As someone who never liked to leave much of a digital footprint, a year ago I would’ve cringed at the very thought of owning a website, let alone a blog. To me, it was the mark of an inflated sense of self, as if the world would ever want to hear what I had to say, or even wondered about me. I would never have envisioned myself sitting in front of my laptop today, ‘narcissistically’ typing out an introduction of yours truly.
And yet, here I am. What changed? I suppose I’ve recognised the root of my frustrations with social media, or an ‘online presence’: that it’s so one-dimensional. As I looked at what little ‘social media footprint’ I have, I found myself thinking: I’m not just someone who takes and posts nice photographs, not just someone who is defined by her work. I am also a female with a voice, a first-generation Singaporean, a daughter, a sister, a strange mix of spontaneous and structured, a (generally) politically neutral person with strong opinions, a Christian fumbling her way through her faith, a product of so many people’s kind mentorship and guidance, and still I am more.
I’m not saying that a website would capture all facets, even the essence, of a person. But I do think it covers more ground than a square grid of photos or a fancy responsive resume. And truth be told, I’m actually feeling quite excited to be doing this. This shall be a safe space to use my voice, and ramble on about current affairs, random musings about life, share more about life in as a woman in STEM, maybe even review the books I’ve been reading! The possibilities are endless. I’m pumped.
I was about to go on to properly introduce myself, but you know what? Let’s skip the formalities; as future posts come, you can form your own impressions. But first, a little about my side interests..
Photography: my first love
I picked up photography c.2016, and since then it has been an on-and-off passion of mine. While I used to look for rich compositions full of colour and stories, recently I’ve found myself seeking a feeling of calmness, almost emptiness, in my work. Perhaps life has gotten a little busier, louder, over the years, that my art finds itself gravitating towards the quiet.
Lately, I’ve started to look for those feelings in action too, turning to videography in an attempt to capture quiet moments on the go. Seeking moments in everyday life has made me more mindful, aware, of the beauty that surrounds me. I enjoy it — it keeps me grounded, and provides me with temporary respite even as I move through the motions of a busy life.
Please, feel free to look to my main site for a portfolio of my works over the years. I hope that as time goes by, that collection builds.
Stick around, stay awhile.
Well. I think this is a long enough introduction. It’s been kind of weird, talking so much about me, me, me. But it’s also been kind of nice, strangely. I have so many plans for this website, these are exciting times. I hope you stick around for the journey.
For now, I’ll leave you with my favourite quote:
Do I dare disturb the universe? In a minute there is time for decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.
T.S. Eliot