Original Thai Painting of Buddha Smiling 'Buddha's Happiness' Item ID: 2669889621

"I'm Sakchai Pruakkeawkanjana, but my friends call me Jo. I was born on March 21, 1981, in Bangkok. There are five people in my family — my father, mother, elder brother, younger brother, and me. My elder brother and I are near the same age, but our youngest brother is many years younger. As children, we had to look after him because our parents had a small restaurant far from where we live. They always left very early and came back very late in the evening. So, we rarely had time together.

"I spent my childhood in Bangkok and went to high school at Wat Bawoniwet, where I was a disobedient student. I liked skipping class. One day, I skipped school to go to a shopping mall with friends. One of the senior students suggested I study art. I thought I could spend my free time doing this instead of hanging out. I had observed him painting and found that it is enjoyable. So I persuaded him to help me practice painting.

"After finishing high school, I was very interested in studying art in college because, by then, I had learned a bit of art history. I thought there would be a number of interesting techniques and processes. I took the entrance examination at Chiang Mai University because I like the atmosphere. In northern Thailand, the lifestyle isn't as hurried as it is in Bangkok. Chiang Mai is very beautiful, and people live together as relatives.

"Colors and painting techniques interested me a lot and I decided to stay in northern Thailand after graduation. Today, I paint for a living and develop my skills continuously.

"I remember when I graduated from the university, my parents took a break from work so they could join me. That was the first time they had been to Chiang Mai. Now I always call them after lunch to stay in touch. In the winter, my elder brother comes to visit and we can spend time together. And for the long New Year holiday — which coincides with my mother's birthday — I go to Bangkok to visit and spend time with her.

"I like painting, especially the fast painting technique with a brush. I have developed my unique style by focusing on the brushwork rather than the colors. I am always creating and improving my techniques until I feel confident that I have the expertise to produce my works with a paintbrush. I usually work in black and white to focus attention on the brushwork, painting animals that are unique and elegant.

"In the future, I will continue to improve my works, and I plan to participate in more exhibitions in order to become better known in artistic circles. I sincerely hope that my paintings on Novica will make you smile."

Since 2008, Sakchai has exhibited his art in a number of venues in Thailand.