Meet Usha, Founder of Plural Art Mag
After 12 years in tax law in Singapore, Usha Chandradas decided to go back to what she loved most - the arts. A bold move, but that’s who she is. And now, working as a freelance writer and co-creator of the magazine Plural Art Mag, Usha is finding that “warrior energy” comes in many forms. Read on to discover how this ready-for-everything creative is taking on the pandemic, being constantly inspired by the people around her.
What people call you: Usha Chandradas
Where you live: Singapore
What you do: Reformed lawyer, turned writer. Co-creator and editor of Plural Art Mag
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic!
Who are your icons? What is it about them that inspires you?
In these pandemic times, my closest friends and family. With the inability to travel, work-from-home routines and limited social gatherings, our worlds have become smaller but also deeper and more intense as we’ve rediscovered little details about one another. My elderly parents who have eagerly embraced Zoom, my girlfriends who have bravely started new jobs and business ventures in this uncertain economic environment while juggling kids and side-hustles, my husband who manages to work a 48hr day and take care of our cats, and make sure my favourite food is always available to eat somewhere in the house. My Muay Thai instructor who works non-stop for 12hrs a day with a big smile and who dreams of opening his own gym one day... It's a pretty long list! But I guess the point is that these days, I’m drawing inspiration from the everyday - regular folk who are coping (thriving even!) in these awful times.
What’s your daily routine?
I have ice-cream for breakfast while reading the newspaper, before heading into the ‘home office’ (read : dining table) for work. The rest of the day is spent in a mental struggle of how much time to allocate to exercise, while juggling work and Zoom calls. The day usually ends with Deliveroo and Korean dramas on Netflix (right now, The World of the Married is dominating my life).
How do you relax and unwind?
With a giant bag of potato chips and a really, really, really, good book. Right now it’s Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Americanah’ which is so good that I’m dragging it out because I just don’t want it to end.
Something you’re obsessed with right now:
My Serena skirt - the colour is just beautiful and it’s perfect for our humid tropical weather.
What’s your hype up song or anthem:
The theme song from the first Pacific Rim movie. Makes me feel like I can fight kaijus!
What does Warrior mean to you?
She’s a person who has goals, lives a full life and tries to make the world a better place.