Today, I registered for another workshop because an advertisement post randomly showed up on my social media. The topic is Van Gogh and his popular art piece, Starry Night. This artwork is the main reason I registered, but later I decided to create another piece.

These photos are from their Facebook page.

I chose a mermaid picture that I got from a Boho clothing store. I liked the photo, so I stored it on my bookshelf and almost forgot about it until the night before the painting workshop.

I love the message I see in the picture: a mermaid, a free soul, with a forward-facing posture that shows the spirit of dedication. A mermaid who can swim and control her movements underwater. Secretly, I tell myself “I am a mermaid” to overcome my fear of water in previous swimming class :”> The background of the picture is mixed with different colors —green, blue, purple, and light yellow. I wanted to blend these colors together to create the image of the Aurora Borealis (part of my wish list).

This photo represents everything I wish for.

& Here is my painting.

If people don’t see the Northern Lights in my painting, it’s because I’m not there yet:” >

***

I arrived early at the workshop, and without knowing why, the industrial style vibe reminded me of New York City, like scenes I’ve seen in movies. Then I realized the familiarity was also because the place resembled my favorite video by a couples living in America, which I watched and listened to for hours every day.

These photos are from their Facebook page.

I wish I had a place like this in the future where I could create different art pieces, not just with acrylics, but with any arts and crafts made with my hands and heart.

Interestingly, I felt the concept and name of this art place and tea shop, Arteastiq, was familiar. I only realized why when they packed my art into a carton box with a handle. I remembered this is the same place I visited during my first trip to Singapore. Back then, I painted fruit, and my old friend painted a sunflower. We later exchanged the paintings. I still remember carrying the painting box onto the plane, and a Singaporean flight attendant said she also liked Arteastiq and often spent time there. Now, Arteastiq is here in Vietnam: Arteastiq – A Portmanteau of Art & Tea. & their Vietnam Facebook Page. Sure, I am going back for tea & food in the near future!

Today, Arteastiq also helped us capture moments during our painting workshop and of ourselves with our artworks.

I still love spending time with art because it’s one of the few times I am not overthinking or overly worried.