Today's class is all about painting. Everyone is encouraged to try out or to further practice on a new medium besides the usual dry medium we have been using. I set up the skull as a still life to paint, for the students as well as for myself to practice.
I believe the work desk is the most important piece of furniture in an artist's studio. I spent most of my time working on my desk whether I am using the computer or painting on the canvas. Here's a corner of my desk where I placed my tools within reach.
[caption id="attachment_1961" align="alignnone" width="775" caption="Funeral Parlor @ Sin Ming Drive 38"]
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I was back at the funeral parlor to pay up the bill for my dad's funeral and wake. The total bill for all the services and the casket is S$5542. We got a good deal for the casket which costs S$1988. The niche that we are putting up at the Mandai Columbarium cost S$1150. Everything totals up to S$7000 including about S$200 for the refreshments and the rental of the fridge. I sent my car for servicing too, so while waiting, I sat at the coffee shop opposite the funeral parlor to sketch the block just for keepsake. As I sketched I was recalling the week we spent everyday here. It has been almost a month since my dad passed away. The memories of him warded and then breathing his last breath were still quite vivid in my mind. Just 2 nights ago, I had a dream of him standing in front of me smiling. I ran to him and gave him a hug and then cried,"I missed you dad." Just when I was about to cry in the dream, I woke up. I woke up feeling joyful instead of sorrow. It was an uplifting experience. Anyway it was fortunate of us that the hospital bills were completely subsidized by the government's medical benefit. Or else, everything would have cost us S$30,000. Thank God!!
The picture of my dad that was used during the funeral is now hanging in my work room on the wall. I missed him a lot. I missed his smile and his kindness that was always showing on his face and in his eyes. In contrary, I do not have his kind look and eyes. I wish I have. I would always remember him as the kind and loving dad, patience and has never lost his temper for no good reason. Thank you dad for bringing us up and gave us an education, so we could have good life now! You are a great dad!!
[caption id="attachment_1957" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Space Editor Caricature"]
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Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
Commissioned work for HWM magazine, Photoshop.
[caption id="attachment_1952" align="alignnone" width="491" caption="Sketch of my dad on hospital bed"]
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My dad passed on to be with the Lord on 21 Jan 2012. It's a day before Chinese New Year Eve. He was admitted about 3.5 weeks ago and has been bed ridden since. I was sad to see him go but it was also good he went peacefully in his sleep, without paint and discomfort, and most important of all, without fear. The day he went, a super big rainbow appeared across the sky. According to many other witnesses, it was a complete one and was visible across different parts of the island. We saw it immediately as we drove out of the mortuary. My sis saw it too leading the way of her car and the hearse. We were all very comforted by how much God has shown his grace and love towards us.
It has been only 2 weeks plus since dad passed on. I placed his photo on my shelf but did not let the photo face towards my direction as I have not gotten over the grief completely. I still find it difficult to accept the loss. It feels weird to have someone who have been so healthy and strong and has been an important part of my life for so long to be gone. I know he is now in a better place and in good hands but down on earth, my life has changed. I couldn't wipe those visuals away. In my mind, his last days in the hospital is still fresh, and whenever those images appeared, my heart would sink.
Those last days were painful especially when I was cleaning him up with my wife's help. I was glad I could do the last bits for him while he was awake to show we love him and wouldn't abandon him in his predicament, but on the other hand, there was that uncertainty whether it would be the last time we could do this for him. I really miss him. Though there were times we were in disagreement, I respected him for what he was; respectable, strong, persevering, a responsible & loving father. When I fell sick as a child he would constantly come by to check on my temperature every 2-3 hours to make sure I am okay. He bought me a very expensive book when I was 14, my first cartooning book. We would also take a bus together to check out the journey and where it would end. He would accompany me on the bus to the camp when I book in during my BMT.
I still miss him. :_(
