If it’s alright to share, it would mean a lot to do that right now.

The truth about me is that there is more here than what has been written off. Only a few have taken the time to see my truth which is hidden within the smallest details so many others have overlooked.

Please walk with me on an unexpected thought path…

What I love about Love Sea (by Mame) are all the subtle little things. Like how in episode 1, Tongrak has a strong reaction to Mahasamut’s sudden disappearance in the moments where Tongrak isn’t paying attention. It’s understood why later on. Some of the viewer comments after episode 1 aired were critical of this interaction. Some felt it was unrealistic. Though this is only a short moment in the episode, it sparked a passionate debate on judging someone’s reaction without understanding their experiences. Absolutely brilliant! Then, in episode 2, there’s a moment when Rak (Tongrak) is trying to open up to Mut (Mahasamut). We come to understand how difficult this is for him, but that realization doesn’t come till much later. And so, it’s likely that this moment will be forgotten or missed entirely. It’s another short moment in the storyline where it appears that Rak is merely trying to change the subject. Once his story is known, his true motives are revealed. And that seemingly deflective moment is actually a large step forward for someone who doesn’t know how to let love in. In these eyes, the inspiration for this entire novel/show is to not judge someone’s actions based upon your experiences. Give them time and the safe place they need to let you in. This is never spelled out or tossed in our faces. Mame trusts that we’ll get to this understanding in our own time. Little things that make the biggest impact.

The final subtle thing I’ll note is in the end credits of the show. Because it’s one of my favourite songs, I actually let the credits role. It is unusual for me. But because I did, I saw the evolution of Rak and Mut’s characters reflected in them. Episode 1 has Rak alone. Episode 2, Rak is alone on the beach until Mut joins him. And in each role of the credits, their relationship grows in the little interactions they have (body language, proximity, that type of thing). It’s a subtle and genius move by the director (or editors. I’m not sure who is responsible, I just see it as beautiful).

So, why did I just bend your “ear” about Love Sea like you care? And watch it! It is SO GOOD! Well, I did that because I’ve been evaluating myself and my art. To figure out my next career move, I’ve been looking hard at what I do, what I like, and why I do it. I really want to get this right. I write because I want to insert myself into a world that I’m convinced doesn’t want me, and I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that way. Writing is my way of holding out my hand to see who takes it. Art is another way of telling stories. And what I love about illustrating is that so much story is in one image. Told with all the subtle details that may be overlooked but not missed. Tiny changes in a line can completely alter an expression. And what once was angry, now shows the fear which fuels that anger.

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do next in my life. I’ve turned down 3D art (cuz I suck at it) and am now looking at illustrating. It’s dark where I am, I feel alone in it. But maybe if I keep holding out my hand, someone will take it.

Selina