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Thanachai Maneewan

"My name is Thanachai Maneewan and my friends called me 'Saeb.' I was born on April 29, 1976. About 20 years ago, my house was a Thai boxing gym called Sid Wong Thong and my father was the trainer. But when I was about five or six years old, my parents divorced. I was too young to understand what was happening and later I got a new father. He is an arts instructor. He taught me the theories of art and how to paint. I can remember the first time I made a painting, it was the image of Buddha and I thought it was very beautiful. I lived with my new father along with my elder sister. After high school I enrolled in the arts faculty of a technology institute in the city.

"My life was as normal as any other youth in Thailand, but in a way I was special because I already knew as a child what I wanted to do in the future - yes exactly, the arts! When I studied I tried to develop my own style. I would go to many temples to paint and realized Thai and foreigners alike were interested in my work. Foreigners would try to paint the temples and Thai motifs but could not replicate them – they are not humble like the Thai people who have Buddha in their hearts.

"I adapted my painting to other materials eventually using cotton cloth to make it into a wall hanging. That way it can hang on the wall and show the beauty of Thai arts in any room. I develop my own style and also get ideas from books. I think ancient patterns are the best method and we should preserve them as much as we can. They have a philosophical story and meaning. I like to paint with this style because everyone recognizes the symbols and the doctrine of Buddha hidden in the painting. I think it also features the polite, mild, and kind character of the Thai people.

"What I want is for people who see my work to feel free in their mind - just that. Thank you for Novica for giving me the opportunity to present these proud works made from my heart."