Close Window

Mana Kwangsue

"Sawasdee krap! Let me introduce myself. My name is Mana Kwangsue but my nickname is Shokun. I was born March 31, 1970, the first of two children. My father is a barber and my mother is a shopkeeper. We come from Pitsanulok province. My parents gave me a house there to live and use as an art studio because they live in another district.

"When I was young, my family was poor and we moved to many places. My father went abroad for a job, so my mother took care of my brother and me by herself. I started painting when I was young – painting was my own world. We couldn't afford toys so this was all the amusement I had. From second grade until high school, I participated in many painting competitions. Because I love art, I was able to study fine art at Chiang Mai University. During the time I was there, I sold my paintings to cover my expenses. After graduating, I lived as a painter and had the opportunity to meet many artists.

"My paintings are impressionist in style and I work in oils. My themes deal with nature and Thailand's lifestyles.

"Happiness is all around us. It's up to us to take it or leave it. I live my life doing something I love, and I do my best. My wife is a homemaker and our daughter was born in 1993; she is really good at her studies. I want to enjoy my family and also my art. I will always practice and develop my work.

"After I graduated from the university, I didn't look for a job. I just painted. Long ago in Thai society, people did not consider art as a career option, only a hobby. But for me it was always a career and I am so proud of it. To be an artist was my childhood dream. I will paint for the rest of my life.

"I once went up to Phuhinrongkla mountain for four months. This was most impressive experience in my life. I painted nature and I held a small exhibition there. At first, I thought no one would be interested in my work but I was wrong. Many people were interested and bought my paintings. I also met many people and exchanged our concepts of life. I am so glad that art can connect people.

"All of my paintings are important. Each has a different perspective but they all arise from the concept of nature. A few years ago, I studied landscapes. It was fun and I was so happy to paint flowers, plants and the atmosphere of northern Thailand. I feel free, private and relaxed every time I paint from nature.

"The process of my work is painting real landscapes. I like depicting them because I can touch nature. I often take a photo and then paint in my studio. I decorate our house with lots of my art work. Each new painting gives the house a new atmosphere. My goal is to be able to take care of my family and my parents when they are old. And I want to be an acceptable artist for many people.

"With my paintings, color and happiness are really close to you. Please enjoy them."

Since 1991, Kwangsue has exhibited his work throughout Thailand.