Traveling to Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, has been a transformative experience that opened new horizons in my career as a goldsmith. Learning techniques such as filigree, forging, and embossing from master Taweesak Molsawat was to immerse myself in an ancient tradition, a practice that enriches not only my art but also my spirit.
The trip began in Bangkok. Two days to explore this wonderful city, the modern capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam. Among the places I visited that amazed me were:
- National Museum Bangkok: Treasures, weapons and Siamese objects centuries old in the galleries of an 18th-century palace.
- The Grand Palace: a beautiful complex of royal palaces built in 1782, which now houses a museum open to visitors.
- Wat Phra Chetuphon - Wat Pho: An iconic temple with tranquil grounds featuring a giant reclining Buddha, historical art, and statues.
- Jim Thompson House Museum: Businessman Jim Thompson's Thai-style teak house with an art collection and guided tours.
- Imposing Buddhist temple by the river that stands out for its central tower decorated with mosaics.
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre: Large venue for the exhibition and performance of contemporary art, with a cafe, bookstore and library.
From there, travel to Chiang Mai, the former capital of the kingdom, where at every corner you'll find temples with beautiful architecture, the aroma of incense, guardian cats, and the chanting of monks. It is in these places that ancient artisan traditions remain alive.
Under the guidance of Taweesak, a master craftsman who embodies tradition, I learned to work with metals and understand the philosophy of ancient trades. Each day was filled with learning, from the precision of metal embossing to the subtlety of filigree, which required a patience I had never before experienced in this way.
The city itself was a blend of old and new, a place steeped in history. We visited the Silver Temple, where intricate metal structures gleamed in the sun, testament to the region's profound knowledge of metalwork and forging. It was a moment of spiritual connection, something that permeated my creative process.
In addition to the classes, I had the opportunity to explore the natural surroundings of Chiang Mai, such as Mount Suthep. The view from the summit was breathtaking, a reminder of how the spiritual and the natural are intertwined in everyday Thai life. Every landscape, every temple, and every interaction with the artisans helped me to better understand my own identity as a goldsmith.
The trip culminated in Bangkok, a vibrant city where tradition and modernity coexist in a fascinating way. It was the perfect contrast to the tranquility of Chiang Mai, where I was able to reflect on everything I had learned.
If you've ever considered traveling to enrich your art, I invite you to join Craft Abroad on this adventure. With them, you'll have the opportunity to learn from local masters in places like Chiang Mai, where art and culture are everywhere. It's an experience that not only teaches you techniques but also transforms you as an artist and as a person.
