A moment of your time

This photo taken more than 1 year ago is a picture drawn by one of our residents, Uncle Lim Ah Lee. I learnt from him that he sat outside of SILRA Home to paint this out. Also, heard that he have done up a few pieces as some had requested the similar painting.

Uncle Lim took up painting when he was already in his fifties to occupy his time. Initially, he attended art classes to learn how to paint. Now, he learns and practices on his own. However, the simple action of gripping the paintbrush is not an easy task for him. Though fully cured now, Uncle Lim was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (Leprosy) at the age of 11 and had lost his limbs in 1959. Through sheer perseverance, he has learned to position the brush between the stumps of his thumb and forefinger and apply pressure similar to that of a conventional grip.

Then, in 1993, he sold his first painting, a sunset, for $400 which motivated him to paint more as he felt that his paintings had no standard at that moment.

Bathing Elephants (Acrylic) - 1995

His works:-
- One of Uncle Lim’s pieces was made part of the Istana's permanent collection;
- Another was purchased by the former United States Ambassador to Singapore; and
- has even been displayed at the United Nations in New York for a month.

Uncle Lim is very “entertaining” like the rest of the residents. He likes to show us his painting collection and obtain feedback such as the color, layout. Without fail, it’s another 2 hours sharing with him on the “feel” of each painting. I do not know what is the difference in acrylic, oil, canvas painting but I do know that each piece have a story to tell, just like Uncle Lim.

I like sunflowers myself because they are large, bright and chirpy just like me, LARGE. =) Whenever I see sunflowers blooming I would always think about Uncle Lim, because there was a moment where he learning to paint them. I remembered that one of our volunteer bought him a stalk of sunflower as he mentioned in one of our Saturday afternoon talk that he had not seen one before. The smile that this volunteer had brought to him touches me. The scene is still so vivid whenever I reflect back.


A moment like this, when and who will come or bring?