2022- 2023

Reflecting on my two-decade journey in the architectural profession, I have witnessed numerous designs come to life, which has been a source of immense joy and fulfilment. However, recent years have weighed heavily on me as I grapple with the challenges and frustrations inherent in this field.

In 2022, I participated in the Angelico Art Award, submitting a painting titled “Joyful in Hope.” This artwork served as a personal reflection and a prayer for unwavering hope amidst challenges at work during our earthly pilgrimage.

In 2023, an individual in a position of power within the office, laid to waste an entire year’s worth of work that my team had painstakingly prepared - just one month before the submission deadline.  It was during Lent, and I tried desperately to pray the words of Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Was there any shadow of doubt that the high priest and elders did not comprehend the gravity of their actions? Perhaps they remained blissfully unaware of the harm they were inflicting upon their own souls.

In the midst of this challenging situation, I sought solace through sculptural art in my prayers. I embarked on an art piece that captures the poignant moment of Jesus’s prayer on the Cross. As the artwork evolved, it also began to express his subsequent ‘Resurrection’ from the Cross. I titled this ongoing piece simply “Father, Forgive Them.” The art piece remains incomplete as of the time of writing.

Recalling the words of Our Lord—“Duc in Altum” (Luke 5:4)—which translates to “put out into the deep,” I am reminded of the call to venture beyond the familiar. This journey is akin to traversing a metaphorical desert—an invitation to trust in the Lord. In this spiritual wilderness, we learn the profound art of surrendering to God’s divine will and providence. It was during this contemplative time that I made the decision to depart from the firm where I had worked for 17 years and step boldly into the uncharted “desert.”

The Lord speaks to us in myriad ways. During Lent, I observed a remarkable occurrence on my balcony: one of the Dracaena fragrans (Iron Plants) bloomed, and a pair of olive-backed sunbirds built a nest, laid eggs, and witnessed their chicks hatch. The same pair returned during Easter to lay eggs once more, and I delighted in witnessing the fledglings take flight. These natural events served as a comforting reminder of God’s presence and providence.

Separately, during a flight, I watched a Jewish film titled “Judas.” A line from the English subtitles deeply touched my heart: “In the desert, the past is left behind; with nothingness, strength arises.” The desert, paradoxically barren yet transformative, becomes a space where we can release the burdens of the past, extend forgiveness to ourselves and others, and discover newfound strength in emptiness.

I crafted two sculptures for the annual Faithworks Exhibition in late 2023, each serving as a reflection of my inner struggles.

The first one, titled “St. Joseph, Terror of Demons,” was a reflection and prayer to my patron saint, St. Joseph. The sculpture expressed how Jesus overcame the demons with St. Joseph’s virtues of humility and obedience, which contrasted with the evil and sinfulness of pride. Similarly, God can use what the world sees as weakness—the silent worker—to defeat the “noise” of the evil ones.

The second piece, titled “Thy Will Be Done,” was inspired by meditation on the first sorrowful mystery—the agony in the garden. The sculpture invited us to reflect on our personal response to God’s will in life. In our daily struggles and discernment, whether following human or divine will, we have our guardian angel to help us, just like the angel that appeared to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and strengthened him to accept the divine will.

The artwork conveyed the inner storms that churned within my mind, laying bare my soul. Guided by the Lord, the process of creating these pieces also provided solace during challenging times, allowing me to find peace and maintain hope. As I continue my journey, I strive to deepen my trust in the Lord. 

May 9th,  2024