Here’s a Q & A with Navin Tantanadaecha
Perché fai arte?
As a human being, I am passionate about exploring growth in life. Art provides me with a space where I can meditatively observe the process of inner and outer development. Through my experience as an educator and artist, I have come to understand that art is a universal language and a limitless means of self-expression. Furthermore, art is always honest and reflects who we truly are; it is a form of communion.
Watercolor has consistently reflected my state at each stage of life through its qualities—gentleness, fluidity, uncertainty, transparency, and more—allowing me to connect with my true voice and express it. For me, watercolor is an essential place to study the growth of life.
Da quanto tempo dipingi?
I have about 16 years of experience with watercolor. In 2009, I first encountered it as a required subject in university, but I didn’t have a good impression because I struggled to control the medium. As a result, I decided to explore other media. Three years later, in my final semester, I met Siriratana Sriseung, who became my greatest inspiration for watercolor. She taught me to embrace its uncertainty, which shifted my perspective from trying to control to accepting and working with it. This was also the beginning of my professional career.
Hai avuto una formazione artistica formale?
Yes. My formal art training can be divided into two periods. The first focused on developing my basic drawing and painting skills through a tutor house to prepare for applying to an art university. Later, while studying art education at university, I expanded into printmaking, painting, sculpture, and design—essential foundations for teaching art.
Sei un artista che lavora o un hobbista?
I am currently a professional teaching artist. However, I first started as a hobbyist to capture the beauty of flowers amid the concrete jungle in Bangkok. Over time, my narrative expanded to abstract art, through which I explore the meaning of art and life.
The transition from hobbyist to professional artist was gradual. My consistent practice and exhibitions developed naturally over time.
A chi e/o cosa cerchi ispirazione?
Many artists have inspired me at each stage of my career. At the beginning, Siriratana Sriseung taught me that uncertainty is the essence of watercolor, shifting my perspective from controlling the medium to embracing its unpredictable nature. Another influential artist was Adisorn Pornsirikarn, who helped me appreciate the freshness and fluidity of watercolor, even after a piece is completed. Praiwan Chairat also inspired me with his quote: “Keep doing and don’t give up,” which gave me strength during challenges.
In the middle of my artistic development, I was inspired by Ewa Karpinska, Joseph Zbukvic, Jean Haines, Chien Chung-Wei, and Yuko Nagayama. Their remarkable paintings, along with the knowledge shared through books, media, and demonstrations, became valuable resources I still refer to in my classes.
Recently, I have been working with acrylics, building on perspectives I developed through watercolor. Gerhard Richter has been a role model, responding to his personal experiences through his art. Inspired by the Korean art movement Dansaekhwa—rooted in spirituality and abstraction—Park Seo-bo has also influenced me. His appreciation of meditative simplicity taught me to explore my inner self and value life more deeply.
Che tipo di musica ascolti mentre dipingi?
It depends on the subject and stage of the process. If I am at a critical stage, such as applying the first layer of watercolor (managing flow for figurative paintings or spraying for abstract pieces), I prefer silence, as this stage requires pure focus.
When I am in the act of painting, I prefer calm and warm music, such as jazz, melancholic tunes, Norah Jones, or soft and slow melodies.
Hai avuto un mentore?
In my watercolor journey, I unfortunately haven’t had a formal mentor, as I am self-taught. However, when I first studied art, Monchai Pittayawaraporn was my mentor. He not only taught me art knowledge and techniques but also gave me opportunities to grow as an individual.
Dipingi tutti i giorni?
I cannot paint every day since I need to focus on other tasks as well. However, because I regret being lazy when I was young, I have painted consistently for 15 years since starting my watercolor career. I’ve promised myself to paint at least 3–4 days per week, committing to not wait for free time or make excuses.
Do you paint one piece at a time or several at the same time?
I work on one piece at a time. As a deep thinker and dedicated practitioner, focusing on a single piece allows me to review, refine, and reflect deeply before moving on to the next work.
Crei prima una bozza concettuale?
Not always. Sometimes I experiment with a color palette, and when I see flowers, feelings, or objects that match those colors, that’s where the piece begins. Other times, I start with a particular feeling and work to visualize it through the medium.
I believe flexibility and preparedness for whatever arises are key.
Preferisci dipingere in studio o all'aria aperta?
I prefer painting in my studio, as this space provides the quietness I need to listen to my inner voice, which deeply influences my artwork. However, when I travel, I enjoy plein air painting to capture the soul of a place.
Quanti colori di base usi?
I used to rely on core colors, but now I rarely stick to them, as I enjoy exploring a variety of colors with different characteristics. Often, colors I once disliked end up suiting a particular painting.
Some I use more frequently include: French Ultramarine, Raw Umber, German Greenish Raw Umber, Graphite Gray, Bronzite Genuine, Kyanite Genuine, Lamp Black, and Titanium White.
Tubi, padelle o bastoncini?
I prefer tubes because they allow for a wide range of consistencies—such as tea, milk, or butter
Unisciti a noi online ogni settimana tramite Zoom o Facebook per un Conversazione ravvicinata e personale con John Cogley (Daniel Smith Proprietario e CEO) insieme ad artisti ospiti da tutto il mondo. Il giovedì (14:00 Pacifico), John e alcuni dei nostri Brand Ambassadors evidenzia un gruppo di colori e rispondi alle tue domande. Il venerdì (10:30 Pacifico), un artista ospite condivide una demo con i suoi suggerimenti e tecniche preferiti. Clicca qui per i link Zoom della prossima settimana.
Se preferisci, puoi visitare la nostra pagina Facebook all'ora della trasmissione per guardare dal vivo. I replay possono essere guardati su Facebook o Youtube.