Sculpture is an art form that can give wings to the imagination and transport it into multiple dimensions. The raw physicality of it can challenge us – change us – on a deeply existential level. A talented sculptor can create work which leaps into the minds of the viewer and allows them a tactile experience.

Day Dream in May, Pimpisa Tinpalit (Photo Jason Lee)

Melbourne artist Pimpisa Tinpalit’s work is striking in the way it unleashes the character of its subjects. It is flavoured by mask-like gilded faces, splashes of colour and whimsical creatures that are half-bird, half-human flights of fancy.

Thai by birth, Pimpisa holds a Master’s Degree in Fine Art – majoring in sculpture – and has extensive experience teaching in Thai universities. She became a professional artist fourteen years ago and since then has been showcased in several solo and group exhibitions in Thailand, Japan, the USA and Australia.

Her eponymous brand is aimed at the interior design market and is about providing fun and bespoke artworks that have character and depth to the stories that inspire them. Having practised internationally, her works document the human experience as she has lived it and encompasses themes of cultural body dysmorphism, as well as concepts of personal boundaries and distance. Pimpisa draws heavily from literature and poetry and uses symbols on various mediums including fibreglass, clay, cement, bronze and others. She is inspired by various artistic styles including the realistic, abstract, and contemporary. Yet in the main her pieces exude a whimsical surrealism which makes us think about the juxtapositions of nature, womanhood and our own culture.

Captured Freedom, Pimpisa Tinpalit 2015 (Photo Jason Lee)

Having produced high end work for galleries, the brand ‘Pimpisa Tinpalit’ is an extension of her work that focuses on art that is accessible for use in interior and landscape design, with broad range of pieces available. She also works on commission if interior designers have a unique piece in mind that they would like created.

One of her favourite pieces is the Aboriginal lady portrait ‘Capture Freedom’ (2015) and many of her works speak to the indigenous culture of her adopted country.

Pimpisa is exhibiting as part of DESIGN: Bazaar at Decor + Design 2016, which she sees as a great opportunity to get more exposure to the interior design community and also gain more experience in exhibiting:

‘I believe that gaining feedback from interior designers on trends and colours is great advice.  It is also worth testing the market with some of the now more accessible pieces that I have created for this show’

Registrations are now open for Decor + Design 2016. Entrance is free for trade visitors – book your place now to see over 250 exhibitors. Pimpisa Tinpalit can be found at Stand DB4 in DESIGN: Bazaar, a boutique part of the show which allows small studios the opportunity to showcase custom work to over 10,200 trade visitors.