About me

Okay, let me tell you my story, the one behind Soh and Soh Artwork. It's been quite a ride! Even while I was busy tutoring at universities, that creative itch was always there, pulling me towards writing, a more sustainable way of living, fighting for social justice, and the pure joy of putting paint on something – that started around 2018.

 

Then came the crazy years of 2020 and 2021, the pandemic. Like so many, I felt this urge to do something, so I started painting for folks who were having a tough time. It felt good, but a nagging thought kept bothering me: the wood I was using just didn't align with the sustainable world I dreamed of helping build. It felt like a contradiction.

 

So, I pivoted! Op shops became my treasure troves. I started rescuing forgotten furniture, sanding it down, and giving it a fresh, artistic makeover. It was so satisfying to see these discarded pieces come back to life. But then, reality hit. People loved the look, but they just didn't have the space for more furniture. I get it – Melbourne houses aren't exactly sprawling mansions!

 

That's when the pots came into the picture, quite literally! I started noticing all these unwanted pots sitting on nature strips, destined for landfill. A lightbulb went off. I could rescue them! So, I started driving around, collecting these forgotten vessels, seeing the potential in their overlooked forms. I hope that my artwork will be a reminder not to discard things – or people – just because they're old or don't fit a conventional mold.

 

So, I aim to make these reborn pots useful too! They can hold your pens, nurture your herbs, brighten up a corner of your home. It's about beauty meeting practicality.

 

And the sustainability journey? It's ongoing! We even cut up those aluminum paint tubes and recycle them. Then we started experimenting – discovering that old paper, worn-out clothes, and even those small plastic bags could be combined with bits of waste wood to create unique canvases with resin. It's like giving trash a glamorous second act!

 

I also understand that not everyone has room for a painted pot, so I thought, "How can I share my designs more widely without taking up physical space?" That's where the idea of putting my artwork on everyday consumer goods came in. If you fancy seeing my designs on things you use daily, you can check out my Redbubble shop at www.redbubble.com/people/SohandSoh1982  or browse the catalogue on my website.

 

Looking ahead, the big dream is for Soh and Soh Artwork to become a true social enterprise, where we can donate significant amounts of money to charities that are doing incredible work. That's the ultimate goal – to use art for good in a really meaningful way.

 

Oh, and one more thing – the price you see for those consumer goods? Shipping's on me! And if you're not absolutely thrilled with your purchase, you can send it back for a refund. I want you to feel good about supporting Soh and Soh Artwork.

 

It's been a winding path, full of learning and adapting, but every step has been driven by these core values. It's more than just a business to me; it's a way to put my passions into action and hopefully make a little bit of a positive difference.