Friday, August 11, 2006

A Session with Tajuddin Ismail

Strong pieces of art need no hype, they are able to stand on their own, and need no aid in telling their story

I had the privilege and honour of meeting Tajuddin Ismail for a chit chat today at his art gallery. The wonderful thing about meeting someone of such high accomplishment, is that even the briefest of meetings leave you refreshed, inspired and totally motivated.

Listening to him speak, while surrounded by his art, gave me a lasting impression. To go off the beaten path requires courage, and drive, but above all, a healthy dose of self-belief and conviction. Do something because you believe in it, remain honest and true to yourself throughout, and the rest will pretty much take care of itself.

"Success is when I wake up and still feel like painting". An easy statement to dismiss, except for the fact that he has been painting for over 40 years!

Surely if we inculcate this drive and passion within ourselves, to constantly push and explore, to expand our boundaries, will we break the shackles of mediocrity, to achieve our dreams, and ultimately... to find ourselves.

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