Arnon Thongkaew

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I was born and raised in Northern Thailand. I live with my family and my partner, and we craft wood decor items in a small workshop. My family began creating made-to-order woodwork, and I learned to love my country's wood carving.

I've been interested in a variety of arts and crafts since childhood. After graduating with a university degree in liberal arts, I attended many wood carving workshops and seminars. I also learned online, trying out various ways to design and carve wood into something interesting that could be sold. At first, I took orders for such things as teakwood cabinets, then I tried to give the designs my own style. Now everything I craft comes from my own ideas.

"Two or three craftsmen assist me in my workshop, but there are some detailed processes only I can do, and a personal assistant who helps me in my shop and presents my designs outside. I usually go out to select teakwood from hill tribe people. The teak mostly comes from old houses or furniture. Every piece has its own charm.

"I think my work's strength is that it is decorative and functional at the same time. In 2017, my vintage wood radio speaker got an award from The Office of Strategy Management in Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 1 for creative new crafts in the Gift and Lifestyle group.

"In the future, I hope to expand my market and earn more income to support my family. My dream is to build a real woodworking studio and shop where I could hold workshops for students and others who love wood carving. It would also serve as a gallery for my own designs."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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