My mother was the greatest influence in my life—not just in art, but in everything I do.
She had a unique background.
Her father was from Acheh, Indonesia.
As an only child, she was educated in English at the Infant Jesus Convent in Banda Hilir, Malacca.
I even had a chance to go to that school for a little while, too.
I remember in sixth grade, I asked her to paint my art assignment for me.
I watched her work so attentively.
She used tempera paint without mixing it with water, and I was fascinated by how she did it.
The painting turned out so beautifully and looked just like an oil painting.
I guess that’s why I’ve always loved to paint realistic objects.
Beyond her art, my mom was a kind-hearted soul.
She was allergic to cats, but she would make food for them and ask us to feed them outside the house.
She was also an excellent baker and a good cook.
Our relatives always requested her dishes before we visited them in our home village, or “Kampung.”
She was a truly skilled painter, and her talents didn’t stop there.
She was great at other life skills, too.
This is a tribute to my mom, who shaped me in so many ways.
Who is the greatest influence in your life?
Stay kreatif,
Siti
