i am a very proud australian. i love this country, it’s people, it’s energy, it’s everything. but there is something that continues to not only disappoint me, but embarrass me as a patriot and citizen of this otherwise great land.

whilst so advanced in so many ways, we are one of the few developed western nations still stubborn as shit on a boot about marriage equality.

and it bothers me. it bothers me alot.

in the last few years it seems we are overwhelmed on a daily basis with stories of horrendous displays of human behavior-murders, terrorism, war, abuse, bigotry, narcissism, cruelty, judgment and just your garden variety blanketing hatred. so when i started to hear about the diy rainbow crossing movement spreading around the world, i was immediately warmed and fuzzied. there are people all over the place, all ages, genders, cultures, religions and orientations getting on their hands and knees and creating glorious rainbows on pavements, walkways, stairs and basically any horizontal surface they can find! it’s not often enough that we see people banding together in a show of love.

simple. universal. equal. love.

and of all the things in the world that i love, i love love the most.

today with a little help from my friends we added another chalk rainbow to the world. many people watched on, some stopped to chat, and above all, those who spoke had nothing but positive and supportive words.

it was one of those awesome life affirming moments.

it made me really happy.

create. love equally. respect.

MOTHERS DAY GIVEAWAY!!!

hey all you mother lovers, is your mum/grandma/mother figure/mother of your child (and any other type of “mum” out there!) utterly and completely ridiculously awesome? does she deserve to be spoiled this mothers day? I WANNA HEAR YOUR STORY!

post your tales on bluelawn’s facebook page (hereand tell me why your special lady is so special. the winner will receive an original bluelawn artwork of any kind you or they like, made especially for them for mothers day!

the lucky lady will be announced this friday 12/04/13 at 5pm (est). all entrants must “like” bluelawn’s facebook page prior to entering to ensure I can contact you if your special person is the winner.

START VOTING!

who am i?.

art is a personal experience. when you look at my art or purchase some, it feels like you are seeing me. flaws and all. no covers. nowhere to hide. just me.

and i like it that way.

for such a long time i was worried about feeling “exposed” by posting my personal thoughts and not having a really strict policy on talking about my personal life on my blog or facebook page. but when i think about poets, artists, musicians, writers, designers, dream makers, believers, unicorn riders… their best quality is that they are open. and accessible. and i want to be in that category.

so here’s a little about me you might not know:

• i am eurasian- my father is originally from hong kong and my mother is aussie. occasionally i am referred to as a chaussie (chinese-aussie) which i find endearing. not racist.
• i studied psychology at university.
• i have not studied art since high school in the strict sense but i believe when it comes to art that we are all students of the universe. its wether we are willing to learn (through sight, experience and openness to new ideas) that’s the deal maker. so in my eyes i have been a student of art my entire life.
• i grew up on a farm.
• i have 3 brothers who are the biggest legends in the world.
• i love animals.
• i hate cold water at the beach but love cold showers.
• i love cold tomatoes.
• i am terrified of moths (butterflies are just moths in better outfits so i’m not a really big fan of them either).
• i have always wanted to be in a band despite having zero musical talent.
• i dream of travel but always find myself yearning to be at home whenever i am away.
• i love movies and music and everything vintage

but above all, i love love. in all its forms. between two people, between a person and their pet, between a family, between friends, between parent and child, any type. any kind. i love it.

and that’s just a little about me. i would love to hear more about you. feel free to comment on this post and tell me a little about yourself!

create. love. respect.

according to a friend of mine i don’t blog enough any more.

 

when i first started this site, my intention was to share thoughts, ideas, inspirations and the occasional post about my artworks. in the last few months business has boomed (woo hoo!) and i have found myself becoming one of “those” people – so utterly entrenched in my work that the rest of the world has dimmed a little and i’ve become somewhat removed. for that i apologize to my nearest and dearest.

 

but i have been working hard, sometimes 14 hours of painting in the studio straight! a whole heap of artworks are ready for exhibition and sale and i am excited to share it with you all.

 

in light of my friends slap-back-to-reality, i thought i would share something with you all – something that i am committed to in attempt to remain engaged with the world around me and to always remember to be grateful for this wonderful gift called life.

 

i have a book (which funnily enough that same friend gave me for christmas) called “big idea’s”. originally i kept it next to my bed so i could jot down inspirations and ideas for marketing and sales strategies for the business. but instead, i have used it for ideas that are, to be fair, so much more important. for those things that we so often take for granted and forget in a blink of an eye.

 

each night i write 3 things that made me smile during the day. some entries have been silly (such as when my chihuahua completely freaked out over a plastic bag caught in the breeze, very american beauty…) and other entries have been quite emotional (such as watching my family from all around the world come together in a time of great sadness to bring each other joy and peace). a most recent one, for example, was watching my dear friend serenade her girlfriend whilst drunk at karaoke over the weekend. it was so wonderful to share this comedic rendition of “you are so beautiful” and really feel the love in the room. it was quite, quite beautiful. and hilarious.

it is these simple things that i will probably forget in the coming weeks (whilst i am strategizing and writing projected business plans most likely), but that at the end of the year i can reflect on and realize just how freakin lucky i am.

 

i hope that 2013 brings you all great joy, and that you don’t forget it once it’s over.

 

and if you are a little like me and bound to forget the small things after a while, write it down. it takes 2 minutes and you won’t regret it.

 

peace be with you all.

 

create. love. respect.

 

 

it’s sunday. it’s pouring with rain. our dogs are sleeping peacefully on the couch with my beloved. i’m listening to the rain fall on the rooftop of our home and my studio. it’s cleansing. it’s wonderful.

i’m really motivated today-not to actually do anything (because it’s sunday and sundays are about enjoying nothingness) but my mind is full of ideas for new pieces. i’ve been painting for anywhere between 6 and 14 hours a day on my ink and watercolor series and i’m loving it.

here is a sneak peak at two very different pieces i’m working on.