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Songmuang

"I'm Songmuang Dangpong, and everyone knows me by my nickname, 'Tonk.' I was born August 10, 1958, the youngest of three children. I have one sister and one brother. We are a warm family and grew up with love.

"I finished my schooling at pratom seven, or '7th grade.' I didn't want to study anymore, and preferred to earn money for myself and my family. Our occupation is agriculture - we raise rice and longan, and I helped in the fields. I also worked as a driver delivering furniture.

"In 1973, a relative persuaded me to help him in his work. It was my first experience with wood carving. Over time I developed my work and eventually people began to call me salar [artist].

"Now I work on a farm during the season and in my free time I join friends and relatives sculpting wood. More than half my income comes from woodcarving. First I visualize an image, then I sketch it on paper and choose a suitable wood. Finally I begin to make it real. I always refine my work until I feel it is perfect."

Songmuang carves the piece from rain tree wood and fires it at a low temperature for one or two days. After sanding it, he applies coats of lacquer and builds up the relief patterns with strands of putty. The artisan applies bits of colored glass and gold foil, and binds the elements with a final coat of lacquer.