From Mango Sticky Rice to Mountain Peaks: A Three-Country Honeymoon

After our second wedding in Singapore, my husband and I embarked on a journey that I still revisit in my mind whenever I pick up a pencil. We honeymooned across Thailand, Cambodia, and Bhutan: three countries that couldn't be more different, yet all share a deep sense of vibrant culture.

Thailand: The Flavor of Joy

Thailand was a masterclass in sensory overload in the best possible way. Between the bustling street markets and the gold-domed temples, the colors were electric. More importantly, the food was life-changing. There is a specific kind of happiness that only comes from a perfect plate of mango sticky rice or a flavorful local curry.

Cambodia and Bhutan: Perspective and Peace

Walking through the ancient ruins in Cambodia felt like stepping back in time, while Bhutan offered a level of tranquility I had never experienced. Bhutan is famous for measuring "Gross National Happiness," and you can feel it in the air. The deep reds of the monk robes and the lush greens of the valleys became a permanent part of my internal color palette.

My art today is a direct reflection of these travels. When I use a particularly bright orange or a calming teal, I am often channeling a specific sunset in Thailand or a quiet moment in a Bhutanese monastery.

Exploring the world didn't just give me great memories: it gave me the courage to be "Joyous" in my creative work. It reminded me that color is a universal language of celebration.

Have you ever traveled to Asia? If so, what was the one city or meal that you still think about years later?