Holding on to happiness

Holding on to happiness

Artist Suwannee Sarakana spoke to Life about her latest exhibition and the importance of following your passion

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Holding on to happiness
Suwannee Sarakana and her solo exhibition 'Holding Onto Joy'. (Photos: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

Suwannee Sarakana realised the uncertainty of happiness at her daughter's kindergarten graduation ceremony when she bought a colourful whale-shaped balloon for her six-year-old. Unfortunately, the balloon slipped out of her daughter's hand.

Though upset, Suwannee decided to buy her daughter a new balloon, however, she lost the second one as well after she returned home that day.

This incident later became an inspiration for Suwannee, who is also an artist, to create an exhibition titled "Holding Onto Joy", which is now on display at Number1Gallery. "Holding Onto Joy" aims to remind visitors that it's best to nurture and preserve whatever it is that makes them happy.

"I taught my daughter to tie a balloon to a bottle, so it won't fly away," the artist recalled. "For me, the balloon represents happiness since it is used as a decorative item at many parties. If we want our happiness to stay with us longer, we should know how to hold on to it."

The 44-year-old artist is celebrated for her paintings which portray poor but loving families. Having grown up in a farming family with a carpenter father in Amnat Charoen province, Suwannee received support to paint ever since she was a junior high school student. With a bachelor's and master's degree from the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University, her unique oil paintings have won many awards including the Silpa Bhirasri Creativity Grant in 2012 and 1st prize at UOB Painting of the Year in 2011. And last October, some of her paintings from "Holding Onto Joy" were exhibited at Art Expo Malaysia.

"Holding Onto Joy" features 12 oil and acrylic on canvas paintings. This collection is different from Suwannee's previous artworks because it is her first fantasy collection.

"As a mother, I focus on my daughter who has lots of imagination. She likes to question me by using her imagination and I have to keep up with her fancy ideas. I wanted to work on something that relates to my daughter which is why I created a fantasy collection which was fun to work with."

Life spoke to Suwannee about her latest collection "Holding Onto Joy", her life, and her experience in the art industry.

Float Away was inspired by the PM2.5 dust pollution crisis.

Did your family ever oppose your dream to be an artist?

No. They supported me because I always received scholarships. I was poor but I was always a good student. Since I am from the countryside, difficulties didn't bother me too much and I was always patient and determined. When an instructor assigned students to work on one painting, I created five so I learned more techniques. It was fun to do what I loved.

Why do you like to create paintings about family?

My parents divorced and their separation devastated me. It is a significant issue for me and I have always tried to console myself by saying that though our family members have separated, we are still a loving family. We love one another and when a family member has a hard time, we still receive support from others.

Can you tell us more about the paintings in the collection?

Love's Distance and Float Away were created during the PM2.5 dust pollution crisis. In these paintings, my daughter and I are seen wearing masks and floating in the sky while the airplane refers to my husband who lives in the US. I am worried about dust pollution and I want to protect my daughter and keep her away from its hazardous effects. I painted Little Mermaid And Mother because my daughter likes mermaids while I like trees and flowers. This painting depicts how a mother and a daughter can share their imaginations. In this painting, we are mermaids in a garden because I prefer woods to the sea.

Little Mermaid And Mother demonstrates the love and connection between a mother and a daughter.

Why is the painting The Innocence Of Flowers full of trees and flowers but doesn't include a balloon like the others?

I like trees, plants and flowers. Whenever I feel frustrated, I like to go to Chatuchak Plant and Flower Market to wander around and feel better. This painting was created at a time when I wanted to draw a painting for myself. When I draw a painting with flowers and plants, I feel relaxed as I get to spend time with nature.

What do cartoon characters on balloons portray in your painting?

Balloons represent colours and happiness. The characters on balloons represent a child's imagination. Cartoons and fairy tales provide us with imagination and morals. In my collection, the cartoon and fairy tale characters symbolise imagination and freedom.

What do you expect from this exhibition?

I wish visitors will be happy when they see 'Holding Onto Joy'. I think they will be happy with the colours, shapes and symbols in my paintings.

You were awarded many prizes. Do you plan to attend any more contests in the future?

No. I won't attend any contest in the future. For contests, we must create a painting that all judges agree is perfect. At this time, I want to create a collection for myself. Some of my artworks aren't perfect but they are intriguing and distinctive and one painting will be a source of development for another painting.

What was your most memorable field trip?

I was impressed with 789 Art Zone or the 789 Art District in Beijing. It is a large area with old-style architecture. There are many galleries and artworks in various forms including paintings, sculptures and installations created by young artists. I learned lots of techniques that I could apply to my own works. I wish we had this kind of area for art in Thailand.

"Holding Onto Joy" runs at Number1Gallery, Silom 21, until July 25. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/pages.number1gallery or 02-630-2523 for more information.

Suwannee drew The Innocence Of Flowers for herself.

Balloons represent colourful and happiness.

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