About Empath Designs
Meet the Artist
Germaine Zhu May Chan
Germaine is a Visual Multimedia artist and Reiki master based in Melbourne, Australia.
Originating from Penang, Malaysia, Germaine is best known for her colourful digital artwork, blending geometric patterns with visionary symbolism. Her interpretations of daily life are often known to awaken feelings of happiness, gratitude, empathy and peace, deeply expressing her character and personality.
Germaine’s desire to create has flourished, first from a love of all types of creative arts during childhood, then drawing inspiration from a myriad of artists throughout the years.
Her adventures as a freelance multimedia designer have uncovered a deep love of self-expression, and an understanding of how it can connect with others. Exploring new project ideas draws her toward concepts that embody her personal values, in the hope this also inspires others.
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.
Art meets Self-Discovery
Influences & Iinspiration
Germaine attributes her artistic development to many wonderful and varied life experiences.
Bliss and sadness, loss and true love, humility and self-confidence; each of these experiences and emotions finding their place within her artwork.
Travelling from a young age brought exposure to many world cultures and fostered a fascination with world artwork, mythology, history, religious architectures and social landscapes.
Her spiritual journey has also had a big impact on her artwork, incorporating sacred geometry, mandalas and other esoteric elements that flow with the subject of the piece.
Germaine enjoys developing her own interpretations of this ancient knowledge and symbolism. She is passionate about integrating her ideas into innovative artwork concepts that encourage empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of our own personal growth.
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.
CULTIVATING AN ARTISTIC COLLECTIVE
I aspire to establish a collaborative warehouse space where like-minded artists can unite around shared and ambitious goals. Together, we can work towards sustainable practices that not only support our craft but also give back to the community, fostering creativity and positive change.
INSPIRING PERSONAL GROWTH
Through my work, I aim to guide others in their journey of mindfulness and self-discovery. By encouraging self-awareness and a deeper connection to oneself, I hope to support personal growth that nurtures resilience and inner peace.
TEACHING MINDFUL LIVING
Mindfulness can transform how we experience life. The practice of mindfulness through exploring my art has given me a deeper understanding of this as a whole and benefited me in more ways than I can describe. I strive to show others how to slow down, savor life's richness, and bring intention to everyday actions—whether large or small.
PRIORITIZING SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is integral to my work. I focus on using eco-friendly, high-quality materials designed for longevity and durability, moving away from fast fashion and consumerism. My goal is to inspire mindful purchasing decisions that honor the environment while enhancing spaces and wardrobes with intention.
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
Qualifications & Workshops Attended
- Certificate IV in Design (2006), Swinburne University of Design
- Bachelors in Multimedia Design (Honours) (2007-2010), Temple of Shamanic Magick
- Certificate in Aromatherapy (2014), Open Colleges
- Reiki I, Reiki II & Reiki Masters (2021-2022), Julie Vanderspek
- Nail It & Scale It (2021), Kerwin Rae
- Shamanic Magician Foundations (2021-2023)
- Pendulum, Spirit Journeys, Spirit Animals, Spirit Allies
(certified by Shamanic Energy Training) - Crystal Kingdom & Plant Kingdom (2023), Temple of Shamanic Magick
- Dare to Lead™ (2024), The Leadership Sphere
- Dragon Kingdom (2024), Temple of Shamanic Magick