Bear hugs in KL

The United Buddy Bears promote 'living together in peace and harmony'. The first United Buddy Bears Exhibition was held in Berlin 2002 and each Buddy Bear shows the individual design created by different artists on behalf of their native countries. Since then, the project has toured all over the world and has raised around €1,800,000 (November 2011) through donations and auctions in aid of UNICEF and local children’s relief organisations. 

Some of the colourful bears and me!

Some were more recognisable than others

Colour is still key

Australia and France.

Islamic Arts Museum

When I was in KL last week, the highlight of my trip was visiting the Islamic Arts Museum. OMG - what an amazing source of inspiration! I felt like I had discovered Aladdin's cave. The museum is beautifully laid out and has a concise selection of the very best Islamic pieces in ceramics, jewellery, textiles, paintings etc. Take a look....

The domes in the ceiling were exquisite

Some of the detail in the decoration

Of course, I loved all the mosaic tiling and ceramics

This ring is actually a seal which was used to stamp documents

The architecture and astrological measuring tools.

CNY Decorations

Chinese New Year is a huge celebration here for everyone in Asia. I forget living in a small town how BIG and colourful the decorations can be, especially in the shopping malls! I think it's the only time when I can appreciate all the red and gold glitz.

The Pavillion Shopping Mall

Kiehls and Selangor Pewter Displays

Peonies, Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns.....

Selamat Pagi!

I'm in Kuala Lumpur this week. M has a conference on so I am the 'conference wife' LOL. Looking forward to showing you more of this unique city. It's a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Muslim and Indian cultures so expect to see lots of colour, pattern etc.

'Texta' Fish

Does anyone know what these fish are called? They're the friendliest fish I've ever met and it looks like someone has drawn coloured texta markers on the sides of their bodies.

Monks and Reindeers

I am getting such a buzz painting and sharing the new studio with my Thai friend Wuth. Wuth paints traditional watercolour scenes of temples, monks and streets capes. Whilst I can paint anything and everything; a mixture of client and private work. Even though we're both painting completely different things, it's just nice to be able to talk and look at what each other is doing. I'm sure he thinks I'm bonkers painting reindeers in Thailand though LOL!

All white space with lots of room for stuff!

The talented Worawuth Srakaeo

Beautiful colour and use of light

Reindeer in progress!

Episode 1 - Temples & Textiles

I thought it would be fun to film a series of short videos about my work and my life here in Chiang Mai.  I was lucky to be introduced to a very talented young Thai filmmaker called Narongchai 'Nate' Sathanderm who I am working with to make this series. Over the next 12 months, I'll be visiting some of my favourite places here as well as give you a sneak peek into the way I work, paint and design etc.


Hope you enjoy the first episode!

2012 is Year of the Dragon

Happy New Year everyone!! I was hoping to wish you a New Year's greeting from my new website/ blog but unfortunately, it is not ready yet. I will be back posting here until February when the new site is up. I have lots of news to tell you....

Copyright Chris Chun

Last Post of 2011

I'm off to Krabi for Christmas then heading to Borneo afterwards to see some orangutans. I can't wait! I will be back in late January with a new website and blog. In the meantime, you can still follow me on my Facebook page. Don't forget to 'like' me.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with colour, joy and optimism. Thanks for your support and encouragement. Cxx

© naturepl.com / Edwin Giesbers / WWF

Peranakan Plates

I think you've guessed by now, I have a weakness for ceramics and textiles. Passing through Changi Airport, I saw these Peranakan Plates on a bar wall. Isn't the colour extraordinary?

The Peranakans were an affluent community in the Straits colonies in Singapore, Penang and Malaysia. They were descendants from China and India who married the local Malay women. Renowned for their lavish family feasts, they commissioned this colourful, enamelled porcelain from Jingdezhen, China which bears auspicious and decorative motifs.