Firstly, I’d like to know if there are any up-and-coming events that you’re part of that you’d like to speak of, perhaps of gallery shows or new art to be made, how art has had an impact on your family and/or friends, what art has done for you personally, how your familial or formative years impacted your art, and if your art has a social message. 

I focus all my energy on the work itself and have less of an interest in self-promotion and selling work. But it’s still early for me. I get much more satisfaction when people I know and care about enjoy my work. That’s all I need for now. 

My childhood wasn’t the green hills and blue skies that I think I wanted it to be. I remember being alone for most of it. Mentally, that is. I daydreamed a lot and I was a bit of a rebel. When I was 6 or 7, I remember coming home late at night after school, going on adventures doing god knows what. No one seemed to care. 

I know I have a story to tell. Trying to balance your style with a true genuine message is one of the hardest things to do. I guess I have a long way to go in that aspect. I see a lot of artists/musicians rush and try to incorporate an important message in their work to the point where it just becomes a message or a trend and less about the art. I’ve been there too. All I would say is to keep your message genuine. You don’t owe anyone anything.

Could you tell me about your background? When did you know that you’d be an artist? What’s a milestone that you’re most proud of? What’s your environment like, is your city/town conducive to your artistic talent? How do you create your art? 

My first painting was at school when I was a kid. It was a landscape painting. I remember it came so naturally. The hills, trees, the sky. It was like I’d done it a million times before. 

That was it. Only when I moved cities as a young adult, it all reignited. I hadn’t improved or picked up any skills over the years artistically, so I was looking for ways to tell that story. Then I found the art of collage. But I wanted to do it my way. 

Could you tell me your full name and age? And perhaps a self-description. What does your art symbolize to you? What’s your favorite piece? 

My name is Tim Thach. I’m 26. My parents fled Cambodia when I was only 1. We started a new life in New Zealand. You can imagine how tough it was. A taxi driver who was also a refugee from Africa once asked me, do you think we fit in here? I said no, but that’s what makes us unique. 

My favorite piece would be The Moth. It covers itself in a drape, so no one can see, because it’s ashamed, but it’s still beautiful. 

Also, could you please describe what your work space looks like, what goes through your mind while making art, if there’s any special soundtrack that you listen to while producing, if you keep some refreshments nearby, if you work at home, a shared space, or a studio. With this question, I’m trying to paint a poetic description without being able to be a fly on the wall in your studio. 

All I have is a desk, and my laptop in an apartment. My younger brother’s desk is also next to mine. He’s a very good illustrator and enjoys making music. He couldn’t care less about Instagram or Soundcloud. When I work, all I need is music. I enjoy tracks which feel dreamy and take you to another world.

Could you tell me about encounters with other artists and potential shout outs or love you’d like to show to people who have helped you grow in your art form? 

My younger brother. A bit of a misfit, but he’ll be far better than me some day. All of my creative friends, you know who you are. And the first group of friends that supported me, and still do. 

Who are some artists on Instagram or better-known ones who have inspired you? 

One of the first artists I loved on Instagram was Frank Moth, who was also a collage artist. I also love QTA-3. Their work is completely unique to them, and makes you feel something, which is tricky in collage art. And of course Naoto Hattori. My favourite painter and one of my main inspirations early on. 

Other than online, do you showcase your art anywhere? 

For now, only online. 

Could you tell me the significance of your vibrant colors? 

Looking back, I think a lot of the colours and landscapes were inspired by a show I was obsessed with when I was a child – The Teletubbies. 

Are there any musicians that make your life more beautiful? Are there any prominent figures who inspired you to be your most authentic self? 

Björk. She’s amazing, isn’t she? Tyler the Creator, Bruce Lee, and Jimi Hendrix. They’ve all inspired the world in their own way.

Could you tell me what advice you would have given your younger self, if given the chance? 

No advice. I’d just tell him he’s doing great.