Close Window

Pui

"Sawasdee Kha! I'm Thavee Khampantip, but you can call me Pui. My name, Thavee, means 'improving or advancing what is positive,' while my nickname refers to sodium nitrate, fertilizer, or sound – I know, a bit strange, but my parents really liked the sound of it, and that's how I came by my nickname.

"I was born on November 27, 1970, and I'm an easy-going person who likes to tell jokes. My older brother and I live with my parents in a warm family environment.

"After graduating from school, an aunt taught me how to paint parasols, which awoke in me an interest in art and in painting. When I learned all that I could, I got a job painting parasols in a workshop. Since then, I have moved around, always making a living from painting parasols. I've been doing this since 1992, and I have exhibited my work in several five-star hotels. Thanks to my aunt's teachings, I have been able to have steady work, look after my parents, and build my house.

"There have been times when I have considered changing careers, maybe bar-tending or sewing clothes, but I would never be able to stop painting parasols. Other careers besides painting are not stable.

"I make sure I enjoy my life by giving it my best everyday and loving everything I do. I will always do the things I love, until I can't do them anymore.

"The greatest challenge I have faced has been creating a new painting style where I can be successful. The result has been so beautiful that I'm deeply impressed by people's reactions to my art. At times painting can be very difficult, and at others it can be easy, but it never exceeds my patience or my strength. I am constantly painting new compositions, because I enjoy the creative process.

"Parasols are made from saa paper and bamboo, but nowadays it seems it's not quite as popular as before, so I had to try alternative means, and that's how I came to paint on cotton. It has been a nice surprise to see the result is just as nice, and that people appreciate it."