Illustrious artist Thaweesak "Lolay" Srithongdee has no hesitation when it comes to the arts. In addition to his recent collaborations with Absolut - the "Alien Wall" in Absolut Unique Gallery and fun sketches on sofas at Absolut Parc (Through Dec 31. Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon, facebook.com/absolutthailand) - Lolay draws, paints, and plucks his bass guitar in Happy Band. He is also currently building a new atelier in Hua Hin - all to indulge himself fully in his creative loves.

Normally I'm based in Bangkok. But I've started to work in my new studio here [in Hua Hin] these past few months, and now I spend half of my time here, and half in Bangkok. It will be my workspace for large-scale projects. The weather is obviously better and I get a lot of new ideas here. There's no traffic. I go back to Bangkok for meetings and band rehearsals.

HOW DO YOU STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN CREATIVE AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS?

It depends on each project. When I do my own work, I can fully put myself into it. When working on a commercial project, however, I have to look at what I can do and what the client's needs are without losing my creative identity. Basically, it's your main ideas that need to fit in with the given concept.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EVOLUTION OF YOUR OWN WORKS?

When I was younger I put more emphasis on form. However, meaning has later become more essential to me. I think, consider and analyse to get the meaning of what I want to express in my work first. Form now comes after.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT OBSESSIONS?

My current interests are travelling, local cultures, and ancient beliefs.

WILL THOSE INTERESTS MANIFEST IN YOUR WORKS?

Yes, but later, when my thoughts have crystallised. I will keep producing work until I get enough pieces for an exhibition. It will be like a collection of my thoughts.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

I watched a movie about psychology, so I started reading a book I just bought. I can't remember the title, but it's about the philosophy and psychology of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. There's also one I haven't finished yet - Salt: A World History [by Mark Kurlansky].

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO DO?

I still haven't had enough of what I'm currently doing. What I do should revolve around the arts. Every day is a new learning experience.

ANY WORDS OF ADVICE TO YOUNG ARTISTS?

Work hard. Keep on doing. The more you do, the more experience you gather.