First, you need to monitor your lifestyle. Incessant late nights, smoking and drinking will take their toll on your immune system, and those nasty germs will find a way in. Smoking weakens the mechanisms that keep bacteria out of the lungs and alcohol causes dehydration and damage to the liver–your body’s primary filtering system–making you more prone to infections.

Dr Li Jie, a certified TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) doctor, reminds us of a few simple but effective lifestyle factors: “Open your windows regularly to keep the flow of fresh air around the room, wash your hands frequently and cook your food thoroughly–particularly with the current threat of bird flu. Be sure to exercise regularly and wrap up with some heat!”

Oriental Medical Doctor Doris Rathgeber signals that saunas or steam rooms are a good way to strengthen the immune system. Viruses can’t survive in that stifling, misty heat. She advises, “Be sure to always take a cool shower after, to restore the balance of heat.”

Food for Thought

There are ways to beat the bug before it gets you. Since childhood, we have been told to eat our greens, but you shouldn’t underestimate their potential. Fruit and veg’ are a great source of vitamins C and E, and contain antioxidants, which boost the immune system.

Dr Zhang Yifang, a Chinese Medicine professional, recommends stocking up your shopping trolley with oranges and dark green vegetables like spinach or broccoli. “It’s also important to eat lots of protein,” explains Zhang. “Protein helps build up your immune system and build antibodies to fight against viruses–meat and nuts are the best source of this.”

Zhang also sings the merits of dates. “They are a good source of nutrition and they help blood circulation.” They may smell bad, but garlic and spring onion also provide great protection against infection. So start popping those cloves, but just make sure no one gets too close.

“Eat the fruit of the season,” says Rathgeber, “Apples or pumpkins are good and pear juice is good for coughs, particularly if mixed with almond.”

Remedy it

Our bodies are subject to enough chemicals, so rather than diving straight for the medicine cabinet, there are a few natural means of reducing those nagging symptoms. Dr Zhang warns against dairy products. “Try and avoid an overload of dairy products for a while because they will increase congestion. And combat the early signs of a runny nose by eating chili peppers–they clear the sinuses.”
To fight the fever, look to the herb–peppermint tea, in particular, has soothing properties. “You can also apply pressure to the tops of your ear with your finger tips,” says Zhang. Alternatively, Rothgeber advises wrapping cold towels around the calves and neck.

For sore throats, honey and lemon in hot water is an age-old remedy, as is gargling with salt water. “It’s important to drink lots of fluid if you are suffering–plenty of water,” adds Zhang, as this will help loosen mucus and re-hydrate you–flushing your system clean of toxins. Steam inhalation is also an easy and effective method to clear those passages–add some chamomile, eucalyptus or thyme essential oils.

Fancy a cuppa?

A lot of teas contain natural antibiotics that counterbalance some of the effects of colds or flu. The experts stress the antiviral qualities of ginger tea. “It helps with congestion, coughs, and tickly throats. It has quite a pungent taste so restrict yourself to two cups a day. You can sweeten with a drop of honey too,” advises Zhang.

To make the tea, boil one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger per cup of water for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes.

Shopping List

A by all means non-exhaustive list of stuff you should munch on:
Green Vegetables
Apples
Pears
Lemon
Pumpkins
Nuts
Nuts
Garlic
Onions
Honey
Ginger
Peppermint Tea

Sitthi “Oh” Chareonrith is not your typical sports hero. He is the first Thai to win a bodybuilding champtionship, having been named top amateur bodybuilder category at the 2005 IFBB Competition (International Federation of Bodybuilders) in Shanghai. Standing at 165 cm and weighing 80 kilos, this buff native of Surin is also a sports advisor at the Sports Authority of Thailand and owns his own gym, Power Zone Gym and Fitness, which he dreams of expanding all over Thailand. By Nuntharat Suntimaneerat

Why did you become a bodybuilder?
At first, I was good at volleyball and was an amateur player in my hometown. Then I got into weightlifting and fell in love with it. I tried to go professional, but it was hard for me because my trainers were quite selfish and taught me nothing about how to become a competent weightlifter. Eventually I discovered bodybuilding and it became my favorite sport. I learned all the skills myself through textbooks, websites and through good friends. I never thought I’d be the world champion, though. It’s such a surprise!

Tell us about your latest win at the IFBB Competition.
I actually came in second place, but the winner was later disqualified for doping, so I became the winner. As one of only two Asians, I beat out 57 competitors in the 80 kg weight category. I was so proud of my good-looking muscles, my shape and my proportional figure. It’s so hard to be a perfect bodybuilder with the serious weight loss you have to go through, the diet management and the burning of fat.

What are you judged on in the competition?
In the first round, the proportion of your muscles and your shape are considered by the judges. Onstage, the competitors need to flex their muscles along to the songs, which may vary from hip-hop, classical to rap. It’s not dancing but it’s an art. Tan, oily skin is an advantage because it looks sexy onstage.

Do you think you’re sexy?
Not really. I think I’m good-looking when I’m on show and that the audience finds me attractive—the European women especially—while others find me disgusting—mostly kids. I think it depends on their taste. Thai girls usually like guys who are Chinese-looking—tall, thin and white, which is not what I am.

What is bodybuilding like in Thailand nowadays?
Twenty years ago, bodybuilding was very popular, but it has had its ups and downs. Thais have a negative view of the sport, that it is for low-class laborers. Furthermore, the government doesn’t provide much support, even after I had won in an international competition. The Thai government should have a positive attitude about this sport. Anyway we have to try to do our best.

What’s your advice for young bodybuilders?
You need to know the basics of physical education—eating right, working out and having love for the sport. If you really love it, I’m sure that you can do well.

Over a decade after their landmark album What’s The Story Morning Glory, UK act Oasis is quietly achieving even more breakthroughs with their latest Don’t Believe The Truth. Seemingly gone are the hi jinks with the Gallagher brothers Noel and Liam. In their place? A group earnestly playing solid rock before a wider audience than ever before. I-S catches up with guitarist Jem Archer ahead of the group’s Feb 23 show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to find out more.

So what can we all expect to hear?
Definitely the songs that you’d expect. What we kind of do when we start a tour is get a set together and it kind of evolves to where it’s the one. Sometimes Noel swaps a few of his songs in the middle. Sometimes it’s “The Master Plan” and sometimes it’s some others. But it’s only one or two tunes that get swapped.

You’ve all been to Asia before, but where does it fit in on the overall tour? Do you get excited about playing Singapore, and the 100 Rock Festival in Bangkok recently?
We don’t talk up anything really, but if you ask individual people they’re up for it. I am. I love Bangkok, and I’ve been to Germany hundreds of times, and you know what to expect. I’m just looking forward to something new. I’ve been to Japan quite a lot of times, and it’s all getting to the point where we know our way around there. We’re going to Seoul for the first time, so that’s truly exciting. I just remember the last time we played Bangkok, and the princess of Thailand came. There were a lot of soldiers in the mosh pit. We were a little confused as to why, and then she ended up coming backstage and there were loads of photos. She even got Liam’s tambourine. That was a big gig as well. Ten thousand people came. We had about six days off there as well. We’re pretty much itching to get back on with it.

When you’re onstage, what songs get you excited?
Of the new stuff, I like “Lyla.” Of the old stuff, I love “Rock ’n’ Roll Star.” And when Noel hits the solo on “Live Forever,” I’m still blown away after all this time. “The Master Plan” is great too.

Your tour has been quite successful and it finally seems as though you broke through the US. Was this a pleasant surprise after all this time?
Yes and no. A lot of the British press said “failed in America.” Honestly, I think you can’t break America anymore. It’s not like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin days. Nowadays the media controls it. One band can sell millions in America, and they can be forgotten in a month. We just kept going over there. We went over there with the Black Crowes, and we didn’t even have a record out. This time they said “You’re going to Madison Garden, Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks”… and we were like “Are you sure?”… and it became one of the fastest sellouts ever. Playing at Madison Square Garden surpassed all my expectations. You know the history, but when you get there and the guy in the dressing room is giving you all the talk about this being the place where Marilyn Monroe sang to the President, it makes you raise your game. As for Red Rocks, you think U2 because of their live show there, but then you realize they’ve had gigs there since 1980. When you’re there, you feel special. At some other places, you might as well be playing the car park.

What are the weirdest items on your tour rider?
Probably the dwarves. Well, there have been dwarves on this tour, put it that way.

What off the stage events made a big impression on you and the band?
On this tour, I suppose it’s been the opening acts. There’ve been so many great bands playing with us. It seriously makes a big difference. When all the support bands are bad, it loses its legs a bit. When there’s another great band on, you’re fired up. Otherwise, you’re trying to outrun the hurricane. We were like a hundred miles from where it hit in New Orleans. There’s always these things on tours. Everybody rings from home and everybody’s panicking. We’re like, “Look it’s fine.” But they’re all freaking out. You just get on with it on tour.

As a group what have you all enjoyed musically and film-wise?
We had a band called the Red Walls supporting us from Chicago. We like The Coral. As far as movies go, it would have to be that Metallica film. Andy and Liam are all into that TV stuff Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Office. I also really like a guy named Banksy. Check him out. He’s a British street artist. He’s just done a book. He’s great. Apart from all that, there’s all the bollocks that gets talked until sunrise. There’s a board game that we play called Frustration. You roll the dice and have to win the PDs back. We play that quite often.

As for the future, what can we expect soundwise on the next album?
We’ve got so many songs that we didn’t put on this album. There’s already talk of working with producer Dave Sardie. Some of the songs that didn’t make that album will certainly make the next one. They’re a member of the same family, but the family doesn’t look the same. I’d love to go back to Capitol and work with Sardie again. We’ll see.

Awards and standing ovations aren’t new to film and theater director Ekachai Uekrongtham. His works such as Beautiful Boxer, Chang & Eng and Ka-Ra-You OK? were the talking points of several film and theater goers.

What is your current state of mind?
Calmer than I should be.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a doctor. Then I discovered movies. So I fooled myself into thinking maybe one day I could become a film director.

How does it feel like to be back in theater after delving into film production?
Excited. Nervous. Full of expectations. Like going on first dates—all over again.

What is your biggest achievement?
Making my parents smile.

What inspires you?
Paintings, architecture, moving clouds, splashing waves, grass swaying in the wind, body warmth, rain, empty spaces, silence.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Laid-back, nonchalant air. Quiet confidence.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
The person that I admire most and the person I want to have dinner with are different. It would be nice to have a long chat with Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Cure, Bright Future). Quiet dinners with my mum and my brothers keep me grounded, sane and human.

What is your first love still?
It depends on the time of day. Most times, I just love to tell good stories that make people look at life a little differently.

What are you reading?
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I started reading it when I was doing research for my new film The Coffin. But I got a lot more than information out of it.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
In Bangkok, eating roast pork rice (with lots of green chili) near the Thieves’ Market. In Singapore, having Ampang yong tau foo near Still Road.

What is your idea of hell?
When you don’t even know you are in one.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Flossy buns from Breadtalk. Coke chilled till almost frozen. Little Thai pancakes with calories high enough to knock out giants.

How do you recharge?
Watch a good movie with large Coke in one hand and large popcorn (sweet below, salty on top) in the other. Looking at the sea and pretending that the world has stopped moving.

What’s playing in your iPod/MP3/CD player?
“A Love That Will Never Grow Old” (Emmylou Harris). “Don’t Compete, Lose More” (Bird Thongchai).

What do you collect?
Good memories, humbling moments and kindness from strangers.

Where would you like to live?
Three days in Singapore, three days in Bangkok, and one day in peace.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
A pair of old jeans that makes me feel like new.

What accessory sets you apart?
I don’t accessorize. It’s not a good look for me.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
I’m a bad actor. I don’t think anyone should take that kind of risk with me.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
I can’t remember what I believed when I was 18. But I still try to believe in what an 18-year-old should.

Did you actually believe you could become a professional comic book illustrator when you were younger?
It did seem like a bit of a pipe dream, but maybe that’s because the avenues leading to it were so unclear here in Singapore.

Who are your favorite comic book superheroes?
Spiderman and Judge Dredd. If they fought, it’d be a draw.

We’ve all heard this riddle before, but let’s hear a comic book artist’s version of it—why do superheroes wear their undies outside?
I’m guessing it’s something really boring like the fact that it provides a color change in the overall look of the costumes.

Would you wear your undies outside?
If I was big into hip hop, I’d probably be flashing them left, right and center.

Would you encourage kids to doodle in their school textbooks?
Yes. How interesting can the lessons be?

How about their exam question papers?
I actually did that once in a written test for the boy scouts—and ended up doing a lot of pushups.

Name us one mainstream comic you find brilliant.
Calvin and Hobbes. Gorgeous art, funny gags. He [Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson] quit while he was ahead, and refused to merchandise his creations.

Do you ever dress up for Halloween?
Sadly, no. Just a lot of running around with cowboy hats and helmets in my own living room.

Do you think comic books can tell a moral lesson?
Anything can tell a moral lesson, except Channel 5 and 8 dramas.

Do you draw your books by hand or computer?
I draw by hand and often color by computer.

On average, how long does one comic book take to complete?
Depending on the comic, anything from a month to who knows what.

Would you advise aspiring comic book illustrators to stay in Singapore, or seek greener creative pastures overseas?
Going overseas certainly allows for easier networking through conventions and artistic communities. On the other hand, staying and striving to improve the scene here might also be worthwhile. It’s a tough call.

If there was one thing you could do to improve the Singapore comic book scene, what would it be?
Hopefully comic creators could strive to find their own independent voices rather than aping mainstream styles and content from the US and Japan.

Namuskaar, meaning “greetings” in Hindi, is a fitting name for this warm and friendly restaurant, as the staff eagerly greets you with a very warm reception. Usually, Indian food is synonymous with really thick and heavy curry dishes, but aside from the hospitality, people are drawn here for the light Indian food and the customized dishes. “When people look at a menu, they usually know what they want to order, but we don’t know how they like the food. So, we ask every single customer how they want it—mild, medium or spicy,” said the owner Atul Hora.

Tucked away only 200 meters into Sukhumvit 8, Namuskaar is bright pink with ceiling fans but its simple and clean nonetheless. It looks more like a khao kaeng shop, but it isn’t. In fact, its food has great flavor similar to a high-class restaurants with lighter food selections. “Indian food is generally oily and heavy which isn’t good for health.” Growing up with this heavy fare, Atul was inspired to serve light dishes as his first dish were too greasy for his first customer. “I apologized and changed the dish immediately, only the second time around, I changed the recipes and used less oil and other fatty ingredients.”

To create lighter fare, Namuskaar substitutes ghee—unhealthy doses of fermented butter—with vegetable oil and uses less of it to boot. Atul gives an example of a dish called mutton rogan josh (mutton cooked with thin dark sauces, B170). “It’s extremely oily ‘cause the word rogan means oil and josh means more oil.” But Atul guarantees, “Our mutton rogan josh isn’t oily.” And although It’s not quite the same, Atul still stands behind his tasty dishes. “We let the spices do the talking—not the oil.” In the end, the spices are able to pack even more punch because it has less oil to contend with.

The restaurant serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine cooked by a couple of amazing Indian chefs with over a decade of experience each. Spices and basmati rice are imported directly from India. Dishes aren't specially decorated but it’s not about the looks here ‘cause the food speaks for itself. For meat lovers, try the recommended mutton seekh kabab (minced mutton mixed with spices Indian herbs and cooked in clay oven, B170) and chicken tikka masala (barbeque chicken chunks cooked with thick spicy sauce, B170). Vegetarians can enjoy aloo samosa (two pieces of deep fried puff patties filled with minced potatoes and green peas, B30) and keema samosa (two pieces of deep fried patties filled with minced mutton and green peas, B80). Accompany any of the main dishes with the super-delicious stuffed naan (Indian bread with choices of flavors—butter, garlic, onion, potatoes or mix, B50). Don’t forget to drink lassi (a creamy drink made from yogurt, B60) which comes in two flavors—sour flavor or sweet. If you don’t like yogurt, go for Indian tea (B40) or coffee (B50).

After we gorged ourselves with great light Indian food, we insisted Atul take a break and sit down to talk more about his restaurant.

The sign outside said the restaurant serves north Indian food. Why north Indian and not other regions?
To be very honest, the greatest Indian food is from north India. The region is famous for it’s strong agricultural roots. The north is abundant with everything including rice, vegetables and meats. Also, north Indian food is much healthier where as south Indian food is oilier. Its cuisine has a lot of deep fried stuff.

The emphasis here is on “light.” Are you a health-conscious person?
Of course! It’s very important. My mother has health problems because of her diet, so I have to be careful too. I told my chefs to use less oil, and if they don’t, I’d deduct their wages.

Dining Details

Try light Indian food with your choice of spiciness. Open daily 11:30am-11pm, at 9 Sukhumvit Soi 8, 02-255-1869.

3 Friends is one of three Thai films that are competing in the final round of the ASEAN competition out of 12 at the Bangkok International Film Festival. The documentary drama was the festival favorite following sucessful screening at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Pusan International Film Festival in 2005. 3 Friends is directed by three director friends, Mingmongkol Sonakul, Adita Assara and Pumin Chinaradee. The movie focuses on the private life of Thai actress Napakpapah “Mamee” Nakprasit and her two real-life friends Yo and Belle. Before we find out whether 3 Friends is a hit or a miss, we chat with co-director Pumin Chinaradee.

Why did you need three directors for 3 Friends?
We are friends. I took pictures and worked on cinematography for Adita and Mingmongkol before. They called me after they started the film. In fact, I don’t really think I was a director. I worked on the cinematography mostly.

What was it like making 3 Friends?
We didn’t really work from a script. We had main plots and then we improvised details on the set. So, we had to sit down and talk often to contribute our ideas about how we wanted the film to be. We had to take long shots for only one scene. It was fun. We didn’t know exactly what we were going to end up with.

The film shows the private life of the actress Mamee. Did you think it was too personal and would only attract a limited audience?
No. I think it’s a movie that everybody can enjoy. The main theme is about the relationship between Mamee and her best friends. In fact, Yo and Belle were Mamee’s best friends when she was young. And they hadn’t seen each other for a long time. The film's fun and lovely.

3 Friends is one of three Thai films that have made it into the final round of the ASEAN competition. How do you feel about that?
I was thrilled though we didn’t make the film to compete in any competitions. We made the film because we had a story to tell and we wanted to do it. If someone is interested in seeing our film, that’s enough for us.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a documentary called Friendship. It’s about the relationship of tsunami volunteers who have lived together and worked together. I joined a group and filmed them. The volunteers consisted of various kinds of people. Some people weren’t serious about working there. They just wanted to take a trip and get free airplane tickets.

That sounds interesting. Will it be on the big screen?
I don’t know yet. Like I said, I just want to make it and if someone wants to see it, I’m satisfied.

I love boys’ toys. I was always into robots, playing pool, and especially building car models. When I was young, I used to look under the hood and tinker with the engines; I could fix them all. There’s no shame in playing with these things, I guess it’s just like the girly-girls playing with their Barbie dolls.

I learned how to drive on go-karts at 8. I then graduated to real cars at the ripe age of 12. My dad was always with me ‘cause he’s my car expert. After that, I went to driving school when I was 15 but couldn’t get my license because I was still underage.

I used to steal my mom’s car and took it for joyrides around the neighborhood when I was little; I was pretty naughty those days.

I won my first competition in a tournament in Macao. After that, I realized that I was born for this life. It’s like my destiny to race cars. It’s no coincidence—I was meant to do it.

I’m just a girl. I’m going to do what I want. I’m a girl but I want to show others that this sport is not only for men. Women can do it too!

If you want to do something, you’ve got to like it or love it, that's what I believe. For me, I love driving. Driving helps me stay focused and calm on and off the track so I don’t panic when I’m faced with bad situations.

It’s not about speed. Going fast doesn’t terrify me. It’s all in day's work.

People say I’m a speed demon, including my mom and my friends. I must admit, I often have lead-foot tendencies ‘cause I’ll be coasting along at 160-180 km/hr, but not every time. You see, when you’re on the expressway, it’s dangerous to drive like a turtle. Trust me, I’m fast but safe.

I’m not saying that I’m the best, but I will do everything to my best abilities. I’ll always try. I always face my fears instead of being afraid of crashing. I’m confident and in control of my car so that when I really punch it, I can be sure that it’s going to be good.

It’s risky racing if you compare my sport with tennis or soccer. Car racing is not as dangerous as people think because you can even get hurt from playing tennis or breaking legs on a field.

I’ve always wanted to express my ideas and use my imagination. I hope my opinions are useful and valuable for my audience.

I don’t like fakes. I can’t imagine being anyone else that’s not me! I had a role in a Thai drama when I was 15. I was so young and I wanted my own money, so I accepted the role. I realized that it wasn’t me, and it was funny doing those kinds of ridiculous things. I preferred movie roles because they’re more realistic.

I’d be really sad if I was forced to choose between racing and being a DJ. I wish I could do both at the same time—hey wait, I am!

So what? I just want people to know that the gender roles that we’re all used to can be broken. I want to encourage all the young girls out there to do what you want even if the odds are against you.

How do you feel about coming to Bangkok next month?
We’re very excited 'cause we’ve never been there before. It’s going to be one of the first great gigs for us this year as we haven’t had a gig in about six months. I think it’s a great line-up and we’re gonna have a ball. Can’t wait, really.

What is your favorite song off Final Straw?
I think my favorite song from Final Straw was “Chocolate.” It’s a lot of fun to play live and it’s just catchy. I don’t physically know why. To me it’s one of our better songs on the album.

Why do you think it was more successful than your previous albums?
It was probably from a lot of things—there was a new line up, new label, new management. The songs were better mainly, which is kind of important. It’s kind of a mixture of everything coming together at the right time. It’s hard to place it on one thing. We were very surprised by it at the time and we had an amazing two to three years and enjoyed every bit of it. We actually just finished recording our new album just before Christmas and it will be out in April.

What’s the new album like?
It’s better. It’s a lot more rounder, bigger—the louder moments are louder, the quiet moments are quieter. I think the songwriting’s just better, which, obviously, it has to be because we were all kind of pressured to follow up Final Straw.

Have you had many chances to travel and play live?
Yeah, we have. We’ve been very fortunate. We’ve been to America, obviously the UK and Ireland. We’ve also been to countries in Europe, France, Spain, in Germany. Also Scandinavia, Japan, Australia. So we’re kind of working our way around the world at the moment. We’re left with Thailand and that’s going to be very interesting. It’s always good to get experience in different cultures and in different cities and we try to get out as much as we can when we get to go to those places cause that’s what it’s all about, really.

You don’t have to go to a high-brow art gallery to buy a nice painting for your wall. Supalert Peanjitlertkojorn (Jew), 23 is one of many artists you can find selling their original paintings in tiny “galleries” at open-air markets. Helping to bring fine art closer to the masses, artists like Jew make decorative paintings for homes and sell them at affordable prices to regular people. He has his own shop called Q Gallery at Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Lopburi, Soi 2, Lot D25).

Why did you choose to sell your paintings here?
The rent here is not too high. I looked for a place in Chatuchak but it’s hard to find a space there. When we contacted this place there was a space available so we chose to have it here. I feel that Suan Lum is appropriate as well because come here to eat and come to choose home décor items.

Why did you decide to sell paintings for a living?
Before I sold my work here, I worked at a place called Red Gallery in Chatuchak where I was a painter. I worked for them since my third year of university and they would sell my paintings there. When I finished my thesis and graduated they invited me to come work for them full time. After gaining some experience and understanding their way of thinking I decided to step out and do my own thing.

What type of people buy your work?
Primarily it’s interior designers that come and look at my work. They look at the styles or colors that are going to match with the homes or rooms they are going to decorate. Other people who aren’t interior designers will buy stuff to decorate their own homes with.

Are there any pieces that you regret selling?
There was only one piece that I regretted back when I had just opened my old shop. We had just opened and we didn’t have any work on display because we acquired the space so quickly. It was a piece that I was meaning to keep for myself and place at home because I really liked it. But my friend told me to put it on display at the shop first. One day when I wasn’t at the shop, my friend called to tell me that someone wanted to purchase it. I set the price at B15,000 but he wanted it for B9,000. I didn’t want to sell it but my friend convinced me to so I did. Looking back now, I would have chosen not to.

If you were to see that painting again would you want to buy it back?
I might if the price isn’t too high! I’ve always thought of painting in that same style again but at this point I can’t paint the same way as I did before. The feeling is different. The piece I did was a result of my emotions more than just making a decorative painting for someone’s home.

What do you think of other artists at Suan Lum?
I feel good that there is a group of us who come out to sell our work here. It lessens the gap between art and regular people. Before if you wanted to psee some art you had to walk into a gallery and could only buy pieces at really high prices. Regular people just want something nice to put up in their homes but it shouldn’t be beyond their means.