Growing up in Victoria, Saxon Quinn was immersed in the art world from the moment he was born. Raised by his mother, a full-time artist, and father, a graphic designer and painter, it was almost inevitable that he would end up pursuing a creative path also.
Now based in the Northern Rivers, Saxon is best known for his colourful, abstract works featuring childlike motifs, some of which are directly inspired by his children’s own scribbles. As a long-time friend of the brand, we caught up with Saxon in the lead up to Father’s Day to find out how he’ll be celebrating with his kids, the influence of his creative parents, and the family rituals he holds most dear.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?
We’re a family of four. My wife, Cinthia, is originally from Rio de Janeiro. We met in 2016 on the beach at Bingin — I was heading home after a year in the States, and she was on her way to Australia. After an hour or so of exchanging glances from afar, a mate finally had enough and waved her over. We ended up getting married during the COVID lockdowns and now have two young girls (Irish twins), aged 2 and 3. We live in Murwillumbah, NSW, with our two little Yorkies and a handful of chickens.
Growing up in a home with both parents working as creatives, what early memories shaped your understanding of creating and sharing art?
As a kid, I drew non-stop—Mum kept all my sketchbooks—and I’d spend hours painting and playing with clay. From high school onwards, I shied away from art for a while and leaned more into design as a way to connect with and engage others. I saw design as a way to make money, while art felt like a space to express your personal self and political beliefs.
In high school (maybe earlier), I struggled in certain social settings and with anxiety. My mum, artist Dianne Coulter, would often suggest I paint. She didn’t explain much at the time — just a gentle “why don’t you do a painting?” now and then. It wasn’t until I was older that she shared the reason: painting could calm the overworked cogs in my head.
Those early memories shaped my understanding of art. Not just through watching Mum’s work and the deeper meaning behind it, but later in realising the personal power it held for me.
In what ways has your day-to-day life changed since becoming a father?
When I’m with my kids, I’ve definitely learnt to live more in the moment. I’ve also realised the importance of keeping home life and work life separate — and coffee dates have become a whole lot more entertaining.
Has becoming a father shifted the way you think about work–life balance?
I’m learning that work can wait. Emails, DMs, and messages can always be dealt with once I’m back in the studio.
The balance changes week to week depending on deadlines. If there’s nothing urgent, I’ll usually pick the kids up from childcare early (even though Cin tells me not to). But if a deadline’s looming, I’ll leave early and get home late. All in all, the work–life balance is really good and that’s thanks to the kids.
And what’s something your father taught you that you’ll teach your children?
From my dad: independence, problem-solving, and common sense.
From my mum: the importance of love and really listening.
Many of your works are imbued with a childlike sensibility. In what ways do your kids inspire you creatively?
They inspire me every day, whether it’s something they say, the way they cover a plane tray in stickers, scribble on the couch (or preferably on paper), visit the studio and tip monumental amounts of paint on themselves or on a canvas I’d already prepped, or just through their carefree freedom.
Looking forward, how do you hope your daughters might connect with or express their creativity? Do you ever imagine painting alongside them or passing on certain rituals?
If they find a creative outlet, that would be fantastic — but if they don’t, that’s cool too. We’ll probably keep painting together while they’re young and still think I’m fun. Who knows if they’ll want to when they’re older, if they do, wonderful!
What’s your go-to weekend routine with your kids? Any favourite places to visit?
Café for a babyccino and a croissant. If it’s hot, we’ll go to the beach; if it’s cold, we might head to the park or visit a nearby farm.
How will you be spending this Father’s Day?
I’ll try to swindle a nice lunch out with the family.
What’s something you would tell your younger self in preparation for parenthood?
Make them laugh, let them cry, and show them you love them every day.
