I’ve only just developed this interest at the start of quarantine out of pure boredom. I picked up a book from Dazai, Osamu called No Longer Human, and it baffled me to know how you could put so many feelings into your work. More than any song I have listened to, more than any theatrical plays I have seen. Another aspect of what I like about reading books is the creative freedom you could instill within the author’s words. Since there are no images, it is up to the reader to create the aesthetic of the story, its world, its characters, and the vivid images you can create for every situation.
2. Aspiring to be an Author
Now, with my obsession for literature, it is only natural that a flash of inspiration would hit me. I wanted to create stories. Not just to stories purely for the sake of entertainment, but to create meaning. It doesn’t have to be a top selling work one can see in the New York Times nor be seen by a large demographic of people. I just wanted to write stories for myself – where I write not because I want to put my feelings in my work, but because it is my feelings that enable me to do my work. And if I ever do get the opportunity to get my work published, then what a bonus that shall be.
3. My Interest in Anime and Manga
Now, before quarantine. Before I developed a love for literature, I had other addictions – other methods to pass the time. Ever since I was young, I was exposed to many films. And one genre, if you categorize it as one, is anime – mainly Miyazaki’s films. I was still but a child then, so I was probably more drawn into vivid and cartoony visuals and aesthetics than I was to realism. What I love most about anime is how there are tropes in it where it only works in its genre and wouldn’t work otherwise if it was a film performed by real people. It’s a breath of fresh air in the media industry where directors try to make things as realistic as possible or make sense in its created universe. Now, you might be wondering why I decided to separate manga from literature since it is something published in book format – it is something we read. That’s because there have been ongoing debates between critics on whether it truly is a type of literature, and I don’t want to categorize something that has not yet received a public consensus. But if there is one thing I know – manga is its own art.
4. I Like Drawing
Drawing has always been a hobby of mine. I’m not great at the craft since I was never really that dedicated in improving my skills, I only ever draw as a coping mechanism for when I’m stressed or whenever I’m experiencing existential dread. It’s not only limited to hand drawings, but I also love to paint and create digital art. Drawing is one of the best ways I can calm myself down. I would like to develop my skills in art so I could create amazing pieces I could be proud of.
5. I Can Play Guitar and Piano
I was never really in to music when I was young so when my parents asked me if I wanted to join a music workshop in fourth grade, I honestly didn’t know why I accepted. But I’m glad I did. My first instrument was a guitar. It was tedious and I wasn’t really inspired to improve my skills, but because of guitar, it lead me to pick up a piano for the first time. Unlike playing guitar, I wanted to improve playing the piano. I’ve only just started playing piano a little over a year a go and it broke a few months after. It sucked since I wasn’t able to practice, but whenever I buy a new piano, I’d make sure to practice and practice to improve my skills.
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