I remember first being inspired by Bosba Panh’s music in the summer of 2020. At the time, I was searching fervently across the Asian diaspora for living women composers while working on my project, “50 Mythical Worlds Inspired by 50 Women Composers.” There’s still a note in my project diary of when I discovered Bosba (August 4, 2020) with a reflection on how her piece, “Lost in Time,” struck my imagination. Click here to view the painting inspired by this composition of Bosba’s.

Fast forward to 2021, 2022, 2023… and I continue to not only be inspired by her music, but by her person as well. Did you know: Bosba Panh is the first Khmer composer and Khmer music graduate from the University of Cambridge. How’s that for making herstory and creating a legacy that will influence composers for generations to come? 😃In my future posts about Bosba, I shall share how she’s expanded my philosophies regarding creativity, courage, and community.

For the Realms of Courage: Celebrating Asian Women Composers Project, I will be creating 9 paintings inspired by Bosba and her music. Below, you can see Painting #1 that is currently a work progress. Guess which one of Bosba’s song cycles inspired this piece? Answer: “Mad Girl Love Songs” (2016) - Take a listen!