I’m sure if you asked any creative person, the moment we
became ‘artists’ was probably the day when we first started school and having
the opportunity to express ourselves. As long as I can remember, I have always
loved to draw and create – it felt very natural and made me happy. I have been
incredibly blessed to have wonderful parents who supported my creativity,
especially my Mum. I remember going to art classes during school holidays; we
did macramé one day then ceramics then candle making…it was great! No iPad back
then. My Mum even helped me screen print fabric for my final year school
project at a textile workshop.
Did you go to art school?
I studied textile design at Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology.
Are there individuals that were an influence in your becoming an
artist?
At various stages throughout my life, there have been
several people who have been key influencers. I had a really fantastic art
teacher called Lindy Spreadborough who was incredibly nurturing and always gave
lots of encouragement. I also had various friends & relatives of the family
who were artistic so I think they had a strong influence on me too. When I
decided to paint full time, I couldn’t have done it without the love and
support of my husband Matthew.
Are there any other artists that inspire you?
OMG – I am inspired by so many artists; there’s just too
many to name. One key theme that they all share is a wonderful sense of colour.
In my early years, I loved Monet, Matisse, Willem de Kooning and Hundertwasser.
I love the Japanese woodcuts, Basquiat, Joshua Yeldham, Cressida Campbell, John
Olsen, Andy Warhol….
What inspires you now?
I’m inspired by travel, food, family, friends, magazines,
films, nature…pretty much everything and anything. Since living here in
Thailand, I am constantly inspired whether it’s the wonderful abundance of
tropical flowers to the lanna designs on the temples to collaborating with some
of the many talented artists and craftspeople who live here. My artwork
celebrates the joy of the life.
Can you share a little about your work process?
Usually, I like to create a storyboard of ideas for any new
project whether it’s a painting or a teacup. Then I like to think about it and
do some concepts before I start working on it. Sometimes, it can be really
quick other times I have to think about it a bit more before I actually start
painting. I usually find I have several things working in the back of my sub
conscious mind. To the outsider, it always looks like I leave things to the
last minute before completing a job but I have been always thinking about my
work beforehand. The actual painting doesn’t take that long, once I have the
idea and direction formed in my head.
Are there links where we can see more of your work?
View Chris' work: http://www.chrischun.com
Online Boutique (limited edition products, original artwork): http://chrischun.bigcartel.com
Facebook (for daily updates/ new work): http://www.facebook.com/chrischunart
YouTube (Chris’s videos on painting): http://www.chrischun.com/videos/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrischunartist
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chrischun/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chunnybun
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrischun
What markets do you create art for?
I create for all product categories from ceramics/ tabletop
to stationery to textiles to bedding. I’ve also done a couple of book covers,
designed websites and am even consulting on interiors for a new café here in
Chiang Mai. I also do a bit of graphic design and product styling for photos. I
love new challenges and I love learning new things.
Do you do other things regarding art like teaching?
I am not teaching at the moment but it is something I have
been thinking about doing lately, especially online. I also give lectures at
universities/ art colleges about working as a creative professional to
students.
Do you persue other creative interests?
I love cooking but I haven’t done it so much since I have
been living in Thailand. Most kitchens in Thailand do not have an oven and I
didn’t realize how much I love to bake! This year, I have been learning
ceramics – how to use the potter’s wheel but I have decided I do not have the
patience or skill for this. I have also been to a few Bollywood dance classes in
my time LOL.
Where can your art be seen?
You can find my work on cards, textiles, canvases, works on
paper, elephants, books. I have some new card ranges coming out soon with
Papyrus.
What do you love best about what you do?
I just love being able to do what I love to do. I have a
very blessed life.
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