art TALK
Online urban sketchers
- Published: 26/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Outlook
After over 30 years working in Singapore, retired architect Asnee Tasnaruangrong can now focus on what he enjoys most - drawing. He is now a correspondent to the US-based online artist network on Urbansketchers.com. Drawing helps connect him and his favourite places throughout Bangkok to artists across the world. Asnee shares his thoughts with Ploenpote Atthakor.
There are so many drawings of Wat Benchamabopit and Chinatown. Are they your favourite places?
Are you the only Thai on the Urban Sketchers site?
No. There are two. The other is a resident of Finland. This site is a network of 100 artists registered as correspondents who basically draw the city they live or travel to and then post on to the site. They are required to write a reportage to introduce the places they've drawn.
How long has it been since you first joined this site?
About one year ... when the site was established. It just celebrated its first anniversary on November 1. I wish more Thais knew of this website. So they can find out that drawing is not that difficult. They can even learn or improve their artistic skills by watching others draw. And you don't have to be a renowned artist to become a member of this site.
There are so many drawings of Wat Benchamabopit and Chinatown. Are they your favourite places?
Asnee Tasnaruangrong
Yes. Wat Benchamabopit is a landmark temple in the city. Small as it is, the temple's architecture is perfect. Chinatown developed at the same time the city expanded. It was the first downtown spot of Bangkok. The city's first high-rises were built here. Besides, my family first settled here as well.
How do the other correspondents react to your drawings?
Some say that my drawings inspire them to come and visit Bangkok. For those who have been here, the drawings ignite nostalgic feelings.
Visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/asnee or http://www.urbansketchers.com.
