About the Artist

I was born July 10th, 1978 in the Nong Khai Refugee Camp of Thailand.  On October 22, 1979 the Tolstoy Foundation helped my family and many others by relocation us to the United States.  Along with the apparent dangers of fleeing from Laos following the continuing turmoil of the Vietnam conflict, we were involved in a bus accident traveling from Nong Khai to Bangkok that took on life and badly wounded many others during the relocation.  The Tolstoy Foundation settled many of the families in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, as well as providing work and housing.  This is where my family began our lives in the United States. My family and many others in the camp were blessed for being rescued. 

My love of the arts was sparked by seeing drawings my brother and father were capable of creating, as well as watching my mother make beautiful clothing for our family and friends.

I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember.  In the fourth grade, I was one of two students chosen to participate in an arts program called ASPIRE.  The program was to teach aspiring young artist what the arts had to offer and learning the many different aspects and techniques.  I remember being picked up once a month to go to different locations with other students of the same grade from other elementary schools to learn how to draw live models and create works in clay. We also were taught about the history of art and artist's, and even special effect makeup for movies, and the list goes on.  This was the most amazing program I was a part of as a child.  I was chosen again in the fifth grade. 

My family moved to Hickory, NC my sixth grade year.  I continued to practice and create art even though there was little emphasis on art in the school system.  In high school I was able to continue learning more techniques and apply them to my creations.


My experience in elementary school molded my passion for all forms of art. I never  limit myself to one medium or style.

I now reside in Taylorsville, NC with my husband, Rick, my son, Bodhi, and step daughter, Abigail.  I try to get the family involved as much as possible in the creative process.
So here I am showing the world what I love to do and offering it to the world.  I have been blessed with my abilities and having the opportunity to pursue what I love.  I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it.

~~~ Phinthone ~~~