February 2024

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Wasana Srisang
Thai artists' contribution to society today is better, because it is no longer so high that it is out of reach.

Janine Yasovant
with Danin Adler

คลิกเพื่ออ่าน
บทความนี้
เป็นภาษาไทย

Wasana Srisang is an independent artist with an articulate and worldy, impression of her work.

JY. Tell us what you would like to share with readers around the world about acceptance of the work you create and what experiences you would like to share with new artists

WS. My art does not adhere to a style that must always have the same type of format. The stories that are conveyed differ depending on the situation. Places change, thoughts change.

During the time of change, the work landscape also changes. If the mind is not ready to do it, then it will not be done. There are no sketches, but it is a solution to the problem in the actual piece on the frame.

Personally, I graduated with a major in Thai Painting. Of course, my early paintings were in the ancient Thai tradition adhering to cultural traditions which the new generation may consider old-fashioned or outdated, but it is my pride to learn the roots of the culture, life and spirit of Thai artisans in the past. Using traditional colors, powder that comes from nature is fermented to be used for painting or even grinding rocks to turn them into paint. This is detailed work, takes time, and has a complicated process. With these various backgrounds, I have been shaped into a person who works in detail and meticulously.

Later, my style of work began to change to powder or natural colors not being able to meet the needs of my work. Acrylic paint was a new option that has played a part in developing my work. My art began to break away from the traditional style, gilded with gold, cut lines like traditional Thai art. Started to turn to the stories surrounding our way of life. At that time I had the opportunity to study in India. Impressions of folk life. People in a village made of clay. A simple but peaceful existence. Indian colors began to play a role in my paintings.

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An Indian teacher advised me to learn ancient Indian painting. Illustrations of Indian mythology. A brilliance in the use of color. During this time in India, my painting styles were of two types: Indian village- life style and portrait.

When I returned to live in Thailand, my thoughts changed back to wanting to draw the life of rural Thai communities. During that time I had the opportunity to help with temple work at Doi Tao. Therefore I had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of life of rural people. Rice fields on the edge of the horizon that are verdant.  And sometimes golden yellow as the seasons come and go. It's like my life and work will change without any attachment and may return to the traditional style. Which is true……returning to the various gods.

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With Thai people's belief in the gods Brahma, Shiva, Mae Uma, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Lord In, the Naga, Rahu, Thao Vessuwan, Guanyin, they are all deities that Thai people respect. Saimu science has begun to play a role in modern society. So I turned to drawing the gods using a combination of unique drawing techniques, which may have come from cultivating Thai painting mixed with Indian painting.

And when it got to the point of boredom creeping in again, I found  a new way, a new story until it resulted in a new work with the main character being a rabbit.

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In my modern works, I use rabbits as a creative medium. Why is it a rabbit? Rabbits are little animals that have been with humans for a long time. In many cultures Rabbits are considered symbols of good luck: abundance, wealth and a symbol of love in the family. Rabbits are therefore legendary animals. Various imagings become stories, Fairy tales with morals related to rabbits in each country.

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Thus, the Rabbit Theater in my imagination was born. Bringing together clothing that is unique to different nationalities. Impressed by the colors and beauty of the clothes. Headgear which is the evolution and culture of each race that shows that the country has had a great civilization and prosperity for a long time.

JY. Tell about your past history, life, studies both in Thailand and abroad.

WS . It is a life of studying art since vocational certificate studies at Samut Prakan Technical College (Bang Pu), the subject of study is Arts and Crafts. That is, I studied all types of handmade art, such as drawing, sculpting, casting, weaving, love work, Benjarong, pottery, leather goods, Thai painting. This institute sparked my desire to study Thai painting later on.

Vocational Certificate, Rajamangala Institute of Technology (Poh Chang), Major in Thai Painting. In the past, it was a difficult field to enter. There were many applicants. Along the way, you may not be able to complete your studies because of the stubbornness of the teacher who wishes the best for his students.

Bachelor's degree from Rajamangala Institute of Technology (Khlong Hok) was a study pattern that continues from Poh Chang to Rajamangala University of Technology (Khlong Hok). Study for two years and receive a degree. During that time, I majored in Thai painting in the teacher field (studying to be an art teacher) because I didn't have a direct line (studying to be an artist).

After finishing my bachelor's degree, I began drawing pictures and submitting them to competitions in various stages. I received this first award, the Bronze Medal for Bang Luang Painting, and submitted to competitions in various institutions and continually received awards until deciding to continue studying

Advance diploma program at Visva-Bharati University Shantiniketan,
India. Sent the application via international post. Waited for a year not knowing if I will be selected to study or not. Did the document get lost along the way? There was no answer, so I set out to find the answer. The reason why I chose this place as a learning center was because my girlfriend invited me to follow in the footsteps of Ajahn Fue Haripitak and thought that this place would expand on the mural work. I wanted to study mural conservation work. All I know is that it is an immortal place that has cultivated many artists.

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But the result is that there was no teaching about conservation work. And as a result of the admissions selection, I was chosen and was therefore confused...confused. The course I studied was an Advance Diploma or Master's degree diploma. Just study, practice, no need to study theory. Practical subjects are studied together with master's degree students. The selection of people to study there makes me very proud. In one room there were Indian students who came from each state uniquely, as was the principle intention of the institute's founders. To be the center point between the West and the East, without borders. There were 12 Indian friends in the class. One foreigner would be chosen to study in each class. That is, I was the only foreigner in the class. It took me two years to study.

Teaching there doesn't have a teacher who comes along to teach you.You have to take responsibility for yourself and do the work. It's a time for the teacher to give guidance on what areas we should study further without taking the teacher's opinions into our work. Freedom of thought . In one semester, check work twice. You have to do your best work and on exam day your performance will be the indicator. All students in the faculty and the general public can view the work you have done throughout the semester.

After graduating, I continued to live and study for another year in India. Had the opportunity to go to the southern tip of India. I wanted to study mural painting in Kerala, which I studied in a concise manner and did not take long because I have a background in Thai painting which is popular at the Guruwayu Institute. Overall drawing and coloring hits the same line. Similar natural color sources. The difference is that the glue, the bonding agent and the method of making the wall are very different.

Overall, life in education in India is rich because it is not only in the classroom. But it is the life that I have to live in society, my village, my neighbors, including how to travel safely. Happy and comfortable, India is a good answer to life. Poor or rich are on the same train car. There are cars, motorcycles, bicycles, cows, goats, dogs, cats, and donkeys on the same road. It is a city that teaches you how to live your best life.

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JY. Which artist's work do you like the most? Can be a Thai or foreign artist.

WS. The artist I especially admire is Gustav Klimt. Thai artists like the work of Master Chalerm Nakiraks.

JY. To what extent are you satisfied with your past work?

WS. I am satisfied with my past work that every piece was successful. I liked it during that time. But looking back, there may be things that need to be corrected. It will be developed in the next piece.

JY. What about your materials and techniques the artists you have worked with?

WS. Painting equipment and techniques are individual matters. Must simply try and practice. Do it yourself and you will know. Choose good quality things first. Don't be selfish with cheap things. Expensive things can shorten the work time a lot, such as high series colors. Mix colors however you want. But low series colors, no matter how you mix it, it doesn't work as you want. I accidentally mixed it until I had to throw it away.

I once participated in a painting project with my boyfriend (Kritsana Chuankunakorn) and participated in creating a painting in the church of Anantamethayaram Temple, Singapore. It took three years to draw with just two people. But I had the opportunity to see some of the big art exhibitions that Singapore held during my time there. In most art exhibitions, I always performed alongside Kritsana.

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Thai artists' contribution to society today is considered even better. The new generation clearly has access to art. Popular street art, people who have not learned about art can absorb it and understand it. Just seeing the colors makes them amazed. The more tangible works of art, people who watch as part of the event create more happiness and fun with the audience. It's not a one-way communication, but there are people who receive the message and have access to the message that the creator wants to present. Art is no longer a matter that is so high that it is out of reach.

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Danin Adler

คลิกเพื่ออ่าน
บทความนี้
เป็นภาษาไทย

Janine Yasovant is a writer and art collector in Chiang Mai, Thailand and a Senior Writer for Scene4. For more of her commentary and articles,
check the Archives.

©2024 Janine Yasovant
©2024 Publication Scene4 Magazine

 

 

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