Art and Artists
Artist Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit finds Happiness in Chiang Rai Mountains
Sriwan likes to spend time in her home studio. She creates many water-colours themed around the reality of life. Photos by Tawatchai Kemgumnerd
CHIANG RAI – Painter, artist Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit never feels lonely even though she lives a secluded life on a mountain in Chiang Rai.
Her reputation attracts visitors from near and far to her house tucked away on Doi Sa-ngo in Chiang Saen district.
Painter, artist Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit
Her house also serves as an art gallery, nestling among the forest, and she always welcomes her guests with open arms.
Thai and foreign art aficionados regularly pop in for a visit and Sriwan is always on hand to show them around the Sri Don Moon Art Space gallery where they can appreciate her paintings and works of art.
Visitors can also soak up the relaxing natural surroundings on her one rai of land which is not far from the Golden Triangle.
At the age of 61, Sriwan needs a walking stick to support herself. But she still brims with spirit and vigour.
Most importantly, the hairstyle she sports is proof of her self-confidence. She has her hair cut short on the sides while the top is grown long and combed back into a pony tail.
About 10 years ago, Sriwan moved from Bangkok to Ban Sri Don Moon in Chiang Rai where she intends to spend the rest of her life in peace and seclusion, yet full of artistic creativity.
“I moved here more than 10 years ago,” she said. “It began when my friends and I came here on a trip, and some of them bought land plots to live here. We divided up the land among us and built homes. My home has an office and a room for storing and displaying my paintings.
“I had intended to live here after my retirement. But as it happened, I went into early retirement and came to live here,” she said.
The pavilion in the compound of her home is an open space that welcomes visitors. Most of the regular guests are children of Akha hilltribe villagers living nearby, who are keen on painting.
“The villagers are like the fences around my house. Their children are keen to learn painting. We provide paint and paper for them. They have freedom to express themselves through painting. They also get free meals here,” Sriwan said.
Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit with hilltribe children she teaches at her home in Chiang Rai.
The children’s paintings are used as postcards and sold as souvenirs to tourists visiting the Golden Triangle and at a resort near her house. They make 200-300 baht from selling their post cards on Saturday and Sunday which they use to support their families.
Many of them show great promise as painters and Sriwan is helping them to put together portfolios of their work.
“Their parents have no worries when their children are here. They are good neighbours so I don’t feel lonely,” she said.
Often she enjoys the company of fellow artists and former students who visit her.
She is also more than happy to do her bit to support charities or other causes. She was, for instance, among the artists who allowed their creations to be auctioned to raise funds for anti-government demonstrations led by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee.
She has been recognised as one of the country’s leading painters and received several awards. Her work has been put on display at art exhibitions both at home and abroad. Her paintings are also sought-after items among art collectors.
Sriwan graduated from Poh Chang Academy of Arts
Many of her works are inspired by the teachings of Buddhism which centre around the impermanent and ever-changing nature of life.
Sriwan was once involved in a car accident and had to stay in bed at hospital alone.
“For once I feared death very much, apart from being afraid of ghosts. I got to read a book, The Miracle of Being Awake, by Thich Nhat Hanh, which helped lessen my fear and made me feel more mindful.
“Reading dhamma books also helps deal with the stress of work. Working on art also helps free the mind of suffering,” Sriwan said.
Born into a Chinese family on the banks of Khlong Phasicharoen on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok, Sriwan was an adventurous type who liked to try new things when she was young.
She said she once participated in a “grave-cleaning” ritual in which the remains of the dead are dug up and burned when the graveyard is full, so that there is enough space for the newly deceased.
Her reputation attracts visitors from near and far to her house tucked away on Doi Sa-ngo in Chiang Saen district
Sriwan graduated from Poh Chang Academy of Arts and obtained a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in fine arts from Silpakorn University’s faculty of painting, sculpture and graphic arts.
She started out as a teacher at Nakhon Ratchasima Technical College and her last teaching job was at Srinakharinwirot University, Prasarnmitr campus, before going into early retirement and settling in Chiang Rai about 10 years ago.
If she has no engagements elsewhere, she will spend the entire day painting at her house on the mountain. She also paints murals as well as repairs old ones at several local temples in the North.
“I don’t expect to get rich selling my paintings. I’ve got my pension, which is enough for me to live on. I am ready to spend the rest of my life doing work for the good of society,” she said.
When a powerful earthquake and hundreds of aftershocks hit Chiang Rai and other northern provinces in May, a group of famous artists in the North joined forces to raise money to help quake victims and they invited Sriwan to join them.
“I don’t see myself as a great artist. But I’m proud to be a teacher,” she said.
International contemporary artist Anna Chekh presents “Diversity of Shadow Man.” The artist showcases her trendy 3D art objects, a large Shadow Man sculpture, digital art, art prints, and innovative 3D pictures at the ArtVentureNFT gallery (1st floor, Icon Siam).
Step into the captivating world of “Shadow Man” by international contemporary artist Anna Chekh, where her iconic art character unveils the rich tapestry of her artistic vision. This enigmatic figure symbolizes curiosity and exploration of the world while steadfastly guarding his private life and values, embodying a faceless hero for the public. Shadow Man reflects the spirit of our generation, resonating with profound insights and captivating storytelling.
The exhibition features a collection of unique art objects from Chekh’s acclaimed ‘Shadow Man’ series, previously showcased at prestigious international venues including DIFC Art Nights in Dubai and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Soon, this compelling collection will be presented in Miami, New York, and Venice.
Alongside the ‘Shadow Man’ series, Anna Chekh presents a captivating selection of paintings, art prints, and digital artworks. Delve into the symbolic narrative crafted by Chekh, blending neo-symbolism with surrealistic elements to offer a profound visual journey into the human psyche and societal themes.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Anna Chekh extends her creative vision across various mediums, from traditional canvases and sculptures to cutting-edge NFTs, interactive installations, and innovative web 3.0 projects.
Her artworks, celebrated for their depth and innovation, have been showcased at esteemed venues worldwide from New York and Tokyo to Bangkok and Dubai, including the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.
Anna has received numerous prestigious awards, including Best Innovative NFT 2024 and Best Phygital NFT 2023 (Dubai, Burj Khalifa).
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Uses of Custom Vinyl Stickers
The uses of custom vinyl stickers are as varied as they are imaginative. Here are some of the most popular applications:
Personal Use:
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Business Use:
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Creating custom vinyl stickers is an art form that involves several steps to ensure the final product perfectly captures the intended aesthetic and functional needs.
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Choosing the Right Vinyl: There are different types of vinyl, each suitable for different conditions. For instance, cast vinyl is better for outdoor use due to its ability to withstand harsher conditions, whereas calendared vinyl might be sufficient for indoor use.
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Creative Ideas for Vinyl Sticker Designs
Seasonal Themes: Capitalize on holiday seasons by creating themed stickers that can be used as part of promotional packages or as seasonal decorations.
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Conclusion
The charm of custom vinyl stickers lies in their simplicity and the profound impact they can have. Whether used to inject a bit of fun into personal items, add a professional touch to business products, or anything in between, vinyl stickers are an excellent choice for those looking to make a statement in a durable, customizable, and cost-effective way. As they continue to stick around in various forms, it’s clear that when it comes to making a mark, few options are as enduring—and adhesive—as vinyl stickers.
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Huaqi Liu, a talented artist whose journey into the world of painting began at the age of 16. Over the years, Liu has explored various artistic styles, beginning with traditional Chinese painting. As he delved deeper into his craft, his journey led him to evolve his artistic expression, and Liu’s passion for painting endured and flourished. This evolution has been marked by a natural progression, driven by his inner creative spark and ongoing exploration of different artistic mediums and techniques.
Q: Could you discuss some of the awards and recognition you’ve received in recent years, such as the Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from the City of Baltimore in 2022?
Huaqi Liu: The Mayoral Certificate of Recognition was my project where I taught children to draw and handled technical aspects like video tech. We connected children from Baltimore and Korea through artwork exchanges, culminating in an exhibition of the children’s art.
Q: In 2023, you gave a lecture titled “Clouds and Chinese Destiny” at the GFA department of the Maryland Institute College of Art. What was the focus of this lecture?
Huaqi Liu: I was invited by a friend who teaches at MICA. I shared my experiences from struggling to integrate into the American environment during my undergraduate studies to eventually applying for exhibitions. During the interactive session, students were interested in my projects, which led to discussions about my artwork. I shared the story about why I chose clouds as my subject, and what’s the meaning in Chinese traditional aesthetic.
Q: What style or genre of painting are you currently studying or practicing, and how would you define your own style?
Huaqi Liu: I don’t confine myself to a particular genre. Six years ago, I might have called myself an abstract artist, but now I feel it’s unnecessary to frame myself in that way.
Q: Who are some of your favorite and least favorite artists, and why?
Huaqi Liu: My top favorite artist is René Magritte because of his journey from wealth to poverty and his determination to pursue art with just a pen. I admire his innovation, especially his use of light strokes. Monet’s use of color and brushstrokes also influences my work, capturing the atmosphere and romanticism that I seek. I’m not fond of art that depicts violence or explicit sexuality as I find these themes aesthetically tiresome. I prefer art that allows for interpretation and symbolism, fostering a connection between the artist and the viewer.
Q: You have numerous publications, such as the academic paper “Cloud-infused artistry: unraveling the enigmatic bond between destiny and oil painting” in 2024. Could you share the significance of these awards and publications, along with the stories behind them?
Huaqi Liu: “Cloud-infused artistry” is an academic paper I wrote at the end of 2023, published in the CPCI journal. It provides a detailed explanation of my artwork, including my techniques using clouds and colors, and explores contemporary artists’ interest in clouds. For instance, there’s a contemporary artist who visualizes weather patterns with computer-generated lines, reflecting my own interest in clouds and their connection to human fate.
Q: How do you understand the role of this art form in society, and what value does it bring to you in terms of joy or fulfillment?
Huaqi Liu: Painting is a form of emotional output for me. It’s a sanctuary in the chaos of life, allowing me to express myself authentically. Though it can be stressful, I find solace in the process. Through my art, I aim to showcase my cultural contributions as an immigrant in America and my appreciation for multiculturalism. I hope when people see my work, they can resonate with me, that’s my goal.
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