I have finally joined deviantart (no need for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sze Howe, but thanks for the offer). Apologies if things seem a little disorganized around here as I am in the midst of figuring out how everything works.

A bit about my history.

I ought to warn you that I have not drawn or painted or sculpted for about 7 years now since I left middle school, for many reasons including decisions to pursue a career in the health sciences - I attempted to mold myself into a "sciencey" sort of person i.e. memorizing facts, being good with numbers & formulas, performing lab experiments and drawing chemical structures.

One evening a little over a month ago, to numb some unhappy feelings that resulted from events taking place in my life I picked up an old sketch book and a pencil and started drawing. Three hours later, I was surprised that I had 'something' in front of me that looked like a decent portrait.

Since then-

Upon posting the drawing on Facebook, I received encouragement from various friends to continue drawing and sharing my art! I even got a set of 'woodless graphite sticks' as a birthday gift. Though I knew people with deviantart accounts, I thought it was something for more "serious professionals" who had time and plenty of traning. I was a stressed out full-time university student juggling family, gym, exams and work commitments, with no formal art training whatsoever. I learnt how to colour pictures at the age of 8 in the kitchen with my mother.

How I decided to join deviantart.

During a phone conversation where we were discussing ways in which I could improve my techniques and joking about opening my own art exhibition someday, my friend Sze Howe suggested I join deviantart so I could interact with other artists and get useful feedback. He assured me that I could find people with varying skills at many levels on deviantart and that it wasn't just for those with extraordinary qualifications in arts!

Aspirations for the moment.

Recent events have forced me to cease to be a "super-do-it-all-girl" this year, allowing me to have more time for hobbies (which for 5 years used to only consist of working out at the gym and shopping!). I draw whenever I get inspiration. So far most of what I've done is portraits of people - I like capturing tender moments and emotions in black and white.

I have yet to use any professional tools (my exam 2B pencils have been doing the job!) but am planning to get some brushes to use with graphite/charcoal, which I know nothing about except the fact that they exist. Hopefully the lady at the store will be able to help me.

Attending art classes would be great. I just need to find out where and when I can go. i.e. not during uni hours, doesn't cost too much..

Lastly-

Advice or feedback on anything (including how to use deviantart) is welcome - I'm still a beginner at most things. Feel free to drop me a line anytime - I'm a nice person and I'll try to reply as often as I can, although I can get quite busy at certain times of the year. A big thank you to everyone who has been such a big support and source of encouragement!