Art by Suwai

Art by Suwai Artist based in Portland, Oregon. I was born in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). I was raised as a Buddhist, and I started painting around the age of six.

Growing up in a third world country under the military dictatorship was not easy. My family and I constantly moved in and out of apartments every time the rent increased. We lived in a tiny one bedroom apartment with my grandmother, my aunt, and her daughter for a few years. I shared a plate of rice with salt and oil with my family many times. I will never forget the day my dad borrowed money from

my grandmother to buy a chocolate bar. In the summer of 1997, my family and I fled Burma to escape the military regime and poverty. We relocated to San Jose, California in search of a better quality of life and new opportunities. Growing up in the States was not easy either. I was bullied a lot for being gay, a person of color, and an immigrant so I spent a lot of my time drawing, painting, meditating, and reading alone. After graduating high school, I studied Fine Arts at San Jose State University and graduated in 2012. When I am not painting, I enjoy meditating, practicing Yoga, doing breathwork, journaling, reading, hanging out in nature, watching Netflix and cuddling with my partner.

04/09/2026

It’s essentially to develop “the view” of this illusory world of samsara in order to be free from it.

04/08/2026

Working with the mind, working with meditation.

“The real miracle is to transform our mind, because this will take care of us for many lifetimes”.
03/10/2026

“The real miracle is to transform our mind, because this will take care of us for many lifetimes”.

Bringing the Dharma into the heart of the living room. 🛋️✨ This piece is a tribute to the modern practitioner—finding th...
03/05/2026

Bringing the Dharma into the heart of the living room. 🛋️✨ This piece is a tribute to the modern practitioner—finding the sacred right in the middle of the mundane. In our busy lives, the challenge and the beauty of meditation is learning to maintain that inner stillness while the world moves around us. By surrounding ourselves with reminders of our practice, we make it a little easier to return to the breath throughout the day. I painted this to capture that “visual anchor” that pulls us back to center. I hope this scene inspires you to take your seat today and find the peace that exists exactly where you are. ☸️

Integrating meditation into your life fosters a profound sense of inner peace by quieting the mental chatter that often ...
02/26/2026

Integrating meditation into your life fosters a profound sense of inner peace by quieting the mental chatter that often fuels stress. It sharpens your cognitive focus and presence, allowing you to engage more deeply with the current moment rather than dwelling on the past or future. Beyond the mental perks, meditation serves as a bridge to your spiritual self, helping you cultivate a deeper connection to your intuition and the essence of your being. This practice often leads to a heightened sense of universal compassion and oneness, shifting your perspective from isolation to interconnectedness. Ultimately, by aligning your mind and spirit, meditation can reveal a sense of purpose and tranquility that transcends everyday challenges.

PS: this original painting is available as well as prints. DM to inquire about the original or purchase the print via the link in the bio.

In time of great unrest, stay grounded before taking actions.
02/14/2026

In time of great unrest, stay grounded before taking actions.

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Portland, OR
97086-97299

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