Following one's dream entails the risk that there may not be success waiting down the road.
However, that hasn't stopped people like Sopanut "New" Somrattanakul, an art innovator from doing what he loves. Sopanut has been lucky to reap the fruit of his passion and dedication.
But unlike many artists fired up by sentimentality, he works his art magic by using an alchemy combining aesthetics with practicality.
Realising a life goal takes tremendous time and effort. At the age of 25, Sopanut decided to quit his job in an advertising firm, knowing full well he had sacrificed his main source of financial security in exchange for an interest that was his true calling.
Sopanut took a different tack and devoted his time and energy putting together a signature artwork themed Jib Way La (Take a Sip of Time), which went on to win the prestigious Innovative Craft Award.
Sopanut picks a tree root and metals as the main elements of his artworks created under the concept of ‘Surreal Hospitality’.
The young artist wanted to apply his artistry in the creation of items that people can actually use, touch and feel, and not just be confined to art galleries. His attention turned to a field where the artworks he designs are afforded "visibility" -- in front of people, including foreign visitors -- on the walls.
That marked the origin of the theme of this year's Innovative Craft Award whose concept was "Surreal Hospitality", which provided a perfect fit for Sopanut's artworks.
He envisages his artworks showing off elements of metals alongside natural features such as a cross-section of tree roots. The works can be displayed at both hotel and guesthouse lobbies.
Sopanut has not let his creativity stop at his current presentation of art creations. The thought of how to branch out and make his artwork accessible to consumers, similar to the line of ready-to-assemble merchandise sold by the global Scandinavian brand, has also crossed his mind.
Sopanut said his trip to a seaside resort sparked his artistic idea. He had time to himself as he was alone on a beach. Despite the serenity of the area, there was something dynamic going on as the waves washed gently against the shores.
A lot of what goes unnoticed can hold sentimental or intrinsic value. If people can create something from what they have neglected or overlooked using a set of materials that are thought to be the least compatible, their creations could be one of a kind and deliver useful functions.
He recalled his moments by the sea were as relaxing and rewarding. "I wanted to capture it in my mind, just like when we take a sip of good coffee. That's how I came up with my artwork title," Sopanut said.
Metal strips were melted and fused with a tree root cutting to form a distinctive hanging art piece.
The artist tells his story through the crafts he put together, which boast a modern design by combining metal with woodwork.
Sopanut surveyed an area of Chom Bung district of the western province of Ratchaburi where he learned from local carpenters about the distinct properties and characteristics of metal and woods.
"We picked tree roots which the local artisans made into furniture and some that were thrown away. We then redesigned them by cutting them into blocks and embedded metal pieces into them.
"The locals were also proud to be part of the art creation," he said.
The art pieces can be featured as wall art for hotels. He explained that the shiny metal surface was designed to imitate the reflection of sunlight on ripples of water, giving off a sense of calm and peacefulness, which represents an antidote to people's busy lifestyles.
He added that the tree roots are an allusion to the earth. The craft works are merely a product of the collaboration of many parties, from local carpenters to electricians.
"This work doesn't only belong to me, but everyone involved in making it. I think it is important for artists to put their heart, their soul, their spirit into their work to come up with something that is full-bodied," Sopanut said.
Sopanut studied decorative arts at Silpakorn University. He worked at a leading advertising company before he was approached to take part in the Innovative Craft Awards.
He had previously participated in a few art competitions although he did not feel the need to win awards. But with the coveted Innovative Craft Award, he exuded confidence that his works stood a promising chance of scooping up prizes. The source of his confidence came after he had consulted veteran artists and collaborated with individuals knowledgeable in art.
The Innovative Craft Award 2019 was hosted by the SACICT or The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand. This year, 127 contestants entered the competition and Sopanut's crafts fitted the concept of "Surreal Hospitality", which translated into art objects, which were judged to have answered the needs of prospective consumers.
These designs will go on display at Wayuphak conference hall at the Government Complex.
"We believe that Sopanut's creation will give people a fresh perspective allowing arts to be fully appreciated," said SACICT president Ampawan Pichalai.
"The 'Surreal Hospitality' concept encapsulates a sense of indulgence where people can appreciate arts outside of museums or galleries.
"We want everyone to see these craft works, which are the fruit of the collaboration of many sectors -- the tourism industry, hotels, designers and local artists.
"We want the artworks to give people a 'surreal' experience, which can be relaxing and soothing to the mind and a break from their busy pace of life."
However, Sopanut said the crafts and artwork industry in Thailand is not being promoted as much as it should be. So it has always been the private sector which has to struggle to make the works known to the public.
The "Jib Way La" themed artworks will go on display at an exhibition at the end of the year in Chiang Mai along with other art pieces from around the world.
