[Marcus Lim]

We have learnt much through history, and from other people's lives that people learn at a different pace. Our most memorable character is Einstein himself, whom we've come to know that he was deemed "an idiot" when he was in school as a child.

But that has never stopped him. And certainly we can believe at some point in his life, there are people who continued to inspire him to try, and try again. Perhaps even to critique his thoughts. And since then, the rest is history.

When i first came to Portrait Forum, i felt like i was "an idiot" myself, among the great artists that i never dreamt i'll be "rubbing words" (read: rubbing shoulders) with. But with everyone's grace and patience, i started to grow beyond what i have imagined. And that encouraged me to put up my best works under the "Unveilings" section a couple of times - most of the time under the "Critiques" section.

While Sharon has highlighted this forum as one "for professionals and serious students", i see Chuck has taken his efforts little by little to become who he is. In fact, everyone is committed to contributing to this forum here, are "serious students".

So if Portrait Artist Forum is a place where people seek inspiration, encouragement and learning, isn't it more the case for Chuck and others who are slower in learning? That we become each other's "rays of hope" and pushing to excel in our work?

I certainly would like us to ponder on our purpose here in the Critique Section, as well as what we're doing here in the Forum itself. Or have we forgotten why we're here in the first place?