8. MAGNIFY: SUNFLW_RS.

When words are many, fleeting, and explode in a flurry of its own magnitude, poet SUNFLW_RS, who I am privileged to know as my friend Reshinthine Purushothaman, articulates her message and streamlines her voice to perfection. She highlights and embodies pure human emotion and experience with the ink written on her heart. Reshinthine's writing style plays on every emotion and every sense until you are unknowingly pulled into her world of imagination. Reshinthine's writing journey started in 2018 where her carefully curated handwriting connected her mind to a page and was shared on social media to speak her truth into the unknown world. As she grew her writing evolved as well, themes of growth, faith, and love have been continually built on to form perspectives for each season in her life and ours.

"...In essence I want to guide people. I want to help them find healing and growth."

Reshinthine Purushothaman Clothed in Sunflowers and Smiles

The dedicated writer is a woman of many talents, her days are filled with studying at the University of Queensland, in pursuit of her dream of practicing medicine, reading and frolicking in the aisles of art galleries. I sat down with SUNFLW_RS and below she shares her inspirations, the writing process, and the purpose and passion behind her pieces.

"Then I realised that others who read my words can open a window into my world. It helped me connect with hearts. It went beyond the need to be understood... it was pure."

How would you describe yourself? My first thought was to say that I’m a sunflower. I like to capture a little sunshine and pour it in into my writing. But in essence I want to guide people. I want to help them find healing and growth.

What was the catalyst or inspiration for writing?

I started writing because it helped me organise my emotions. My thoughts and feelings could be poured into a piece of paper. I can give it form. Then I realised that others who read my words can open a window into my world. It helped me connect with hearts. It went beyond the need to be understood... it was pure. I loved that. I wrote because I was never good at talking about my feelings. At one point it took a toll on me. This was a way to cope. My poetry is very free flowing and isn’t restricted to rhyme or rhythm. I usually find inspiration from my daily conversations, nature or the questions that I have in my mind. It usually just flows you know? Haha I don’t have a way to describe it. I compare my emotions to nature and connect it through metaphors.

Reshinthine Purushothaman Clothed in Sunflowers and Smiles

What is your favourite piece that you’ve written? That’s a hard one but one of my favourite ones is: ‘Bloom at your own pace.’ I wrote this as a reminder and affirmation. At that point in my life, I was so insecure and compared myself to everyone around me. I was so consumed with being better that I forgot myself. I lost my identity and felt like the world is moving away from me. This made me realise that I need to only focus on my journey. Other people’s success or failures will not impact mine. I should celebrate and comfort my loved ones instead of worrying about me.

It has filled me with contentment and faith for a future

"I've noticed this inherent rush to complete things in life. The feeling of time running out. To chase after deadlines. We often forget to pace ourselves. To let us grow in our comfort and space. To bloom when we are ready to do so. So, take a moment to reflect how you have been treating yourself. Take a moment to breathe. You are always on time for your purpose." Bloom At Your Own Pace Written by SUNFLW_RS

What was the hardest piece to write? The hardest one was definitely the piece I wrote about my grandma (Ammachi). It has been 7 years since she passed but I never really unpacked any of it. I was quite young at that time and I didn’t fully understand what it meant. One night I just needed to get it out of my heart. It was so painful. I was a mess after writing this. This was what my heart wanted to yell out. I didn’t find the courage to post this until quite recently. I am glad I did. It helped me to move on.

Ammachi Written by SUNFLW_RS

Why do you continue to write? I write because it gives me a creative outlet. It can get overwhelming with all the sciencey things I do all the time. Painting, poetry and reading help me keep things balanced.

What is one song/ piece of poetry/ artwork that you had wished you had written?

I really love this question! It makes me just take a step back you know? I remember falling in love with Vincent Van Gogh while researching for a short story assignment… and ever since I’ve been in awe of his work. Might sound a little cliché but I love the starry night not only for its beauty and rich colours but for the echo of hope Van Gogh shares through his work. It was created while he recovered from his infamous breakdown and depicts a view from his window in Saint-Paul asylum. What a stark contrast the painting is?! Even in the darkest of times, the village is portrayed to be peaceful; illuminated by soft glowing light. The eleven stars are carefully placed. The clouds and moon makes the viewer’s eyes waltz across the canvas. Isn’t it just beautiful that Van Gogh created this piece in a moment of spontaneity? To capture this message of hope, that night, on that canvas? That even the darkest of night is triumphed by the softest of lights? I love that he captures that. Nothing will come close to how that painting makes me feel.

Painting Written by SUNFLW_RS

Who are your audience? The themes I write about are universal so I hope to connect with everyone who make my poems a small part of their day. Recently I have also started to write about my faith. It was so scary and I was worried about people not liking them. But I realised that this was a gift that was meant to glorify God. I didn’t have to worry about the world to speak His truth.

Who is your inspiration? Definitely my grandmother. She was a nurse who raised my mum as a single mother. She was passionate and dedicated to her work. Her discipline, love and kindness ignites my purpose. She will always be my inspiration.

Other people’s success or failures will not impact mine.

What issues or themes do you care about the most? And how do you incorporate that into your art and platform? I believe in the power of words. When we learn how to use them we can empower, heal and see the growth in people. I would love to help people see them as God does. To show them that God is wherever you seek Him.

I do this through metaphors. When I place my readers in abstract situations, my words guide them and encourages them to listen to what their heart says

Hope Written by SUNFLW_RS

How do you continue to pursue creativity? I get creative when I want to express my emotions. Definitely after a good movie or book hahaha.

What is your go to album that helps you write?

Weirdly enough I don’t listen to music when I write... but I write at night when everyone’s gone to bed. It’s just so peaceful and calm. It gives me space to think. I really like sounding my words out when I write my pieces. To get a feel for the rhythm and length of each sentence (especially if it is a performative poem)! That is kinda my music x but really though I love SZA, some Lofi remixes of my fave Tamil songs, and I’ve been listening to a lot of Montell Fish’s ‘Bedroom Gospel’ lately! ️

And what are some tips you would give young poets?

As a young poet you might be tempted to follow the trends or mirror what gets you likes or followers. Remember that you are worth more than that. Your words are worth more than that. You have a voice and people need to hear it. Keep writing even if it only reaches one heart. Even if that heart is yours.

Reshinthine Purushothaman Clothed in Sunflowers and Smiles