A blend of old and new with Thai artist Kamui Lim

Always debonair, Kamui Lim is an accomplished and award-winning Thai artist and designer. From creating prints for luxurious apparel, home décor and soft furnishings, to painting fine artworks and murals with mythical and surreal motifs, he’s an expert at conjuring up contemporary Thai classical style.

This distinctive combination of influences comes from Kamui’s upbringing in rural Thailand and education at the Poh-Chang Academy of Art, established in 1913 by King Vajiravudh, to ensure the preservation of traditional Thai heritage in fine arts and crafts.

With a desire to preserve traditional Thai arts and craft, philosophy and spirituality, Kamui’s paintings feature all manner of creatures. From dragons to dragonflies, his works are a reflection of his deep introspection and love of the natural and supernatural worlds.

Here he discusses his art as well as his life in Bangkok – offering tourists some unique recommendations.

How did your love affair with the arts begin?

From age four or five, I was always drawing. I grew up outside of Bangkok, and I’ve always had a strong affinity with nature and a love for animals. My aunt was very good at drawing, and I took queues from her. My mother bought me pencils, and I spent so much time drawing, it filled my heart. I moved into Bangkok for university, where I studied at the Poh-Chang Academy of Art, which brought me to combine classical elements and finesse with my imagination and style.

Where did your interest in mythological creatures come from?

My family took me to temple as a child, where I would see the murals, learn about Buddhist themes and characters and listen avidly to the stories and legends from history. I also helped paint murals in Thai temples.

Many of the characters in the fantastical tales were hybrids and had incredible abilities. This was all fascinating and would transport me deep into the world of my imagination, where a fish could live on a mountain, or a rabbit has butterfly wings. Why not? While at university, I was invited to study and paint murals at a famous temple in India, which was an eye-opening experience. It further developed my philosophical perspective on life, our place within it and our relationship with our planet.

What do you believe makes your artworks and designs unique?

My work is my heart, and I put everything into it. I never really want to part with any of my creations, but we need money to live. In the traditional Thai painting style, we mix our own colors from natural materials, such as from stones, the earth, flowers and plants. My colors are unique to me. I mix them myself. Even in my printing work, I paint with natural and certified non-toxic blends. If someone is buying a pillow or clothing with my designs on them, they can feel safe with it against their skin or in their home.

Although you yearn for simpler times, what positive changes have you witnessed in Bangkok?

It pleases me that the city and government is pushing to create and preserve more green spaces, as well as parks where you can take your dogs. I love my dog – he’s the other most important thing in my life, beside my art. Being able to rediscover more green in this concrete jungle is a very positive step. Trees provide us with oxygen and help clean the air for us. Of course, we need more of them!

What should visitors to Bangkok make time for?

I’d recommend visitors take time to discover the real local life, history and communities. Bangkok life around waterways has a completely different vibe. As a student, I would take a boat up the Chao Phraya River to Nonthaburi Pier. It’s like going to a completely different city.

Reserve a couple hours of your day, take a slow boat up the river, breathe fresh air and discover huge old trees, countless temples, 80-year-old houses and museums. So inspiring and relaxing! You get to see close-up how people live, travel and work in these areas.

The other must-visit is Bang KaChao, Bangkok’s so-called green lung. It’s an island in the city with a nature reserve, where you can picnic, birdwatch, and enjoy nature, surrounded by green and waterways. You can take a boat or a taxi over and hire a bicycle there or walk. I love it, and leave feeling refreshed.

To discover more of Kamui Lim’s works, visit Facebook @kamuilimofficial or connect on IG @kamuilimlive. To check out Kamui’s work in person, fly to Bangkok with Thai Airways.