Meet artist and illustrator from Bangkok, Suthipa Kamyam

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am an artist / illustrator based in Bangkok, with a background in graphic design and creative art. My work focuses on diverse storytelling blending reality with imagination through my perspective and passion for mystery of nature, tales and memories.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Bangkok is a big city with full of mixtures. It’s kind of fun just walking and explore the city and people.

 

Bangkok is a big city with full of mixtures. It’s kind of fun just walking and explore the city and people.

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing to live here is to be in the centre of everything like shops, events and concerts that support the creative community. While the worst is its city environment, which is too crowded, polluted, lack of nature and crazy traffic jam.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Independent / Fun / Tough

 

How did you start your career in art?

I started drawing in 2010 while I was studying in Sweden. At that time, I was inspired by the nature I had never seen, which was very much different from the place I grew up. So I started to keep the memories as drawings and firstly sold my work in the school Christmas market, then the career began.

 

I started drawing in 2010 while I was studying in Sweden. At that time, I was inspired by the nature I had never seen, which was very much different from the place I grew up. So I started to keep the memories as drawings and first sold my work in the school Christmas market, then the career began.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes, very much. Since I didn’t have any experience in drawing, I felt so insecure to jump into something totally new. People around me were very supportive by appreciating what I did, sharing their thoughts and telling their stories. Every little words was very important to me.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

Actually, I am working on a small goal right now. I want to develop my work into something different by trying totally new processes, techniques and see where it takes. I think art could lead me to other sides of myself and the world.

 

Actually, I am working on a small goal right now. I want to develop my work into something different by trying totally new processes, techniques and see where it takes. I think art could lead me to other sides of myself and the world.

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I don’t really have any specific person now. But I would like to collaborate with people who have different culture and background, not only people in the art and design field.

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

For me, the biggest challenge as a creative is growing up, both my work and myself. It feels like I am changing yet being still at the same time.

 

Actually, most of my friends are women. They are very soft, supportive and understanding, yet strong, independent and determined. They have always inspired me in some way.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Actually, most of my friends are women. They are very soft, supportive and understanding, yet strong, independent and determined. They have always inspired me in some way.

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Not really a person, but many of them influence me in some ways. For example; my art teachers who showed me a different world by sharing their perspectives about things, and artists who kept doing the same thing they love for many many years. I surely want to be like them.

 

I believe that everyone is special in their own way, so be yourself and keep going.

 

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

I believe that everyone is special in their own way, so be yourself and keep going.

 

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What type of music do you like to listen to?

Usually, I like listening to soft and atmospheric music, such as piano, jazz or acoustic folk, which always bring me memories and images.

 

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Any food courts, in which you can find a lot of street food.

 

Kaye Kang asks: In the middle of a busy schedule, how do you manage to take care of yourself?

At the end of the day, I usually go for a walk in nature to relax and relieve. It’s really refreshing and inspiring.

 

Enid Din asks: Museums/Art spaces that are not that well known that you’d like to recommend?

Museum of Natural History in Chulalongkorn University

 

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

Apart from work, what is your favourite activity or hobby that you love?

 

 

Photos courtesy of Suthipa Kamyam