This article was first published in the Q1 2025 issue of the Singapore Institute of Directors.
In our busy lives, we often tend to slip into a space where we rush from one task to another. It takes conscious effort to re-centre on the bigger purpose of these tasks. For me, sitting down with a paintbrush and palette, oils, a canvas and some time to create art is a liberating and therapeutic way to reconnect with that purpose.
Art and accountancy are inseparable parts of my life. While seemingly distinct, both fields share a profound synergy.
Accountancy, both a profession and a passion, plays a central role in my life. Sparked by an early interest in finance and business, accountancy helps contribute to the success of organisations and communities, creating positive change in shaping how businesses approach their corporate and social responsibilities.
Art, however, was not my first love. As a student, my English Literature and art lessons were uninspiring and left me disengaged. I even enlisted my dad to help with my art homework.
Serendipity struck out of the blue. In 2000, I was on secondment in London when the Tate Modern, one of the world’s largest museums of modern and contemporary art, opened.
Curious, I visited it – and my mind opened to the idea of art as an experience. Slow-looking at art pieces allowed me to appreciate their nuances, emotions and stories. The whole experience was simultaneously exciting and comforting, igniting a spark I hadn’t expected.
Back in Singapore, I embarked on a mini painting project. Giving myself a three-month trial period, I engaged a teacher who encouraged me to experiment with different mediums and styles, and to just do whatever I felt like.
This free rein to express myself greatly appealed to me. It was a very different approach to the art lessons at school – which were more structured (and less interesting to me). This new exploration of art nurtured a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, seamlessly transferring to my professional life.
I was hooked. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Reflecting on my journey, I see a parallel between my love for art and my professional life at KPMG. When I first stepped into the world of accountancy, the focus was primarily technical. Today, our profession is fast transforming into the “creative design of businesses”. Akin to artists, accountants can embrace imaginative thinking. Trust is the canvas on which we build.
Painting transports me into a different headspace, where the rush of everyday life fades and purpose takes centre stage.
It is an adventure – a journey of trust in the process. Each brushstroke might lead to a masterpiece or a lesson learned. Working with oils, I embrace their bold textures and forgiving nature. My freestyle and abstract approach reflects my ever-changing moods. Sometimes subdued and moody, other times vibrant and cheerful, my art mirrors the beauty of life’s diverse palette.
Immersing myself in art has deepened my appreciation for the world’s colours, each shade telling its own story. This passion extends to connecting with others, as weekend painting sessions with friends become cherished moments of shared creativity and joy.
Though my schedule leaves less room for painting these days, visiting museums during travels continues to nourish my soul, especially revisiting the Tate, where my love for art was first kindled.
I’m glad I gave art a second chance, or perhaps it gave me one. As improbable as it may seem, sparking my interest after a lacklustre start at school, has greatly enriched my life.
This journey has allowed me to appreciate beauty and savour the moments that truly matter, crafting a harmonious blend for both art and my professional life.
