The Tickling of Erasmus Painting

Born in Canada to a young family displaced by the Vietnam War, C-DANG's early life was underscored by the struggles of integration often faced by newcomers. A highly sensitive child, C-DANG naturally gravitated to children's television programs and cartoons; those brief moments spent with her beloved characters provided a much-needed respite from the bleak outlook of her early life. Though she didn't have many toys as a child, it wasn't long before she discovered she could recreate her favorite characters with crayons and paper, spending countless hours honing her skills. Her relationship with those bright cheery characters encompassed more than her keen eye and ability to draw, or an escape from her somber reality. In a world filled with intolerance, anger, and anxiety, C-DANG recognized, at a young age, the value of creating positive connections with others as a way to teach and learn, forging a brighter reality, one connection at a time. As a young adult, her passion for visual expression guided her to the world of haute couture, working for such brands as Chanel, Prada, and Burberry. In her spare time, C-DANG continued to make use of her paint brushes to brighten the lives of those around her from custom sneakers to street art. Visual expression continued to be her voice, and she often found herself behind a camera, from directing video or photo shoots to capturing life's beauty to share on her blog and Instagram. Her message has largely remained the same; being blessed with the freedom of choice ultimately means we can choose to be happy, no matter our circumstances. We can choose to bring happiness into our own lives, and into the lives of those around us, for the benefit of everyone. We can choose how to be or become the best version of ourselves. C-DANG recognizes the value of self-care, self and social awareness, and finding commonality with those around us. She employs the use of icons and symbolism as a means to connect with her intended audience, to find that "happy place" that is often elusive in our daily lives.