NA UN NONG
Where Rice Fields Embrace His Calves and Evolve His Artistry
Once certain birds leave their protective nests, they may never return, while others find it difficult to dwell without their nests and perceive the outside world as unknown, unsafe, unfamiliar,
Rice fields in “Na Un Nong” village in Phrae province, located in the northern part of Thailand
and uncertain. Sakarit belongs to the first group of birds, as he finds himself 8,342 miles away from his nest — his birthplace, filled with eagerness to explore uncharted territories and challenge new experiences and adventures, especially in Brooklyn, New York. Meanwhile, the others remain in their cozy, comfortable, and enduring homes, embracing the familiar surroundings of their secure nests. “Na Un Nong” village in Phrae province, located in the northern part of Thailand, carries a deep and meaningful significance for Tirakas as it is his cherished birthplace. Not only is it a sacred place, as his initial nest, where billions of stardust microorganisms have molded him into the person he is today, but it is also an enchanting location for its sophisticated residents embraced by vibrant greenery, surrounded by pristine nature, and cuddled by mist-covered mountains. Ultimately, this environment has nurtured his artistic visions, allowing them to grow, evolve and flourish.
Manmade small reservoir in “Na Un Nong” village
Despite its small population of less than 300 people, this community holds a special place in Sakarit’s heart. Within its humble boundaries, the village thrives with building, loving, and caring communities, serving as the starting point of his transformative journey. Likewise, the villagers have successfully sustained themselves for centuries, despite having limited interaction with the outside world. In this society, most of them engage in the craft of handmade production, creating a wide array of items. Through generations since the 14th century, they have passed down the knowledge of constructing homes, crafting pottery, making clothes, fashioning tools, and developing farming equipment. The strong attachment and desire to stay in this place are evident, as it offers a magnificent sense of belonging, creating, sustaining, and thriving.
Sakarit, in particular, has embraced, assimilated, and absorbed the craftsmanship and artistic skills that have flourished within this community. As he continues to cherish and share the craftsmanship and artistic skills from this elusive community, he seeks to expand this knowledge to the outside world. Through his work, people from other cultures can show gratitude and truly appreciate the unique creations nurtured within this community. Curious individuals might feel compelled to visit Sakarit’s birthplace, which he affectionately refers to as his first nest, in order to personally experience the ethereal mists that devours their bodies, soothing warmth that envelops their calves, and ignite an authentic sense of the Na Un Nong’s serenity within their hearts, and perhaps, they may never leave this place.
