Testimonial – Chatrawee Thongnak – Studio 88 Artist Residency

Chatrawee Thongnak, a textile artist based in Chiang Mai, was selected to participate in the Studio 88 x NY20+ residency. Pear reflected how this residency in Chengdu has broaden her perspective.

Upon learning about the opportunity, she was eager to join the program to connect with artists from various disciplines, exchange experiences, and acquire knowledge that would enhance her skills and inform her future projects. Additionally, as a textile enthusiast, she was fascinated by China’s rich silk culture, which has a history spanning over 5,000 years.

Before traveling to Chengdu, Chatrawee researched ways to connect her work with the local culture. She discovered that the hibiscus is Chengdu’s city flower, which inspired her to incorporate the floral patterns into her artwork. While in Chengdu, she explored the area, capturing photos and gathering inspiration from patterns found on ceramics.

Her project focused on dyeing silk fabric with natural indigo. Initially, she faced challenges adapting to the new environment. Dyeing fabric with indigo under different environmental conditions presented challenges that significantly influenced her results. The mistakes she encountered led her to develop new techniques and conduct a scientific experiment to explore how different types of water could affect silk supplied by NY20+. She believes this experimental process will inform her future work. She hopes that the techniques she discovered during her residency will resonate with audiences and inspire greater interest in her projects.

“The mistakes that happened became a new technique. I had a chance to learn from my mistakes and did a science experiment, and made a hypothesis about whether types of water affect silk. I felt that the whole process of a science experiment would contribute to my future work.”

A significant impact during her residency was her encounter with Teacher Liu, a master of Chinese ink brush painting. Meeting him broadened her horizons. She asked him where to begin learning about Chinese painting. He advised that studying Chinese history would be essential. This insight opened her eyes; She realized that understanding the historical context enriches the learning process. He also discussed the concept of negative space in art, explaining that artists intentionally leave gaps for viewers to engage their imagination. This perspective has deepened her art appreciation.

“Meeting with Teacher Liu, a master of Chinese ink brush painting, truly broadened my horizons. He told me that before you learn to paint Chinese painting, you must take a deep dive into the history. It was just a simple answer, but it opened my eyes.”