I love what I do so it doesn’t feel like work. I really cannot imagine doing anything else. In your opinion discuss the importance of being able to work / live art? The King of Thailand is always associated with yellow. So, you’re supposed to wear that day’s colour for luck. The specific colour of each day depends on an astrological rule (influenced by Hindu mythology) and is based on the colour of the God who protects the day. According to Thai customs, there is a colour for every day. Living in Thailand is really inspiring because I am surrounded by this incredible palette of colour everywhere from the orchids to the food markets to the temples. Colour provides an emotional, cultural and spiritual connection to our world. Just from a pure visual standpoint, it’s the first thing that we notice when we look at everything. Can you explain colour in relationship to images of Thailand and your work?Ĭolour is probably the most important part of work. Colour is such an important aspect of our art. I love Japan – I seem to go there every other year for endless inspiration whether it be the food, design, culture, gardens or shopping. It’s funny you mention Japan because I am actually planning to do a ceramics residency in Japan sometime this year along with a possible exhibition. There’s always exhibitions and things happening so I’ve found it incredibly inspiring. Great coffee culture it’s been described as the Portland of Thailand. We found out later that Chiang Mai has a rich history of creativity there is a big community of artists and craftspeople. It turned out to be serendipitous because we both hadn’t planned to stay here.
What made you decide to have your studio in Chiang Mai rather that Japan or Laos? Because we like the lifestyle here and the people/ culture, I decided to set up a studio here so I can work 2/3 of the year here and the rest away, either in Australia where I still have a home or traveling. 6 months had turned into 1 year, then 2 years, then before we knew it, its been 8 years here.
Originally, we were only supposed to be away for a 6 month sabbatical but the charm of Chiang Mai crept under our skin and before we knew it…. My husband and I have been based here in Chiang Mai since 2010.
Chris Chun, Painter- Plus Explain how you have your feet in both countries, Thailand and Australia?