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An interview with Ratanaslip located Bangkok
Art has been a form of communication for people for tens of thousands of years.
Whether you’re looking at some of the first cave drawings or a stone sculpture, these pieces were created to share stories and record experiences. Art is able to connect people from different times and cultures when words fail. There are no language barriers. Just images with a shared understanding.
Sirirat Chakasemkit - owner of Ratanaslip, is creating art that connects others to his roots by focusing on images that express Thainess. With help from his sister, he’s able to create a variety of images, big and small, that are as beautiful as they are meaningful.
Sirirat started out with plenty of inspiration, but the skill took some time. A lot of trial and error was necessary for him to master the perfect method. He didn’t study directly in the area. In the beginning he purchased a piece of art similar to what he wanted to create and studied it. Then tried to recreate it. Through this practice s lowly he was able to develop his own products and improve his method. The continuous production is the reason why he was able to keep improving.
Once he was able to consistently produce pieces he was satisfied with, he was able to move on from simple images and create pieces based on Thai culture and traditions. It was at this time that he also felt confident enough to branch out and create pieces based on specific requests from customers as well. The images aren’t the only thing with a connection to Thailand. The materials they use are mainly from there as well. Special orders are placed with the SAA Paper Factory within the northern area of Thailand.
From wildlife and flowers to antique maps and Buddha's, there’s a wide selection of images to choose from. Each symbolizing a special piece of Thailand that Sirirat wants to share with the rest of the world. When asked if there’s anything he’d like to share with his customers he shared that
“When seeing the work, I want you to think of Thailand both as the country of origin and the manufacturer of the work that has intended to produce the work.”
It’s very important to him that his customers understand the connection between his art and his heritage. If you’re looking to add a piece of art to your home, we highly recommend checking out Sirirat’s work. Whatever one you choose will have a deep connection to a wonderful Thailand artisan and his culture.
