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Yuwadee

"Sawasdee ka! My name is Yuwadee Kengkasem. I was born on May 20, 1981 and grew up in a farmer family with two older sisters. I am a peaceful, orderly, funny, and happy person and I love my family and friends very much. Formerly, I was a country kid. I had duties, like helping with daily chores every morning before school and every evening after school. I would also farm with my parents. Weekends, I also helped my friends feed their cattle in the fields and at times we would fish in a reservoir.

"As I grew up, I never had any toys or dolls because my father had passed away and my mother did not have money. One day we went to a temple fair where I saw this gorgeous doll. I pestered my mother to buy it but she really could not afford it. I was so sad that I was still crying when we got back home. Then my mother pitied me so much that she went back to the temple fair and bought it. I know it was a difficult decision because we would have to do without something else but she did it anyway. It was the only time she bought any kind of doll for me and this left such a mark on me that you will see dolls in most of my work.

"I have enjoyed art since primary school. I then had a one-hour art class each week, which I liked to attend. I would be focused but also with a free mind, no role or pretence. My true and natural self would arise, allowing me to follow my heart, vision and feelings. Initially my interest in art was because it was something I could do better than anything else. But when I was in secondary school, my teacher saw that it was also because I unconsciously loved art and suggested I study this field in earnest. My teacher was encouraging and signed me up for art contests. And I would frequently take rewards back to school. I decided to study this field and to become an accomplished artist.

"I then left home to study for a bachelor's degree in fine art, majoring in graphic art. Because we are too poor, my mother could not support my studies so I asked the government for an education loan. It's a government policy to support Thai students who cannot get a scholarship. Now that I've graduated I will not disappoint anyone, including myself, and will be a good and successful artist. For it is now time to create and sell art to reimburse the loan and support my family. I was so proud and so glad when I sold my first piece of artwork. Not only because someone liked my style, but I could also make money by myself. It was very motivating and gave rise to some artistic willpower.

"Thai culture and traditions, as well as the rural and natural environment, evoke a kind and peaceful way of life. We live simply, smoothly; we do not fight, we take refuge in our culture and tradition, we go to the temple, make merit and listen to the dharma. These elements are ubiquitous in our lives and, regardless which country these elements are from, I believe that they inspire artistry in a specific way. My lifestyle, my environment, the things that happen around me and my own focus on things inspire me. I transform memories, feelings and emotions into artwork I love. But my artwork is not only painting or woodcuts expressing aspects of life or ideas. They have much more value; they are my life, ideas, feelings and more intrinsically they represent who I am. That's why I hope the art customers will truly appreciate my works with their heart."