Thierry B Fine Art: Photographer & Painter Phonsay

In my years as a gallery owner, I have come across many talented artists. My gallery specialises in large works of art, whether it be paintings or photographic images. Not very long ago, I spied the work of a young, very inspired artist Phonsay Phothisomphane.

After spending time selling his work, I have become an enthusiastic admirer and patron of his work. We are lucy enough to be receiving new works into the gallery very soon which may well include some paintings!!! I asked Phonsay my Q & A's to gain a little insight into the man behind the art!

Thierry B: Which five words best describe you?

Phonsay: Creative, Homebody, Positive, Optimistic and Loyal

Thierry B: How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since?

Phonsay: I’ve always been interested in art ever since I was a kid. During my school lunch breaks I’d tuck myself away in a corner at the library and flip through drawing books teaching myself how to draw, this continued till the end of my high school education and since then I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life.

In 2013 I went through one of the toughest times in my life… I lost my father to cancer, was in a failing relationship, in debt, had no job and no direction. To cope with the immense pressure of the situation I started creating art though digital photography and editing, after posting several of my works on Instagram I was discovered by you and ever since then I’ve been creating digital art and rediscovering my love for painting and drawing.

Thierry B: What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?

Phonsay: The best lesson I’ve learnt along the way is that things happen for a reason and sometimes we have to experience hardships in order to make room for positive changes to come our way.

Life can be unkind at times and it will beat you to the ground and try to keep you there if you let it. Its not about how hard you’re being hit, but its how far you can move while you’re being beaten. Even if it feels like your world is falling apart, you can choose to lay there and play victim or you can choose to work through the hardships and struggles and move forward. This is what makes you a stronger person.

Thierry B: What’s your proudest career achievement?

Phonsay: My proudest achievement was when my first picture sold, I was completely ecstatic! To have my artworks noticed, appreciated and valued by others was a huge boost to my confidence and it cemented the first stone in pursuing a career path in art.

Thierry B: What’s been your best decision?

Phonsay: My best decision was to go back to creating art for myself, I find it fulfilling and I enjoy the creative process and challenges involved. It’s made me a happier person knowing that I can do what I love and share it with others.

Thierry B: Who inspires you?

Phonsay: The people who inspire me are my parents, they provide me with guidance when I needed direction and comfort when I’m feeling down.. To me their strength, commitment and the sacrifices they’ve made is what inspires me to take advantage of what I have been offered and to do the best I can with my life.

My friends inspire me to push myself, to work harder and keep a positive attitude, they help me realize that I can achieve great things when I put my mind to it.

Thierry B: What are you passionate about?

Phonsay: I’m passionate about a lot of things… Art, Photography, Design, Health, Fitness, Food, Family & Friends. These are the things I hold most dear and is my life source.

Thierry B: Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet?

Phonsay: It would definitely be my dad, there were a lot of things left undone and unsaid that I wish I had done and told him before he passed.

Thierry B: What dream do you still want to fulfil?

Phonsay: I would love to buy a run down warehouse, renovate it and have my own photography / art studio and just create art all day, and of course I’d love to travel more.

Thierry B: What are you reading?

Phonsay: I'm not much of a book person but if I had to put something…it would be the latest issue of mens health magazine, or a recipe from taste.com, a funny post on facebook or instagram. I like keeping fit, staying healthy and have a bit of a laugh so I guess that would be it.

Amazing, right?!

For further information on the paintings or to view, our gallery hours are Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm, 531A High St, Prahran, 3181 or by appointment on +613 9525 0071.