About Empath Designs
Artist Statement
Art for Mindfulness & Self-Connection
"My intention is to help others on their personal journey of self-discovery.
I create visual art that supports and deepens your self-connection with the simple practice of mindfulness.
I endeavour to express my creativity with empathy, love, honesty, faith and gratitude, with the wish that all of these beautiful energies radiate to you, and through you to others, sharing and encouraging peace amongst us."
The Journey Thus Far
1988
Background
Born and raised on the tropical island of Penang in Malaysia, Germaine was born to a Malaysian-Chinese background, specifically of Peranakan Nyonya heritage.
She got into the arts young. Starting with piano at four, Taekwondo at eight and was also in an instrumental rock band playing keyboards in her late teen years.
She was an active athlete throughout school and would never fail to find opportunities to express her creativity in different ways from painting to sculptures.
2006
Exploring the digital world
Germaine moved to Melbourne, Australia after finishing high school to further her studies.
Originally she’d wanted to study sound engineering because of her love of music.
However, plans changed that led her down the path of multimedia design. Little did she know that it'd open her up to a world of possibilities.
At Swinburne University, her world opened up to a variety of subjects including graphic design, vector art, film, video editing, 3D design, flash programming, augmented reality design and animation.
Learning a wide set of skills was fun which planted the seed for Germaine to start her own design/art brand, though she didn't know what yet. This thought stayed with her on and off for years.
After graduating from university, Germaine explored a variety of roles in the industry. From a Flash Development role to Digital Producer, Germaine also found herself freelancing for a variety of clients in various industries.
2014
How Empath Designs Began
One day in early 2014, Germaine was at her favourite bookstore in Singapore, she stumbled upon two books which inspired her to start creating her art - a book on mandalas, and a book on flower therapy.
Curious, she bought the book on Flower Therapy (written by Sydney author Robert Reeves) and was fascinated with the world of energetic healing. This was also the same time when she discovered what 'empaths' were and deeply resonated with what she learned.
She started to research more about mandalas, sacred geometry and meditation, and felt a huge urge to create something artistic.
This was how Empath Designs and the first collection, Perennial Harmony was born, as well as the beginning of her spiritual journey.
Dreams & Visions
Artist Goals
At the heart of my artistic journey lies a vision to create meaningful impact through creativity, connection, and sustainability.
By embedding these values into my art and business, I hope to inspire a ripple effect of positive change, connecting individuals to themselves, their communities, and the planet.
Shows & Features
Artist CV
Solo Exhibition
Follow the Dragon: A Mindfulness Art Exhibition
8 - Aug 11 2024, Mycelium Studios
An immersive solo exhibition showcasing a decade-long journey with Empath Designs, inviting others to delve into a world where art meets mindfulness, self-connection and self-discovery through visual and sensory embodiment.
Group Exhibitions
Artemisia Grand Opening Group Show
17 - 28 April 2024, Artemisia Gallery, Windsor
Rainbow Reunion
28 Jan 2024, Melbourne Pavilion
Black Wall Gallery
16 - 29 Jan 2020, in.cub8r Gallery Fitzroy
Raw Australia presents STELLAR
1 Aug 2019, Melbourne Pavilion
Art Installations
Circle of Serenity
14 - Nov 17 2024, Seven Sisters Festival
The Wishing Tree
23 - Nov 27 2023, Seven Sisters Festival
Enter the Light
Nov 2014, Earthcore Festival
Heart to Heart
Jan 2014, Rainbow Serpent Festival
Publications & Media
Artistcloseup Magazine #18, p16, May 2024