THE COOL DOWN: MARATHON WEEKEND WITH NIMBUS CO & FRIENDS
Melbourne goes all out for marathon weekend, and this year was no different. But inside The StandardX, things moved at a different pace as we teamed up with NIMBUS CO to help guests find their balance between the push and the pause.
Amidst the buzz of it all, we caught up with Nimbus Co-Founder – Neil O’Sullivan – as well as runners (and all-round wellness pros) Trent Knox and Alice Baquie to talk movement, mindfulness and the fine art of slowing down – eventually.
NEIL O’SULLIVAN – NIMBUS CO CO-FOUNDER
NIMBUS CO feels like more than a wellness brand. Can you talk us through your approach to holistic wellbeing and why it matters?
Nimbus is about creating space – physically and mentally – for Australians to reconnect with their bodies and minds. Founded in 2016 as the country’s first infrared sauna studio, it has evolved into a hub for preventative living, helping people slow down, reflect and maintain wellbeing in simple, achievable ways.
For me, true wellbeing isn’t about chasing perfection, the latest trend or hacking your health; it’s about what is accessible and achievable. While saunas are central to what we do, the most effective wellness rituals are often free – walking, sleep, cold showers, ocean dips and breathwork. It’s about consistency and what helps you feel grounded.
When people feel better, they show up better – for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. That’s really what wellness is about.
What has surprised you about the ways Aussies approach health and wellbeing since launching NIMBUS CO?
When we started in 2016, the idea of paying to sit in a sauna felt unusual to many. Our audience initially was 99% women. Fast forward to today and it’s the breadth of our community that surprises me most. People from all walks of life – athletes, students, tradies, CEOs – visit Nimbus seeking recovery and connection. Australians are embracing wellness as an everyday practice, not just something to engage with after exercise or once you’re already burnt out.
You’re partnering with The StandardX for the Melbourne Marathon. How important is the balance between fast and slow?
Balance is everything. Performance isn’t just about pushing hard; it’s knowing when to pause and recover. Marathon weekend is a perfect metaphor: you need to stop, breathe and reset. Recovery is where real performance emerges, and this partnership is helping guests at The StandardX do exactly that.
When you’re away from home, staying in hotels, how do you keep wellness routines going?
I like to keep it simple – focus on one or two non-negotiables. For me, that’s a quick workout, a cold shower or mindful breathing. Even small rituals help you stay grounded while travelling.
TRENT KNOX – THE 440 RUN CLUB
You‘ve credited running with helping you through some pretty hard times. Has pushing yourself physically had other influences on you that you weren’t expecting?
When I went back into sobriety and started seeking help for my mental health, it made me look at the way I train and compete. It forced me to look at a more holistic approach. More resting and recovery, what I eat, how I hydrate and how important mindfulness/meditation is to help manage it all. I guess it opened my eyes, heart and mind to the idea that age shouldn’t be a barrier when competing in sports.
Do you have a particular mantra you use or a mindset when you want to push yourself to the next level?
I’m a daily meditator and practice Vedic twice a day. I find that when I’m regular with that, it often helps me push effortlessly. Something I often chant when the going gets tough is “this is good for me”. It’s something we used to chant in the gym many years ago when I used to train with my brother and a bunch of older guys who also played a pivotal mentor role.
Running in often perceived as a solo sport, but there seems to be a real movement towards community. Why do you think run clubs like The 440 and have exploded in recent years?
Running is a wonderful solo sport. You can lace up your kicks and set off pretty much wherever you are. No need to rely on anyone or wait; you can just go. However, we as human beings crave connection, whether we believe it or not. Community connection is more important than ever with the rising awareness of people struggling with mental health. Bringing people together to move together is what helps us get better. Doing it regularly is what really helps. So it’s so important we keep these running communities going and encourage more community groups to emerge.
The Melbourne Marathon route gives you a really good sense of the different energy of our inner-city suburbs – is there a particular part you’re looking forward to?
I can’t wait to finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. I’ve never run inside a big stadium!
ALICE BAQUIE – PHYSIO, PILATES COACH AND FORRUNNERS FOUNDER
You’re big on movement – as a physio, runner and a Pilates pro, you must get all around! What are your favourite places for some movement in Melbourne?
The Tan and Albert Park Lake are my favourite ‘free movement spots’. With soft surfaces and greenery, they’re both a lovely sanctuary for a walk, a run or even Pilates on the grass. There’s something special about an oasis so close to the CBD.
What keeps you motivated to get up and go on the days that you’re just not feeling it?
A strong coffee and a good playlist or podcast always helps gee up for any movement. I also learned after so many injuries to reframe a lack of motivation to ‘I get to move’ not ‘I have to move’; which helps a lot.
How do you recover from a tough sweat session? Are you a big brekkie on Brunswick Street kind of person or more likely to take a slow walk through Carlton Gardens?
A short mobility Pilates flow after every run is my go-to for instant recovery. It prevents feeling like a tin man the next day and it’s not one of my favourite parts of the run. An ocean dip after a summer run is a close second. I use the forRunners app because you can whip it out anywhere, anytime.
What are some non-running rituals you like to indulge in to help set the right tone – good coffee, staycation, catch up with a good friend?
Wines with my girlfriends is near my top three favourite things to do to fill my literal and metaphorical cup. Sisterhood therapy is unmatched and hits the spot every time.
There’s no denying Britpop is having another moment – and we’re very much here for it. Enter Dave Rowntree, Blur drummer turned animator, lawyer, politician, and now photographer, whose debut photobook No One You Know: Early Blur Photos has landed in our hands at The StandardX.
Shot on a battered Olympus OM-10 during the band’s early days, the book captures Blur at their most unfiltered: tour buses, hotel hallways, backstage beers. We caught up with Dave on the Australian leg of the launch to talk about why he picked up the camera in the first place, and how it feels to revisit those early moments when the band was on the cusp of greatness.
When you started photographing Blur in the early days, did you see yourself as documenting a cultural moment – or was it more instinctive?
I had no idea it was going to turn out to be a cultural moment. We’d just signed our first record deal and were doing a host of exciting things for the first time – the first studio session with a proper producer; first Japanese and US gigs; first tour bus etc. We were a tiny band playing what was then quite unfashionable music. There were no guarantees we were going to get to do these things a second time. I wanted to remember them.
Looking back, do any of the photos surprise you – photos you’d forgotten about or moments you now see in a new light?
It’s the energy, excitement and enthusiasm that took me by surprise when I rediscovered the photos, after having lost them decades earlier. The life we’d just been thrown into would eventually become routine, but at the time I was taking the pictures it was all brand new.
How did you approach curating the images for No One You Know? How did you decide what to leave out?
I imagined that writing the book’s introduction would be the hard part, and selecting and arranging the photos would be the easy part, but the opposite turned out to be true. I didn’t want to make a scrapbook – I wanted the book to take the reader on a journey, so the book had to be about something – but what? It took about 3 months of agonising selecting and shuffling to find out.
Do you have a favorite image you’ve ever taken?
My favourite image in the book is of Graham and Damon in the car in front of me on a rollercoaster in Pennsylvania. I like the framing and the nervous excitement on my friends’ faces, but also that the picture is a metaphor for our career at that point. We’ve just realised there’s a huge climb ahead of us, but we’re definitely on the way up.
Who’s the easiest bandmate to photograph?
Graham, by a long way. Damon doesn’t have the patience to be photographed, and Alex likes his privacy. I’m probably the hardest to photograph; I’m much more comfortable on the other side of the camera.
Give us a memory of touring in Australia.
My earliest memories of Australia are of coming here for my honeymoon in 1994. We flew into Cairns and spent a week on Lizard Island learning to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Then we hired a car and drove south down the coast road, stopping at all the countless animal sanctuaries along the way. Finally, we caught the ferry across to Tasmania and spent a week at a wildlife lodge at Cradle Mountain. I’ve loved Australia ever since.
What bits of culture – music, movies, art, tv – are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m going to the Big Sound festival in Brisbane whilst I’m here [in Australia]. I’m excited to see some up-and-coming Australian bands, especially singer-songwriter Seb Szabo, and the indie band Loose Content. I also met the band Blusher at one of my book events, and I’m hoping to see them when they tour the UK next month.
No One You Know: Early Blur Photos is now available now at The Box at The StandardX Melbourne, along with an exclusive collection of signed prints and merch.
At The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, we believe art is more than just decoration—it’s a living, breathing experience that tells a story and connects people. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our unique 10 10 Art Space, located right in the heart of our hotel lobby.
What is the 10 10 Art Space?
The 10 10 Art Space is a dedicated gallery area designed to showcase creative works from both local and international artists. It’s an intimate yet vibrant venue where guests and visitors can enjoy a variety of art forms, from paintings and sculptures to installations and handcrafted pieces. This is a place where every piece has a story, and every visit offers a new discovery.
A Cultural Journey Through Past Exhibitions
Over the past year, the 10 10 Art Space has transformed into more than a gallery—it has become a living narrative of Bangkok’s vibrant cultural pulse:
Riety Pahn — Ballad for the Breathing: A surreal, mixed-media meditation on memory, myth, and ecological grief—part of a considered mythmaking of a fragile, “broken world.”
Urban Collectibles 2025: A kinetic show blending art toys, collectible prints, street culture, and live DJs—energizing the space with playful rebellion and creative collectorship.
NOI x INA: A Fusion of Music & Fashion: A high-voltage collision of fashion designs and rock music, where T-shirts became wearable art and music became runway.
Timeless Thai: A group exhibition uniting seven visionary Thai creatives—Artsaveworld, Patiphan Charoensuk, Patpixels, Sarawut Panhnu, Subannakrit Krikum, Tananan Jaisawang, and Tanawat Chanpimai—who reimagine Thai artistic traditions through contemporary mediums.
Coming Soon at 10 10 Art Space: “CAT-A-LOGUE” (September 2025)
Get ready to purr into September with “CAT-A-LOGUE”, a charming and whimsical group exhibition celebrating feline fascination through the eyes of our talented artists.
Artistic Whimsy Meets Curio Cabinet Featuring playful cat-inspired paintings, “CAT-A-LOGUE” blends humour with creative craft—each piece offering a unique portrait, personality, or playful twist on our beloved furry friends.
Mark Your Calendar – Exhibition Period: September 1–30, 2025 – Opening Reception: September 3, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Where exactly is the 10 10 Art Space located? A: It’s located in the hotel lobby of The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit — easy to find and open to all guests and visitors.
Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit? A: No, the 10 10 Art Space is open to the public free of charge.
Q: How to get here?
A: For cars: Wat Chana Songkhram with 200 m walk from secondary exit route or 600 m walk from primary exit route, Soi Kraisi with 700 m walk, Roadside parking.
For motorcycle: Santi Chai Prakan Park with 100 m walk, Roadside parking.
Q: Can I purchase any artwork on display? A: Yes, many pieces are available for purchase. Please ask our staff for more information.
Q: How can artists apply to exhibit in the 10 10 Art Space? A: Interested artists can reach out to our team through our website or email to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Come Visit and Get Inspired
Whether you’re a traveler, a local resident, or an art enthusiast, the 10 10 Art Space is a welcoming place to explore and be inspired. Stop by the hotel lobby anytime to experience our latest exhibits. The best part? There’s no entrance fee.
BISTROX: SHANNON BENNETT & CARLOS SIMOES-SANTOS ON BRINGING FRENCH FLAIR TO FITZROY
Fitzroy’s no stranger to a good comeback story, but this one’s Xtra tasty. Our BistroX pop-up at The StandardX is bringing classic French fare to the neighbourhood, thanks to a team of hospitality legends.
With Chef Shannon Bennett in the kitchen and Master Sommelier Carlos Simoes-Santos guiding the pours, you’re in for a dining experience that’s playful, flavour-forward, and distinctly Melbourne. One month in, we pulled up a chair with them to find out why Fitzroy is the perfect playground for their new adventure.
SHANNON BENNETT ON RETURNING TO MELBOURNE’S DINING SCENE
It’s been a minute since we’ve seen you behind the pass in Melbourne. What pulled you back in?
It’s true. I’ve been focused on projects outside Melbourne for a while, but the chance to work with The StandardX was just too exciting. Fitzroy has this raw creative energy, and when the team approached me with the idea of doing something fresh and unpretentious here, I couldn’t say no. I’ve missed the immediacy of service – the adrenaline, the connection with guests, and the buzz of a team firing on all cylinders.
When you first stepped into the space at The StandardX, what did you immediately picture serving here?
I instantly saw bistro food, but not your traditional take. I wanted a menu that felt fun, accessible, and a little cheeky, but still executed with precision. Something that worked for locals dropping in for a quick plate and a glass of wine, as much as for travellers who wanted a Melbourne food moment. The space felt like it needed energy, aroma, and that hum of conversation you get when people are sharing plates and talking over each other.
The gritty streets of Fitzroy are a little different to the dizzy heights of Vue de Monde. How has the setting shaped the menu at BistroX?
BistroX is about letting the food speak for itself, no fuss. The neighbourhood has honesty and grit, and so the menu reflects that – flavour first, technique in the background. We’re using great produce but serving it in a relaxed, inclusive way. You can turn up in sneakers, order a glass of something interesting, and still get a plate treated with as much care as anything I’d serve at Vue.
You’ve brought some of the OG Vue de Monde team back together. How does it feel to be in the kitchen with them again?
It’s been incredible. In the kitchen we’ve got Cory Campbell (three Hats and Chef of the Year under his own steam), Ryan Henley (two Hats) Ben John and Big Sam. Carlos (Master Sommelier, now running his own wine business and teaching on the side) is leading wine. And our front-of-house is led by Steven Kirkpatrick, who’s launched just about every major venue in Australia from Icebergs to Mimi’s and Shell House. There’s a level of trust and unspoken understanding when you work with people who’ve been in the trenches before. We’re pushing each other, but also having a hell of a lot of fun along the way.
Are there any early favourites or signature dishes on the BistroX menu?
The crayfish and black pudding flatbread has already taken on a bit of a cult following (shout out to Ben Blackmore) and the mushroom and truffle risotto is flying out of the kitchen. We’ve also got some great cheeses on display, and you can’t leave without trying the pear Tarte Tatin – that one’s shaping up to be a signature. I’m also a little obsessed with our bread program – there’s something magical about the moment warm bread hits the table, and it’s even better when you don’t get charged for it!
When you’re not cooking, where are you slipping away to eat and drink in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s dining scene is alive right now. I love hitting Marion Wine Bar for something unfussy but perfectly executed – I’m a fan of anything Andrew McConnell. Stagger Lee is a great all-day cafe nearby; you can sit at the bar, have brunch, a glass of wine, and lose track of time. Di Stasio Città has been my kitchen away from home for years – the team there are all like family. And I’ll always have a soft spot for grabbing late-night bites at Marios. God, I love Melbourne.
CARLOS SIMOES-SANTOS ON POURING WITH PURPOSE
You’ve worked all over the world. How do Melbourne drinkers compare – are they adventurous, loyal, a little unpredictable?
Melbourne is amazing! The wine scene is hugely dynamic…Local wines are improving every year, but we also have access to almost every wine in the world is here, from American to Chinese varieties and everything in between. Melburnians are curious, love to explore new stuff, and are willing to learn. It’s really something special.
Is there a single bottle on the list that perfectly captures the mood of BistroX?
Hmm… I’d say the 2019 Bass Phillip Gamay. It’s local, delicious, wild, funky, and classy at the same time. The 2019 vintage is becoming very rare because it was made by Phillip Jones himself – one of his last vintages at the winery.
When you’re not pouring at BistroX, where in Melbourne are you ordering a glass for yourself?
Soon enough I’ll be kicking back on the rooftop at of The StandardX. Watch this space…
What’s one Australian wine that deserves a little more love and attention on the global stage?
I think Grenache is doing beautifully. Australia isn’t known for it in the same way we are with Shiraz, but it may well be our best varietal someday. We have some of the oldest vines still producing grapes after more than 100 years.
We’re diving back into the processes, personalities, and places that shape the bottles we love. Next up is NON – the Melbourne-based brand redefining what it means to drink well, sans alcohol. After a hangover-free July, we caught up with Nick Cozens to talk bold ingredients, flavour theory, and how the city’s dining scene continues to fuel his palate.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
I’m Nick Cozens, head of beverage and innovation at NON.
How did you find your way into the non-alcoholic space?
It was probably more of an opportune moment than anything else. I’ve always worked in and around food and flavour but constantly want to evolve my knowledge and understanding. The non-alcoholic world made sense because there is so much to discover.
What three words best capture the spirit of NON?
Growth, innovation and flavour.
Where in Melbourne inspires your palate – bars, bakeries, restaurants, etc?
I would say it’s more about inspiring an occasion. Sunset rosé on the front tables of Leonardo’s Pizza Palace in Carlton with a bowl of pasta and some anchovy toast. Monday steak night at Builders Arms Hotel in Fitzroy in winter with a glass of juicy red. A funky, natty wine with some small snacks at Bar Liberty late on a Saturday. 5pm, random weeknight, smokey Scotch at Whisky and Alement in the CBD. These visits become more than just a singular drink or food item, they invoke a sense of emotion that’s hard to replicate.
What’s the most surprising ingredient you’ve ever thrown into a blend?
I don’t know if anything surprises me anymore. Chefs and bartenders are constantly pushing the boundaries with flavours. Davidson plum really intrigued me with how powerful the acidity and tannin was without changing the aroma at all. Toasted apricot kernels give a rich aroma of almond liqueur with almost no flavour whatsoever in the resulting liquid.
NON isn’t just for sipping straight; what’s the most creative or unexpected use of it you’ve seen?
The NON7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee has some pretty big flavours which I’ve seen paired with just about every type of food dish imaginable; from a reduction poured over venison, to stretching out a mole sauce for a mushroom and Medjool date dish. I’ve also seen it in a Batanga cocktail variation, with tequila and salt and lime.
What do you love most about your job?
Still being a smallish team, in a newly emerging drinks category, there’s so much to learn. Every day is different and requires solutions to different problems that are always getting tossed up. I’m not happy unless I’m learning, which means I’m happy every day.
What’s coming down the pipeline – any new drops or experiments you can tease?
Probably a few more collaborations in the near future, it’s always good getting a different perspective on flavour and what we do from an outside legend.
Any other local drink makers we should have on our radar – either alcoholic or non?
Dave Verheul from Saison Aperitifs is an industry leader in terms of flavour and quality, and an all around great guy. Orlando Marzo from Loro Bottled Cocktails is pioneering new ways of using ingredients and creating flavour. I’m also yet to have a bad drop from Gary at Jamsheed Wines.
If The StandardX were a NON blend, which would we be and why?
The NON8 Torched Apple & Oolong stands out for me; super complex under the surface with a lot of moving parts to get to the final product. It’s not always visible on the surface how much work goes on behind the scenes, but a lot of things need to come together for something special like that to exist. Simplistic sophistication.
URBAN COLLECTIBLES RETURNS TO THE STANDARDX, BANGKOK PHRA ARTHIT
Urban Collectibles 2025 by Mango Art Festival are back and bigger than ever at The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit! From August 1st to 3rd, step into a dynamic world where street culture meets cutting-edge creativity. This electrifying three-day event brings together a curated mix of original artworks, prints, rare art toys, and must-have collectibles from over 100 local and international urban artists and collectors.
This year’s edition is set to push boundaries and challenge conventions, showcasing groundbreaking pieces that reflect the pulse of today’s urban art scene.
Don’t Miss the Grand Opening Join us on August 1st at 5:00 PM for the official launch of a night of art, energy, and beats.
The party kicks off with a stellar DJ lineup including DJ Aaron, DJ Tawan, and DJ MayT, spinning live across all three days of the event.
Whether you’re a serious collector, street art enthusiast, or just curious to explore something new, Urban Collectibles promises an immersive experience you won’t want to miss.
Winemaker, pub regular, and self-declared fan of the Pina Colada, Angus Hean is part of a new wave of makers shaping Victoria’s wine scene. Hot on the heels of our cellar door event, we asked him about his favourite Fitzroy haunts, post-knock-off rituals, and why Pinot Noir is basically The StandardX in a glass.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
I’m Angus — part of Fin Wines in Victoria, Australia. We’re a small beverage company making wines and ciders with a focus on drinkability. We run a vineyard in the Yarra Valley, which is also home to our winery and a cellar door.
How did you find your way into the world of wine – was there a bottle, a moment, a hangover?
Totally unplanned. I was at a wine tasting in 2019, met my now business partners, and we bonded over half-serious wine chat. We decided to make something ourselves — a side hustle that began with apple cider and a few different wines pretty quickly snowballed into a full-time obsession. Right place, right time, right pandemic.
Favourite local spot for a knock-off?
It’s the middle of winter in Melbourne but going to the pub is yearround. The Marquis of Lorne and North Fitzroy Arms are two local drinking spots both a short stroll from the StandardX. Go early, leave late, no regrets.
What bottle are you reaching for at the end of a long week, and who are you sharing it with?
Pub. Friends. Couple Guinness. Then onto a bottle of crunchy Grenache. That’s the formula. Works every time. Bonus points if you get a bowl of hot chips.
What does the rest of the world love about Aussie wine?
We don’t have to play by the old rules. No rigid appellation systems telling us what to do. We can move with the times — evolve, experiment, get weird. Also, we’ve got world-class wine regions basically hugging the cities. Easy access for locals and travellers.
Any weirdly wonderful pairings you’ve discovered along the way – Pizza Shapes x Pet Nat, that sort of thing?
Grilled padrón peppers and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with a little touch of skin contact *chefs kiss*
Let’s say you’ve got mates visiting Melbourne for the first time — where are you taking them for drinks, dinner, and a morning-after coffee?
If we’re in the CBD, I am taking them to Caretakers Cottage for the classic drinks combo of a martini and a pint of Guinness followed by dinner at Soi 38 – an interactive and casual spot which is big on flavour. The next morning, we are going to the other side of the city to Project Zero. These guys are doing really amazing work in the coffee scene. I recommend checking out their Pina Colada filter roast: washed process Kenyan coffee but co-fermented with peaches.
What’s coming down the pipeline – any secrets from the cellar you can share?
We’re gearing up for our fifth birthday this spring. Expect new releases, a few wild ideas, and a party or two to celebrate. Keep an eye on our socials — we’re planning something special.
Favourite drink to order at a hotel bar?
It really depends on the location and the weather, but let’s say we are in Southeast Asia…I’m hoping the hotel bar is by a pool and the cocktail is a Pina Colada.
If The StandardX were a grape variety, what would it be – and why?
Pinot Noir. One of the most commonly planted grapes in Victoria. Pinot is for everyone, fit for any drinker. Whether it’s champagne, chilled red to something a little deeper and spicier. It can be party wine, it can be business. It can be sexy. Kinda like the hotel.
What happens in the space of a night? In a hotel lobby? Or a hotel room? What about the magic of chance and serendipity. If this is the only time we have, we better make the most of it – break the mould, do something crazy, turn this into a night to remember.
Inspired by the very hotel he works in, Andy McIntyre, AKA Little Bones our porter and resident artist imagined a series of works based on the concept of ‘one night only’. A Valentines Day installation in The Loft – a mirror ball with a pink spotlight – was all he needed to get rolling.
‘For One Night Only’ is the title of your exhibition, how did you arrive at that?
So, it’s called For One Night Only, because it’s up for only one night! (laughs) But I thought it was perfect. It just fit. I wanted to theme it that way, because when you’re in a hotel environment or if you’re on holidays you kind of become this different person – a little bit. That holiday person or hotel person. I kind of thought about that. That idea of becoming that different person. I had a good mate in the US who had a girlfriend at the time, but he’d go out and have disco pashes with girls on the dance floor and he always told it like this, that it was o.k. because it’s on the dance floor.
And that’s where the idea for the disco ball came from. That got the idea rolling.
So, tell us about the Disco Ball then. That’s the hero piece?
Well, we had the mirror ball in The Loft for Valentines and I thought ‘Yeah, that’s got to be it. That’s the hero piece.’ I just wanted to create something with really good energy that encapsulates the hotel as well. And it was also the red and all the warm tones and everything that lent itself perfectly to this space and the hotel as well. So, it was the disco and that piece is called Disco Pash.
How do these come together then. What’s your style? What do you use?
Everything in the exhibition is pencil or charcoal and drawn by hand. That’s my wheelhouse, that’s what I’ve done for 35 years. If I’m going to have an exhibition at StandardX, I want it to be my strength and I get the most joy out of working with those materials.
And, so how should people feel when they see you work?
I want it to wow people. If I’m not engaging people, not wowing people, then what’s the fucking point?
How many pieces did you create for the exhibition?
Seven in the end. They all spun off the disco ball. I kind of wanted to do a series that’s kind of fun, and a little provocative. There’s a couple really provocative, but again, I kind of want it to be on that idea of when you’re in a hotel and you’re a holiday, you kind of, , it’s like my mate at the disco, separate from your real life, you disassociate yourself so you can kind of get up to whatever you want, which is kind of cool.
And you see things working in a hotel, and I mean this in the best way, but people live up to it. To the idea of being someone different. It’s fun.
And the process, how do you work?
I’m pretty disciplined. I have my studio boots. I’m up early and I plan to be in the studio at 9 every day. And I’ll set a goal for the day; how much do I want to get done and I’ll just literally just sit there and draw until I get it done.
Do you use music or anything to get you through?
Absolutely, music all the time! I’ll zone out to it. I don’t think I’ve ever worked without music. I used to drive my ex insane because we had a loft apartment in the US and I she’d be like; ‘can you turn that off?’ And I’d put my headphones on and I’d start humming. I can’t help it. I can’t. And I’d get a text message. ‘Can you please stop?’ (laughing)
Who are your inspirations? What art do you look to?
I love Goya. I love the darkness of some of his work. It’s amazing. And there’s heaps of people online, on Instagram and people I follow now. Like Bella McGaldrick who’s actually stayed here before. She does similar stuff to me, just really awesome colour pencil work.
There’s just so much cool stuff out there now. I just sort of see stuff and grab it. I get a lot of inspiration here, from the books in here. I’ve taken so many photos from the books and the books in The Box. It’s unexpected. You just find yourself flicking through and all of a sudden you’re like, I’m into that. There’s no reason why, it’s just there.
Any ‘one night only’ experiences of your own?
I was straight out of uni. We literally went to LA to stay one night at The Standard on Sunset. We had a huge night, got to bed I think five, six a.m. And then picked up a rental car at 10. And then you drove to Vegas. I won’t tell – I can’t tell you – what happened that night, but I know I wasn’t in any great shape to be driving. We took the freeway out of LA and went to Vegas. For some more, I guess.
So, what’s next for Little Bones?
I’ve actually got a series of work I did in DC when I was there. These really cool, large pixelated female nudes in graphite pencil. I couldn’t revisit them for years, but now I feel like I’m in a place to work on them again. It was supposed to be a show in Georgetown, Washington. And then about six weeks out, I took them to the scanners, and they ruined them. They’re really big, about 1200 by 800 millimetres and they must’ve had just one person trying to feed them through the scanner and they ended up with dents all over them. I had to cancel the exhibition. There’s probably about 120 hours in each and I think I’m ready to revisit and see what I can come up with. So that’ll be next.
And, to finish, why do you call yourself Little Bones?
My dad’s nickname is Bones – he’s a skinny guy – and I am a twin. All my dad’s mates couldn’t tell us apart, so they started calling us both ‘Little Bones’. That’s it! It stuck.
At the vibrant confluence of art, identity and creative rebellion,The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, unveiled its most explosive collaboration to date. On May 30, the eclectic riverside hotel launchedBombastic X, a technicolor showcase of street art and pop culture led by rising Thai starBell Seatapron, the visionary behind Painterbell Studio.
True to its name, Bombastic X is not just an exhibition — it’s a full-sensory experience. The hotel’s walls, corners and public spaces came alive with Bell’s unmistakable signature: riotous color, playful wit and electric energy. From neon-hued canvases and sculptural wooden cuttings to bold murals and oversized installations, each piece invited guests into a world where imagination takes center stage.
The evening began in style with sunset cocktails atThe Roof, where Bangkok’s golden-hour skyline set the backdrop for a gathering of the city’s creative vanguard. Notable attendees included cultural voices likePraiya Anantarasap,Prapassorn Kanjanasoot,Claudine Craig and Pimpyrada, all of whom mingled in the art-meets-party atmosphere.
Central to the night was the panel talk “Phra Arthit Reimagined: The New Canvas of Bangkok’s Creative Spirit.” In a candid conversation between Bell andRatcha Nilthanom, the discussion explored how a new generation of artists is reshaping the neighborhood’s cultural identity — transforming Phra Arthit from historic charm to avant-garde hub.
Downstairs,BANG, The StandardX’s ground-floor restaurant, was reimagined into an immersive dining-art fusion. Guests dined alongside a commanding Bombastic X centerpiece while sipping on X Bomber cocktails and nibbling Thai-inspired canapés. As the night progressed, the space pulsed with energy, morphing into an all-out launch party complete with DJ sets and dancing well past midnight.
More than a one-night spectacle, Bombastic X is a declaration of intent — a bold alignment between The StandardX and the creatives rewriting Bangkok’s cultural narrative. Through June, guests can continue to explore Bell’s work throughout the hotel, with ongoing art installations at BANG and The Roof.
“Everyone has an X factor — a unique spark waiting to ignite,” Bell reflects. “Bombastic X is about that moment when creativity bursts into life. With The StandardX, I didn’t just want to curate an exhibition — I wanted to evoke a feeling.”And evoke it he has. Welcome to Bombastic X: where imagination rules, and Bangkok’s creative future feels vividly, undeniably alive.
