Bic Walker

Illustrator, Inspirational Speaker

Born in Vietnam in 1974 Bic Walker escaped war torn Vietnam at the age of four. Bic’s experience as a refugee was the catalyst for her first Book A Safe Place to Live. This autobiographical chil­dren’s book recounts her experience in fleeing Vietnam with her family in 1979 on a tiny boat bound for freedom. The events that transpired are the stuff of Hollywood movies: attacked by pirates and left drifting in the open ocean without fuel, the family were finally rescued by a Canadian oil tanker. Bic and her family were transported to Malaysia where they waited for six months before being taken to Australia.

Where were you born?

I was born in Rach Gia which is near the boarder of Cambodia on the South West side of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

What themes are recurring in your work?

My themes revolve around multiculturalism and identity: growing up Asian in Australia, being an outsider and trying to fit in.

I also share my personal experience as child refugee.

I also talk about resilience and the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur.

What have been the highlights of your career?

My first book, A Safe Place to Live was included in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. I wanted to produce a picture book about my refugee experience so that it is able to reach people in places beyond the limitations of my personal boundaries. Also being a picture book, it was able to transcend across cultures, languages and even age.

What other jobs have you had?

I was trained and worked as an Architect for 10 years in some of the top firms in Melbourne.  But now I run my own stationery and gift business.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about how to build up resilience, how to establish and maintain identity and what defines leadership.  I am also passionate about sharing my experience and knowledge as a creative entrepreneur.

Haven’t I seen you before?

My story was published in Frankie magazine (issue 53). I have also been reviewed in The Herald sun, Progress Press and Melbourne Weekly. 

My cards and prints are also stocked in many shops in Melbourne as well as online.

 

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