18th November 2025 Beena
Last weekend, I went on an unexpected emotional journey at an art demonstration class held at Wesberly Gallery. The session was led by Madam Ng Paik San, a versatile artist who creates works based on her own thoughts across various media.
That day, she held a simple workshop on watercolour painting of a rose, in which all the participants contributed to completing the rose. The second piece was an acrylic work, an abstract style of flower petals. She had us paint the petals as well, using acrylic paint. In the end, many of us who initially felt hesitant became comfortable painting in front of others. At the close, she shared how she had overcome the grief of losing her husband six months earlier. When she shared this personal struggle, some of us were able to share our own grief. She said that without her art, she thinks it would have been very difficult to get through her grief.
Asians often find it hard to share personal stories, and it was brave of Madam Ng to do so. Every time I start to paint, I feel fear about the result, but I never show this fear to others. For Asians, sharing our failures is generally discouraged. We tend to only talk about our successes. However, I believe that life is mainly about failures. Without those failures, we cannot achieve success. I would love to hear others’ thoughts and experiences regarding this idea of success and failure. Please feel free to share your stories in the comments. I have posted her work here as a series.
8 thoughts on “Art As Therapy Series 1”
I admire those who can laugh at themselves and their errors..
Such a person is defined as mature, honest and courageous in my book..
A joy to be with and share with..
I agree with you that many are willing to share their successes but are reluctant and fearful to share their failures.
I also agree that art is therapeutic for people across ages, gender, race and religion.
Mdm Ng Paik San did a marvellous thing for herself and others in her healing journey. God Bless her.
The Chinese have a saying, translated literally as ”pick yourself up from where you’ve fallen”. In life’s long journey we are sure to stumble and fall, be it literally or a reference to the mistakes we make or the failures we encounter. The no nonsense advice is to get up, keep calm and carry on in the best way we can. 😊 Unfortunately, not everyone reacts this way and a helping hand is always most welcomed. I believe art therapy serves this purpose.
A grieving widow begins to restarting to paint and finds that art helps her express her sorrow, remember her husband, and slowly begin to heal.
Last year, I met a 92 year old potter who was such an inspiration. Her career was summed up by the countless failures which she termed as her successes. Being fearless is a good thing.
My dear Yen
Thank you so much for sharing that story. It means so much for people like me who are learning art at this stage in my life.
Much love
Beena
Art is indeed the greatest therapy as shown by every artwork on this planet even the art we see in nature …. Every sunset is … Every cloud … Every thing we hear, see, touch, smell,taste or feel gives rise to some sensation that heals us. Most of the so called master pieces .. poems paintings etc … have a touch of melancholy that reflects the artist’s inner most challenges.
I from my part find art to be my space of existence.
I deeply appreciate all the art work this site exhibits and all your efforts to keep it going Devi.
Dear Shobs,
I love your comment about art as therapy. I am hoping that more will understand its significance and make it as part of our daily routine. It can be be in any form.
Thank you for your support
Beens