Artist Discovers That His Mom Influenced His Career By Lying To Him As A Kid
When you're a kid, it's fun to play pretend to think about what your future job might be. I used to dress up in a white coat, hold my toy stethoscope to my brother's chest, and diagnose him with a broken arm. Though many of us change paths as we get older—you may be shocked, but I am not currently a doctor—some people really take their passion through to adulthood with the right encouragement and support.
One artist went on Twitter to share how he recently found out how his mother influenced his career decisions with a simple lie she told him in his childhood.
Meet Nas Suha
Nas Suha is a young Malaysian artist who was born and raised in Cheras in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. His art uses bright colors with a doodle-style of drawing to create complex pieces.
His Main Source Of Income Is His Art
His main source of work comes from commissioned art jobs to create extravagant, enormous murals that cover large outdoor or indoor walls, such as this café wall shown in the photo.
Drawing Was A Passion For Him Since Childhood
It's one thing to be passionate about a particular craft but another thing entirely to have someone else who is unbiased tell you that you are skilled and talented and that you create good art.
With The Encouragement Of That Win, He Persisted
After winning the contest as a kid, he felt reassured in his talent as an artist. The win helped feed his faith in himself and led him to pursue drawing and painting as a full-time job and lifelong career.
Now He's Being Commissioned To Do Huge Pieces
He's got buyers lining up to get him to paint for him, including the government. This particular piece was made for the Ministry of Works in Malaysia themed after the east coast.
It Wasn't Until Two Years Ago That He Learned The Truth
As it turned out, the contest win that had given him the confidence to pursue his passion for visual art as a child was actually not a win at all, but Nas wasn't upset by the deceit.
In Fact, He's Happy About The Lie
His mom's gesture and celebration of his work, even if she lied about him winning a contest, was central to his choice to become an artist. His entire career might not have happened if it wasn't for her lie.
Now He's Had Opportunities All Over Malaysia
Not only has he been commissioned by businesses and the government to make artistic murals, one of which was featured at Malaysia's Independence Day celebration in 2019, but he's also designing product packaging and taking on other art challenges.
A Parents' Love And Support Can Go A Long Way
It's heartbreaking to imagine that someone with such an impressive talent could have given up on his passion if only a few circumstances had been different. His mom's support of his art really made him into the successful artist he is today.
He's Hoping To Pass Her Legacy Onto His Kids
As an adult, it's easy to forget how much our opinions and support can influence our children. His promise to pass down the love and encouragement his mom gave him to his children is a beautiful way to thank her for her gesture.
You Never Know Where A Small Act Will Lead
When I think about the ways in which my parents helped me realize that my passion was not in medicine, but instead in reading and writing, I get a little bit emotional. Following in Nas' footsteps, I think just about all of us owe our parents a "thank you".
