Envy is common, perhaps more evident within the creative circles than elsewhere. We compare our office location, size of our staff, awards won, cars we drive… So much so that when we meet genuine talents, we would discredit, devalue and explain away their achievements: “Oh he was married to the right family”, “He was just lucky”, “Nah she was not really that good”. I guess it helps us feel better about our failures or mediocrity.

I am privileged to get to know CM Leung via Jerry Ghionis workshop. Despite his limited English, he showed up. Sitting next to him, I was happy to interpret for him. While he is a man of few words, his vision, desire and energy is boundless. I cannot help but be inspired by his art, work rate and dreams. We joked about doing an Asian Tour together…so we started by teaching at each other’s workshops in 2009. I hope to make it to Hong Kong in June to return CM a favour.

One needs to be secured to work with great talents. Standing next to CM, I can either be jealous, intimidated or inspired. I choose to be inspired. Thank you for rocking Malaysia with me!