created by authors from all walks of life.

As I continued my creative journey, I found myself reimagining the illustrations I had once admired in textbooks. I would recreate them in my unique art style, infusing them with my passion and creativity. It was my way of paying homage to the books that had shaped me, of saying thank you to the illustrations that had sparked my artistic fire. Each stroke of my brush brought the characters and scenes to life, allowing me to add my personal touch and breathe new life into them. Through this process, I discovered the power of storytelling through art and how it could transport others to different worlds, just as books had done for me. With each illustration, I hoped to inspire others to embark on their creative journeys and find solace in the pages of a book.

One particular illustration stood out—a masterpiece that had etched itself into my memory. I had memorised every line, every shade, and every detail. It was as if that illustration had become a part of me, a symbol of my artistic aspirations. I longed to recreate it, to breathe new life into it with my artistic flair. I spent hours studying the strokes and techniques used, trying to understand the artist's vision. As I began my rendition, I added my unique touches, infusing the illustration with my style and interpretation. With each brushstroke, I felt a sense of fulfilment and excitement, knowing that I was not only paying homage to a masterpiece but also creating something that would resonate with others in their creative journeys.

But there was more to my dreams than just recreating illustrations. I had plans, big plans. I wanted to explore as many school libraries as I could, seeking out opportunities to work with publishing companies that specialised in textbooks. It was a daunting task, especially considering that most of these renowned publishers were located in the capital city, a place I was reluctant to visit. My hesitation stemmed from a fear that had always lingered in the back of my mind – the ever-present threat of a powerful earthquake. The capital city sat perilously close to a fault line, and the thought of being in such a seismic hotspot filled me with unease. Yet, my passion for art and my desire to make a mark in the world of education pushed me forward, despite my apprehensions.

So, there I was a young artist on a quest, armed with memories of textbooks and a determination to turn my dreams into reality. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was ready to embark on this journey, to search for those elusive opportunities, and to create a path of my own in the world of textbook illustration. I knew that the competition would be fierce, with countless talented artists vying for the same opportunities. However, I believed in my unique artistic style and my ability to bring life to educational materials in a captivating way. With each stroke of my brush, I aimed to not only educate but also inspire young minds, igniting their curiosity and love for learning. This was my chance to leave a lasting impact on future generations, and I was determined to seize it with unwavering dedication and creativity.

In conclusion, my artistic journey was and continues to be driven by the humble illustrations that graced the pages of school textbooks. Despite the challenges and setbacks, my passion remains unwavering, and I'm determined to carve a path towards a future where I can share my artistic vision with the world, just as those textbook illustrations once inspired me. Through my artistic journey, I have come to realize the immense power of visual storytelling and its ability to evoke emotions and spark imagination. I believe that by creating meaningful and thought-provoking artwork, I can contribute to a world where art is not only appreciated but also celebrated for its ability to inspire and connect people from all walks of life. With every stroke of my brush or pencil, I am driven by the hope that my art will leave a lasting impact on future generations, just as those humble textbooks.