Journaling through art
Caricature is a specialized form of art that often brings humour and satire by capturing the “essence” of a person by exaggerating or magnifying their most distinct traits or physical features. In my secondary school days, I was often fascinated by these hilarious caricatures published in newspapers and magazines. I kept wondering how these artists were able to use just simple forms, shapes and few strokes of the pen to create “representations” of a person’s face that were easily recognizable by others. In the old days before the internet and social media, I would often cut out these caricature drawings and keep them as drawing references. In my spare time after school work, I would doodle on scrap papers and emulate these artists’ drawing styles.
(Read the entire article @The Sunday Times, dated 28June2026)
Each caricature is taken as a personal challenge. Completing each challenge is a joy felt within, like getting a dose of dopamine from finishing a marathon race. Such ‘feel-good’ effect re-fills the motivating fuel and drives me to look forward to the next challenge. Creating caricatures keeps my mind busy, my hands nimble and to feel alive. The legendary American country music singer, Willie Nelson once said, “I think I need to keep being creative, not to prove anything but because it makes me happy just to do it…I think trying to be creative, keeping busy, has a lot to do with keeping you alive.” I think he is probably right.
