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Jartupat

"My name is Jartupat Prommee and my nick name is 'Jar.' I was born in northern Thailand on August 19, 1983 and am the second child in the family. I have one older brother who is away studying medical science in the university. We talk on the phone all the time. I can't say I have a perfect family because my parents divorced when I was 11, but my mother takes care of my brother and me, advises us and loves us. My brother also loves me and looks after me all the time. I love them so much. Mother works hard to support us, and I'd like to help her so she doesn't have to work as hard. So I work too, instead of going to college.

"I studied through the third level of primary school and went on for a vocational certificate, but at the time I wasn't really aware of art. I loved drawing with colored pencils and creating gifts for my friends. So afterward, I continued studying for a two-year diploma in fine art. I don't consider myself talented, but I practice a lot and always look for new styles for my painting. Today I have full time job but paint in my free time.

"I like to make merit each morning with my mother. She has taught me about good and bad, and encouraged me to do good since I was young. I think many teenagers forget Thai culture to follow the modern ways. But Thai culture teaches me to have a serene life and help others.

"When I was in vocational school, I had the opportunity to enter a painting in a statewide contest. I was nervous about my ability, but my friend gave me strength and confidence to compete. So I did, and won first prize. The contest brought a small trophy but I have a great trophy in my life – friendship.

"In my painting, I want to present something that is being lost over time – Thai games that only old people remember how to play. I feel good about this series. It presents the original Thai lifestyle and I think it's different from what other artists are doing. I like this series very much and feel good when others like it too."