Upskilling for a Second Career After Retirement

Ms Primla decided to venture into the arts as her second profession at the age of 60. She was a beautician in her previous job. She was encouraged by her husband to take the first step in pursuing her interest in the arts which she had since young.

 

Interestingly, it was a Japanese friend who introduced her to Chinese Painting. She helped Ms Primla to understand the many delicate facets of the beautiful artform. Nature became a common subject and source for inspiration in her artworks. Having mastered Chinese Painting, she decided to expand her horizons and experiment with oil paints. She is keen to develop skills and knowledge in various art styles from contemporary mixed media painting to traditional, Chinese painting.

 

Ms Primla is an avid learner of the arts and has taken up several National Silver Academy (NSA) courses such as western painting, mixed media painting, oil painting and portraiture drawing by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LASALLE College of the Arts. She has used her SkillsFuture Credit to attend some of the courses.

 

As a full-time artist currently, she regularly holds her own exhibitions and has sold paintings through various exhibitions and fairs which provides her a source of income.

 

"In a changing economic environment, it is imperative that one continues to learn new skills and engage in lifelong learning. In that way, we can use the skills learnt to develop our work and lives," she said.

 

Planning a Routine for Yourself

 

Ms Primla keeps active by having a routine packed with various activities. Currently, she is attending another course Advanced Oil Painting by LASALLE and does yoga and meditation every week. She also makes it a point to give back to the community through volunteering as a yoga instructor and visiting the old folks’ homes to engage in activities with the elderly.

 

"The most important thing is to find something to do to keep busy and be happy. We shouldn’t worry about growing old as it is part and parcel of life. I’m also thinking ahead of things to do, like planning for my exhibitions for next year and I’m keen to explore photography in the future too," Ms Primla said.

 

Creating a Positive Influence

 

As a mother of four and grandmother of four grandchildren, Ms Primla has a close relationship with her family and engages in painting activities to bond with her grandchildren. She also encourages her husband who just recently retired and enjoys golf, to take up courses and join her in her activities such as gym and art classes at the Goodlife! centre located in her neighbourhood.

 

Amongst her social circle of friends, she encourages them to do something meaningful with their time. "As far as possible, us seniors need to be involved in our interests and the community to keep ourselves vibrant and engaged," she enthused.

 

**Special thanks to Ms Saxena Primla who accepted our interview, we wish her all the very best in her lifelong learning journey.

 

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