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Prayard Tandee

"My name is Prayard Tandee and my nickname is Yard. I was born in April 1967 in Chiang Rai province, and I am the sixth child of seven siblings. My parents are farmers, and here in Thailand the children of farmers cannot afford to go on to higher education because of their financial situation. However, I was able to continue my studies because I entered Wat Prathat Doi Suthep temple as a novice. This is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. In this way I could study Buddhist philosophy, art and music, and I loved it.

"Unfortunately, my brothers and sisters had to interrupt their studies because they had to help my parents with the farm work, and they also had to find a job after harvest time. I love my family a lot, especially my mother who now is dead, but I always remember that she kept repeating to me, to be a good person and to help others as much as I could. She always said that money is not important and she encouraged my love for painting. I love painting more than anything else, and even if I am not rich, I am happy with my life.

"I live in a very small apartment with two cats that have become my good friends, and when I am alone they are a very good company. I like reading and playing the guitar.

"When I paint, I like to get as much information as I can about the subject that I am painting. For example I love elephants, and in Thailand's history, elephants are the best animals because they helped us during the wars. The white elephant is considered to represent Thai identity.

"It takes me one or two years to finish a painting. I go to see the elephants and read books about them, to make sure I make a realistic portrayal of them.

"I think that art never dies. It is my teacher, and my faithful friend. I should recommend to all Novica customers to come closer to art, and to use the Buddhist dharma in their life in order to find peace. Thanks to everyone for looking at, and buying, my pieces."