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Natthida

"I am Natthida Sanwong, and every one calls me by my nickname, Oi. I was born in Chiang Mai on 11 June, 1972. My parents divorced when I was around 12-13 years old. I was close to my father before they separated, but after that I didn't see him that often. He passed away some years ago.

"Being the only child from a broken family didn't make me think I had any problems. On the contrary, it made me mature faster. I got used to being alone and doing many things on my own, which made me feel very independent.

"I hardly talked to my mother about my education, I just followed my friends. So even though I liked art from a very young age, there was no one to guide me, and I never knew about the possibility of studying art until just a few years ago. In 2002 I got the chance to enroll in a private art class to learn basic techniques, but it was only a short course. I studied the rest by myself by reading books, practice painting, and also learn from friends who I've met during my artist formation.

"After graduating from high school in my home town, I enrolled in Tourism in Phuket. The reason I did that was because I wanted to travel though my mother wasn't too pleased about it. I was studying and working at the same time, to support myself, and managed pretty well. I didn't ask for money from my mother, only during the last year of my studies, when I really needed some help regarding financial issues. My mother did help me.

"I met my German husband when I was 20 years old, in Phuket. I was working and training in a hotel. He was 29 years old at the time and he was traveling to Thailand on business. We ended-up staying together for 5 years and we had a daughter. As time went by, we separated because we found our own ways of life, but we are still good friends. I'm now happy with my daughter. Her father visits us several times a year, and we often visit him in his country.

"I am happy to be able to do what I like to do in life, so that is what I want to instill in my daughter. I'd like to see her as a happy person, because she would enjoy doing what she loves to do in life.

"I'm happy painting as well as doing handicrafts, design clothes, leather and even wood. Being able to paint and design makes me feel good. I always have ideas for these different types of work. I like to match every kind of material I find if I think they look nice and beautiful together.

"When I have the chance I like to travel. I enjoy going to different places and meet different people. It is also a source of inspiration from where I develop different themes for my work.

"I always enjoy life, as I think that life is such a big challenge. Problems may arise but I've never felt tired. There is always a solution to every problem, so I never give up.

"Getting involved with art is great. I think it's an amazing way to express my imagination, my thoughts and my feelings. I enjoy being myself and being able to express myself through my work.

"Thanks Novica for finding my work interesting, offering me the opportunity to further what I love to do, and reach other people via the internet. I really appreciate this and I do hope that people will enjoy seeing my work. Khob khun kha (thank you)."