I have submitted a painting for the 'Freedom' challenge at the Calypso Artist Movement
The Art challenge for July is depicting what freedom is? For this I chose to paint myself with headphones on, sunglasses and a good book, oh and my backpack slumped on a chair, in a sleeper train travelling from Bangkok to Malaysia. I remember the glossy green metal interior and navy vinal seats (which folded into beds to my surprise!). I had been caring for my termially ill mother for a year and I was in need of a break a few months after she passed away. Freedom for me was rejoicing in my my own health, celebrating my mother's life, and getting back out into the world. I had orginal plans to fly to Kuala Lumpur from Bangkok, taking another flight to start a trip in Borneo. However, the demonstrators from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which is dedicated to bringing down the prime minister, caused mayhem across Bangkok as they fired on government supporters....and as they set up camp at the international airport, it made my travels a little bit frustrating! But where theres a will theres a way. I'm sure the demonstrators had their own agenda for freedom. For me, the 26 hour journey was freedom, despite the lack of food and water, the cat scratching in the cage next to men, and the cockroaches crawling around my feet. It was a moment where time was my own, I could do whatever I wanted as I had complete freedom of choice. I do miss my mum, and she is the one who always encouraged my painting.
