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Chaiwichit Sitthiwong

"I'm Chaiwichit Sitthiwong. I was born in a small village in northern Thailand on October 1, 1977. My family is just my mother and me, since my parents separated when I was very young. I've only seen my father two or three times ever since. However, I've never missed him being around that much, because my mother loves me so much, and I also love her. I think that my mother is very beautiful; she used to be a traditional Thai dancer. She danced and taught our legendary dances, especially for temple festivals. She taught me how to perform the Krabee-Krabong (Sword-Club) dance; the dance resembles a fight executed with wooden weaponry. My friends and I always used to perform this dance at the temple when we were children.

"When I was a teenager my main interest was to explore the world. One day, a friend showed me a maple leaf from Phu Kra Dung, one of the most famous tourist sites in Thailand. I made up my mind to go, but had no money to travel, so I took a part-time job until I had enough. My friends and I drove a pick-up truck to Phu Kra Dung – it took us a whole day to get there. The place is very beautiful and we had to walk for about eight hours to get to the mountaintop! This trip meant a lot to me, for it was the first time I had left home and I grew to appreciate the beauty of nature.

"When I was about 19 or 20 years old, I decided to continue my studies in Bangkok, majoring in fine arts. I knew I could get a better education in the big city and friends encouraged me. I had to live there for about two or three months before presenting the entrance exams. I went to Bangkok with three of my friends, and none of us had ever been there before. During that time, we attended tutoring classes to prepare for the exams and we really enjoyed the time we spent there, learning to get by on our own.

"I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Art. I love to paint very much. After graduating, I began work as an art teacher in a vocational school. I realized, however, that I don't have the skills to be a teacher, so I decided this wasn't the kind of life I wanted and I quit to open a coffee shop. This leaves me time to paint and exhibit my work in my coffee shop. I also exhibit at another friend's shop, and in some galleries.

"There is no other job I'd rather to do but paint. Moreover, I know I can count on my mother's full support. She has always encouraged me to do what I want and to fulfill my dreams. I hope one day in the future I can have an individual painting exhibition in an important gallery.

"My favorite themes to paint are traditional Thai styles as well as the nature that surrounds me. My main inspiration comes from my hometown, which you'll be able to get to know through my paintings. You'll see the fertile lands and the effect of changing seasons. And, I would like to suggest to you that if you ever have a chance, don't hesitate to visit my hometown!"