[BONDING TIME: Family members of some 44 inmates get to spend an hour with them at an arts workshop.]
By KOH HUI THENG
JAILED 18 months for drug offences, Linda (not her real name), 29, was determined to make good.
Yesterday, she painted a new chapter in her life.
Her paper and acrylic work of art, Tree Of Wisdom, won distinction at the third annual Yellow Ribbon Art Competition.
Linda was among 450 prison inmates who brushed, painted and got their hands dirty for a chance to spend an hour with their families at an arts workshop.
Only 44 finalists such as Linda managed to clinch the chance at the workshop.
Art had helped her regain her confidence, Linda told my paper.
Now, she hopes that society will give her a second chance when she is released.
The N-level holder, who has never held a paintbrush or dabbled in fine arts before the contest, is determined to seek her parents' forgiveness.
She said: "They cried when I was imprisoned last year. I usually see them for half an hour every month, so I'm very happy I can spend an extra hour with them today." Her retiree father, Mr Ramli, 59, and mother, Madam Ria, 49, were all smiles when they chatted with their youngest daughter at the Kaki Bukit Centre yesterday.
Mr Ramli said: "I hope she can make use of the skills she learnt inside (prison) and apply them outside."
When she is released this November, Linda said she would want to further her studies.
"I want to be a better person," she said.
The art competition was based on the theme, A Vision of Hope.
Inmates used traditional mediums like charcoal and acrylic paint or recyled materials like metal cans and newspapers to create the artworks which will be auctioned at the Singapore Art Museum in September.
