Thai Talent

I am really proud to be introducing a few talented artists that I have met here in Chiang Mai. I'm a big believer in encouraging and promoting other artists, especially ones that most people have never heard of before....


Nan Tanyawan Mahawong is in her final year of printmaking at the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. I discovered her work from the R.A.P. Alumni Printmaking Art Exhibition 2011 show at the Chiang Mai National Art Museum where her work ‘sung’ to me. 


This 'la poupée' etching depicts a fish swimming in a magical underwater world where lanna style houses grow from seaweed and the flower provides the source of life. I love the colours and the naivety of the drawing; so innocent and childlike almost but the whole print exudes happiness.

Here’s what Nan says: 

“The concept of this creative art is derived from a part of my life. I got the inspiration from fish that I have fed. When I see them swimming in the water and playing with algae, I felt that my fish were happy with their land. At this point, it’s impressed me. I use this concept to create my work.”

We have 4 available for sale.

Copyright Nan Tanyawan Mahawong

You can buy Nan's work here.

Lovely Matches

I found these for sale at the Sunday Walking Street Markets a couple of nights ago. I thought these vintage matchboxes would make a great gift wrap or wallpaper.

New Online Boutique

This week I am going to introduce you to some of the fabulous new products we have in store as well as showing you the story behind it. Hopefully, you'll find it interesting!

For all my loyal blogger readers out there (not sure how many there are of you), I'd like to show my appreciation by giving a 15% discount on all items for today only. Just type in the code THANKU upon checkout.

Thank you!

P.S Don't forget you can still win one of my original paintings by liking my Facebook Fan Page and leaving a comment about what makes you smile. We've had some inspiring words so far.

Look what I found!

Making new, unexpected discoveries is one of the joys of travelling. Whilst walking down the road from our hotel, I saw this sign so naturally I followed...

Turn right...

into the garden

and then into the gallery

Gorgeous Owl Paintings everywhere!

This is the artist W.Sila.

I Wayan Sila draws owls in forests using an extremely intricate painting technique in Bali in his unique fashion. He creates his own world while respecting the traditional paintings. Born and raised in Ubud, I Wayan comes from a rich artistic heritage. His grandfather is I Wayan Barwa, a well-known painter in Bali. To see more of I Wayan Sila's work, please visit his website. He is very popular in Japan.

Copyright I Wayan Sila

Copyright I Wayan Sila

Wish you were here...

We're back in Ubud staying at the fabulous Komaneka at Bisma. It's rare we re-visit the same hotel but this is one of our favourites.

Our home for the next few days

The infinity pool overlooking the rice paddy fields is spectacular

Rooms are spacious and chic

Breakfast on our own balcony

Original Painting Giveaway!

It's been a long time since I've given away something so I thought it was about time I did it. The painting is called 'Sunrise at Chao Phraya' and was inspired by my first visit to Thailand. One lucky reader will get the chance to win this. The painting is mixed media on paper and features 3 butterflies dancing around a stem of lovely Thai orchids.

Mixed Media on Paper
80cm X 60cm framed.

All you need to do is to 'like' my Facebook Page and leave a comment on my Facebook Wall about what makes you smile. The competition will be open for 2 weeks so please let all your friends and family know.

Beach Life

One of my absolutely favourite things to do is to snorkel, especially in warm waters and where there are over 3,500 species of marine life! We took a day trip out to Gili Air (Gili means island) which was amazing; white sands, turquoise waters and more colourful fish than you can ever imagine...

Photo from Stanley Yeo

The other thing I love to do is to wander along the beach, collecting shells and looking in rock pools for crabs, starfish and any sea life. It takes me right back to childhood - I'm sure I'll still love doing this when I'm 60.

Nothing beats walking along the beach enjoying the scenery, sunshine
and having long chats with good friends...

Lombok - love you long time!

Our first trip to Lombok off the coast of Bali and possibly the shortest flight we've ever taken - 20 mins. I can imagine this is what Bali was like 10/ 20 years ago before it became over developed and touristy. We stayed at the amazing Jeeva Klui Resort - highly recommended. I'll let the pictures do the talking...

Magical sunsets (with cocktails of course!)

Beautiful Bungalows

Images above from Jeeva Klui

Stylish interiors

Great Food

The perfect place to unwind and celebrate

Balinese Food Markets

These are the biggest cinnamon twills I've ever seen

Vanilla Pods - pity I am no longer cooking (for the moment).

Always love the tropical fruits

This is snakeskin fruit - an acquired taste!

Love the pattern and texture - all natural. Isn't Mother Nature amazing?

Changi Airport, Singapore

On our way to Bali, we had a brief stopover in Singapore and visited the Butterfly Garden Enclosure within the airport terminal. Nothing like a bit of inspiration for the flight...

Live for NOW!

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the attack on the World Trade Centers and our whole world changed forever. I still remember it all so clearly and whenever I see footage of the planes hitting the buildings and then later collapsing, my mind still can't quite comprehend it all....

For M and I, we were actually in NYC a few days before the attack. It was M's first time in the Big Apple and we had planned to go and have a drink up at Top of the Towers Bar. Unfortunately, I had shorts on and it was after 4pm, so they told us that we were not allowed to go up. I said to M, let's come back tomorrow after shopping. The next day came; we were exhausted and I asked M if he still wanted to go up for a drink. He said "Let's do it next time we're in town, it's not as if it's going to go anywhere". I know, unbelievable right?

Ever since then, it's absolutely changed the way we live. We live for now. We do everything we can  even if we're a bit tired or feeling lazy as you just never know...

Batik Fever!

I must've looked a bit strange photographing various Indonesian men's shirts & sarongs last week. I think the men here look so smart and elegant in their traditional attire. I love the juxtaposition of pattern and colour resulting in some highly unusual combinations which surprisingly work.

My little friend

When we arrived at B'Villas in Bali, there was this amazing goldfish swimming on it's lonesome at reception. I thought he was quite stunning despite his unusual headwear.....I just wish he had a friend in there with him and a bigger bowl to swim in.

Hello!

As soon as I saw him, I immediately thought of a glamorous evening wear gown.

So cute!

Off to Bali

We're in Bali for the next 2 weeks - part holiday/ part work, to help celebrate a friend's 50th Birthday and do some shopping for the new boutique.

I'll be looking for some very special batik fabrics.

Sneak Peek

This is one of our lovely new products we're selling in our boutique. It's a beautiful Chinese Opera Costume from the Shanghai Theatre. Wait until you see the full robe!

detail from Chinese Opera Costume C1920.

Desk Snapshot

I've started working on a new Christmas Project for a client mixing all these lovely greens for a wreath design. It always takes me a while to get into a new project....thinking, making a coffee, checking emails, sketching ideas, looking at my colour palette.........wow! My inks have become a work of art in itself don't you think? Albeit a modern one at that.

I always mix colour on plastic corrugated boards -
reusable and easy to clean.

I love this composition

Love these textures