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Sathit

"Sawasdee Krab, I'm Sathit Insom, from Chiang Mai province and I grew up with my family in the countryside. My parents were dedicated to agriculture, and the rice fields became my playground. I used to make scarecrows and they truly kept the birds away!

"I've loved art ever since I can remember. It was my favorite subject at school and at home I used to cut out the pictures I liked from books to keep in my drawing book. Mom wasn't all that pleased – I did actually ruin many important and worthy books that way. But I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find them again if I didn't keep them in my book. Those are memories I treasure.

"I got into Rajamangala Academy to study fine arts and that made me so proud because it is a renowned school and I learnt so much about art and I still use today what I learnt back then. My favorite was the Wai Kru annual art ceremony, in which students and alumni participate in. During the ceremony we share our favorite memories and thank our teachers for all their guidance, then we make a wish, pray and worship Ganesha, known as the God of Art. It's a good opportunity to catch up with friends.

"I used to prepare offerings for the ceremony shaping banana leaves into cones and including a bunch of ixora flowers, eggplant flowers, young grass, a candle and three incense sticks. The flowers symbolize intelligence and humility.

"After I graduated I continued my studies at Bangkok University, and when I finished I returned to Chiang Mai.

"At first I got commissions to paint about the region's different cultures for several hotels, and they mostly focused on the classic Lanna style. Some also asked me to paint portraits of Buddha but I always asked first where they were thinking of hanging the painting, because if it was intended for a spa, or the door of bathrooms I would refuse, explaining that Buddha is a God to Thai people and we pray and worship him.

"My hobby is going to different temples to learn more about Buddha and Buddhist images such as in wall paintings and sculptures. I am interested in Buddhist doctrine. The sculptures represent the prosperity of religion and show the lifestyle of local people during a specific period of time, like the Ayutthaya period.

"Studying Buddhist temples therefore teaches me a lot about history too, and this helps me paint in the appropriate style. I love going to small temples no one knows and always hope there's nobody inside. I love the idea that I may discover something new! I also want to go to our neighboring countries so I can learn even more.

"I believe Novica represents a good opportunity to present my work all over the world. It is also a way to show Thailand’s arts and culture too."