About Us
In 2012, a new chapter began for me—one grounded in a lifelong connection to art, culture, and identity.
My journey traces back to the 1980s, growing up in the working-class suburb of Sunshine, west of Melbourne, Australia. It was during these early years that my creative instincts first began to form, though it wasn’t until 1993 that my path truly evolved. That year, I immersed myself in Australian Indigenous art, becoming a passionate advocate dedicated to promoting and celebrating one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures.
By 1995, I had taken on a role within an art gallery, further deepening my connection to the art world. Throughout the early 2000s, I spent years documenting and filming indigenous artists, an experience that not only broadened my perspective but also reignited my own desire to create.
My return to painting was deeply personal. Guided by a spiritual connection to the sun and the natural world, I began working with acrylics on canvas and linen. Painting became a form of therapy—an outlet that supported my mental well-being. Although I considered my work modest and never intended it for sale, it brought me a profound sense of warmth, expression, and inner peace.
For over two decades, I painted purely for personal fulfilment, never seeking exhibitions or commercial recognition. My focus remained on promoting Australian Aboriginal art internationally—a pursuit that was both rewarding and, at times, demanding.
During the late 2000s and early 2010s, I established a second home in Beijing. While living abroad was an enriching experience, it also brought a deep sense of homesickness and a longing for connection back to home, Australia.
In response to this, I created “Cool Koala” in 2013, beginning as simple sketches in my notebooks. This project sparked a renewed sense of joy and creative energy within me—a feeling of warmth and positivity that flowed through everything I was doing.
By 2013, these ideas had taken shape as three central character sculptures: COOL Koala, HAPPY Koala, and SUNSHINE Koala. Each one reflects my desire to share optimism, connection, and emotional well-being—values that have come to define not only my art, but my personal journey to bring joy into the lives of others.