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Pongnara Kulsiri

"I'm Pongnara Kulsiri, but friends call me by my nickname 'Sompong.' I was born in on February 28, 1968. My family works in agriculture and, like many southern Thai families, we plant trees, coffee, and fruits.

"Farming and plantation were my first schools. They taught me to love and develop an interest in art and local culture. It stayed in my mind and inspired me to learn and work in handicrafts. I love to create objects by myself. When the school offered special classes, I always registered to learn how to create handmade products.

"In 1983, I followed my brother to Bangkok to continue with my studies. I chose to study a variety of crafts and specialized in leather products. At this point, I realized I could adapt the skills I had learned and make handicrafts my life's career.

"I am hard working and I have a high sense of responsibility, which enables me to craft quality products. My clients are my inspiration because I want them to appreciate the value of my work, which in turn raises my spirit. When you see my products, you get the impression they are alive and have a spirit of their own. I always do my best so I am very proud of my work, especially when someone likes it enough to purchase it.

"As I was born in an agricultural family, I know everything that has to do with farming and I can use that knowledge in other areas. Now the next family generation should learn something else so they can have more advantages in life.

"After living in Bangkok, I got the idea that I wouldn't follow in my family's footsteps. I knew I had to find another type of work that was suitable with the modern world, suited my interests and would provide for my future family. I believe everyone should seek the best things in life. Thinking with intelligence and consciousness always guides you to the good things and brings success in everything you do. For me, that meant the world of arts.

"At first I didn't know how to craft mirrors, but with determination and perseverance, I researched and studied until I could successfully craft them. That was the biggest challenge of my life.

"Now I married and have a son, and we are tight-knit and warm family. Every day I work from home making wood mirror frames, which my wife sells in the local markets. I consider my home as my small workshop, and I absolutely enjoy my life very much.

Mirror frames are my favorite things to craft. I think that I can translate my feelings well through my creations. I am always changing and adapting my work and never stay in the same place. When I feel exhausted because the work requires different procedures, I relax for a while and then I have a fresh start - this is important because I work with happiness. Moreover, my clients get the best I can offer."