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Chiang Rai to Open the Khua Silapa (Art Bridge) Project in February

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Chiang Rai will open the Khua Silapa (Art Bridge) Project in February to be a pavilion for fellow artists. It’s a two-story pavilion, refurbished by ceramist Somluk Pantiboon. Inside, the pavilion will house a gallery, art school, restaurant, cafe, library and souvenir shop, perfect for folks and tourists to hangout during the day.

 

CHIANGRAI – Chiang Rai is finding various clever ways to toss off perceptions of it as a northern backwater, not least by becoming a role model for art communities. Early this month ceramist Somluk Pantiboon led a hundred Chiang Rai-based artists in launching the Khua Silapa (Art Bridge) Project.

They’ll begin welcoming fellow artists and other interested folks, including tourists, to their “art hub” starting in February.

Chiang Rai will open the Khua Silapa (Art Bridge) Project in February

Khua means “bridge” in the northern dialect, and for this project it refers to connecting art to society as a whole. It had its origins in the Chiang Rai Artist Fund, established with the inspiring help of National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who donated Bt500,000 to get it going. The fund supports those who toil for little pay and educates youth about art’s necessity in life.

Somluk realised a wholly sustainable community of friends helping friends was needed in the long term. The Khua Silapa Project will be housed in a pavilion with artwork on view for visitors. Non-artists will be able to just hang around in the friendly atmosphere and soak up the creative vibes.

For financing, apart from the sale of art and snacks, they’re offering shares in the project, priced at Bt1,000 to Bt10,000.

“Chiang Rai seems like a seed that’s growing, but it’s dependent on its surroundings,” says Somluk. “We have to build a sustainable community, and the Khua Silapa Project will give young artists a space to display their work.

Chiangrai’s Ceramist Somluk Pantiboon

“Art museums and galleries struggle to make ends meet, so we envision Khua Silapa as an easy-going hangout for local people and tourists, a perfect place to have a meal with friends and shop for creative goods.

“We believe it will also attract more artists, collectors and curators to move to Chiang Rai.”

“This is a social enterprise, but we’re hoping to compel the government to support an arts community here by starting it ourselves,” says artist Angkrit Ajchariyasophon, another co-founder. “We’re letting everyone join in by buying shares.

“Chiang Rai is growing, and we have information on all the artists working here, which we’ll use to further develop the art centre in the future.”

The 500-square-metre pavilion is in fact a two-storey former Chinese learning centre, refurbished by Somluk for Bt5 million. There’ll be a gallery, art school, restaurant, cafe, library and souvenir shop.

Somluk drew on the decor of his own Doi Din Daeng studio, outfitting the building in a modern style that still reflects rural life. Friendly to the environment and inexpensive to maintain, it has no air conditioners and is cooled instead by breezes. The furniture is old wood and a giant wooden entrance door is adorned with a mosaic made from floral tiles.

The ground floor has the gallery for temporary exhibitions of works by young and veteran artists around town. Native Chiang Rai artists will display bamboo sculptures in animal shapes and other forms that evoke nature.

And when the Asean Economic Community comes into being in 2015, display space will be available for work by artists from Vietnam, Laos, Burma and south China.

The souvenir shop will stock handicrafts such as textiles woven by artisans in Sob Moei district in Mae Hong Son, and herbal and handmade goods from publisher Suan Ngen Mee Ma.

“This should be an inspiration for improving the skills of local craftsmen,” says Angkrit. “They can learn about which products sell best and what the quality should be so they can sell at a higher price.”

The open-air restaurant promises to be a delight in the evenings, with delectable local dishes and beverages offered by veteran chefs and a beautiful river vista. Doi Chang will have its own cafe on the premises.

The art school on the second floor will train anyone who’s interested in the basics of watercolour painting and art history. Future plans also call for overnight accommodations for artists there.

“I did some research on artists’ homes in Chiang Rai and I noticed how hard it is for them to set up their own studios,” says Mae Fah Luang University instructor Pollavat Prapattong.

“The Khua Silapa Project will be another place for artists to show their work and another way to keep the town beautiful and pleasant. It will make people understand that being an artist is an honourable career.

“The artists in Chiang Rai have passed on their inspirations from generation to generation, and that explains why we had no trouble putting together a joint project like this.”

CREATIVE FUTURE

The Khua Silapa Project is expected to open its pavilion in February.

 For further information, call (053) 706 128 or visit the “ArtBridgeChiangRai” page on Facebook.

 See video at www.Nationmultimedia.com or www.Facebook.com, Sunday Leisure The Nation

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Artist Anna Chekh Showcases “Diversity of Shadow Man” at Icon Siam

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Artist Anna Chekh
Anna Chekh presents "Diversity of Shadow Man"

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.

Artist Anna Chekh

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.

Artist Anna Chekh

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.

Artist Anna Chekh

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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The Enduring Appeal of Custom Vinyl Stickers: Creativity on a Stick

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The Enduring Appeal of Custom Vinyl Stickers: Creativity on a Stick

In a digital age where personal and business branding evolves at lightning speed, one tactile marketing tool has remained as relevant and effective as ever: custom vinyl stickers. Versatile, durable, and colorful, these stickers offer an impactful way to convey messages, demonstrate personality, and even enhance brand visibility. This detailed exploration of custom vinyl stickers will reveal why they continue to be a preferred choice for both individuals and businesses, detailing their uses, benefits, and creative possibilities.

The Allure of Vinyl Stickers

Vinyl stickers aren’t just popular; they are a phenomenon in their own right. Their robustness and aesthetic appeal make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from car decals to storefront decorations. Here’s why they stand out:

Durability: Vinyl is a strong, flexible material resistant to environmental factors like UV rays and moisture. This makes vinyl stickers perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, as they don’t fade quickly or peel off easily.

Quality: The quality of printing on vinyl is generally higher than on other materials. Colors appear brighter and more vibrant, which is crucial for capturing attention and conveying specific styles or brands.

Customization: The adaptability of vinyl allows for a myriad of customization options in size, shape, color, and finish. Whether you need a glossy finish to catch the light or a matte finish to reduce glare, vinyl stickers can be tailored to meet specific requirements.

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:

  • Vehicle Decals: Custom vinyl stickers are often used to decorate cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their unique style or membership in clubs and communities.
  • Home Decor: Vinyl stickers can be applied to walls, furniture, and appliances, making them an easy way to revitalize a space without permanent changes.
  • Personal Belongings: Laptops, phone cases, and water bottles are commonly adorned with vinyl stickers to personalize everyday items.

Business Use:

  • Branding: Businesses use custom vinyl stickers as a cost-effective branding tool. Placing logo stickers on products, packaging, and even at physical locations enhances brand visibility.
  • Promotions: Companies often give away vinyl stickers as part of promotional campaigns. Because they are seen as a value-added item, stickers can improve customer satisfaction and retention.
  • Wayfinding: Vinyl stickers are excellent for directional purposes within businesses, helping guide customers and creating a more organized space.

The Design Process: From Concept to Completion

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.

Designing the Artwork: The first step involves designing the artwork. This can be done using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. The design must consider the intended size of the sticker to ensure that details are not lost in translation from screen to print.

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.

Printing and Cutting: Once the design is finalized, it’s printed using high-quality digital printers. After printing, the stickers are cut into the desired shape. Precision cutting is essential, especially for complex designs or shapes.

Quality Control: Before the stickers are packaged and sent out, they undergo quality control checks to ensure that every sticker meets the set standards of durability, color accuracy, and adhesion.

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.

Inspirational Quotes: Stickers with motivational quotes are perennial favorites. They can serve as personal reminders or inspirational gifts for others.

Artistic Collaborations: Collaborating with artists to create limited-edition sticker designs can add an exclusivity factor that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.

Eco-Friendly Messages: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, stickers promoting eco-friendly practices or green branding can resonate well with a conscientious audience.

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.

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Exploring Cloud Imagery and Cultural Expression: An Interview with Huaqi Liu

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Exploring Cloud Imagery and Cultural Expression: An Interview with Huaqi Liu

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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