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Details
Bathed in silvery moonlight, red lotus flowers flourish as buds burst into bloom. Buddha taught that all living creatures exist within the cycle of life – birth, age, death – but a wholesome existence guided by proper understanding, contemplation, and concentration releases one. Beautifully depicted by Noppadon Kamkong, the lotus is Buddha's preferred offering.
Made in Thailand
Acrylic, latex and foil on canvas
Arrives unframed
Stretched
Signed by the artist
Limited edition - each work features slight variations that make it unique
"You can see how wonderful Buddhism is through my paintings. I'd like to say thank you to the teacher who inspired me."
"Sawaddee krab. I was born and live in Chiang Mai province. We are a warm family of four – my parents, elder sister and..."Sawaddee krab. I was born and live in Chiang Mai province. We are a warm family of four – my parents, elder sister and me. Everyone calls me Aun. My father was the assistant to village headman and taking care of his villagers was his main task. My mother was homemaker. She worked part time making Thai desserts wrapped in banana leaves to sell weekday afternoons. Most of her customers were pre-school children from the kindergarten near our house. It was a healthy, reasonable priced treat that generations loved – in fact, some children came back as adolescents to buy my mother's desserts. Obviously, I can say that, thanks to them, I grew up.
"When I was young, life was happiness. I never missed any of the traditional Thai ceremonies in our village because my father always wanted me to participate. Among my traditional performances, I very much like the Tob MaPhab dance. 'Maphab' is an ancient Northern Thai word meaning 'firecracker' and 'Tob' means 'beat or hit.' Tob Maphab is a male dance in which performers use both hands to beat on their bodies in a graceful manner. This action makes a noise like a firecracker.
"My father explained that this kind of dance showed the art of brave fighter. Sometimes a sword or a wooden pole could be used while dancing. Today we no longer fight with ancient weapons. But we preserved the style and identity of the old time performance, a Thai tradition. While in primary school, I had a chance to show the Tob Maphab dance. I'd learned it wasn't easy to make the noise like a firecracker. My friends and I tried beating our bodies to imitate the sound but we never even got close. Instead, our bodies became red. When it was time for the show, we had a skillful senior leader to help us, and we enjoyed it very much.
"After high school, I studied art. I don't know why, because I wasn't good at art. But during my third year, I learned modern art from a teacher who spent his free time drawing Buddha images on temple walls and did not charge for this work. He told me that the greater peace and concentration he received were an important reward for him. He also believes that if we take some time for the religious, God will protect us and our new life will be good.
"This teacher was truly my inspiration. I was impressed with his ideas and his faith in Buddhism, and I seriously started to learn the Lanna art of Northern Thailand. When I finished my university studies, I was ordained as a monk for three months. My family was very proud of me because we Thai people believe that when a son is ordained, parents will receive merit. I personally believe that it was not only the way to pay my parents back, but it was also a good chance to learn dharma. It helps to make me to have more concentration so I live my life with consciousness.
"Early every morning, as a routine for all monks, we had to walk along the street in the fixation way with an alms bowl to receive food and flowers. We walked barefoot, so every step had to be taken with a conscious mind. We walked slowly and carefully. A monk is not allowed to make a choice on receiving. When we came back to the temple, we placed the flowers in front of the Buddha image to pay respect. With the food, we had breakfast with a little of it and shared the rest with the others. Sometimes I received money. I put it in a donation box because monks don't need to use money.
"I was so proud that I was able to follow the monk's principles for three months. Right after that, I entered the divine degree of dharma examination. I passed it and received a certificate. It is equivalent to bachelor's degree but can't be used for job applications. However, the divine degree is one indicator of my intention to study dharma.
"When I came back home, I spent my free time drawing symbols of the principles in Buddhist doctrine. I got inspiration from the Umong ('tunnel') Temple where the inside of its tunnel has some blurred and ruined lotus drawings. But I could imagine their artistic beauty. To the Buddhist, the lotus is an important symbol of Lord Buddha's life and religious doctrine. Buddhists always worship Buddha with the lotus and use this flower in every Buddhist ceremony.
"I painted the lotus in several styles, adding more artistic technique to make it more attractive. For example, I added texture with a crackled surface or created a gold leaf finishing. I also used gold glitter to decorate my paintings. It looks very beautiful and twinkles in the light. Once I accumulated a few pictures, I started to show and sell in galleries. My works got a lot of interest. When I had enough money, I opened my own studio.
"At the beginning, my work sold well. However, my paintings were copied by others. I was depressed and disappointed, and didn't have the concentration to paint at all. The walls of my studio became empty.
"One day, I stood looking at the empty walls. It was I myself who caused all the problems, not the people who copy my work. I encouraged myself. I must stand up to paint again and not care who would copy my work. After that, the walls were filled once more with my paintings. At the moment I have painted more than 1,000 models. Eventually, I asked my cousin to help me with the beginning steps, for example, to stretch canvas on the frames, to paint the first layer, etc.
"I'm very proud of my work because my problems didn't make me give up and I always give myself an opportunity. I participate in fairs big and small; I never refuse. Even when I couldn't sell my work, at least my paintings were appreciated. Now, Novica is an opportunity to show my work to the world.
"You can see how wonderful Buddhism is through my paintings. I'd like to say thank you to the teacher who inspired me. Thank you everyone for visiting my paintings – I hope that my work will be accepted.
"Now I'm thinking I've been successful. At least I can help support my family. However, my mother still sells her desserts because she likes to do it. I'm happy here and lucky to see our old culture and traditions. These also inspire my work."
Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
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This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
BUST
35 - 36
37 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
WAIST
27 - 28
29 - 30
31 - 33
34 - 36
38 - 40
HIPS
37 - 38
39 - 40
42 - 43
45 - 46
49 - 50
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
CHEST
36 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
50 - 52
WAIST
30 - 32
32 - 34
35 - 37
38 - 41
43 - 45
NECK
14 - 14.5
15 - 15.5
16 - 16.5
17 - 17.5
18 - 18.5
SLEEVE
32.5
33.5
34.5
35.5
36.5
FINDING YOUR SIZE
Take your measurements with the tape measure over your under garments. If your measurements fall between sizes you may prefer the next larger size. Inseam, skirt and dress lengths vary by style and will be listed in the item description. Our sweaters are knit in standard American sizes, however actual measurements vary by style.
BUST / CHEST
Measure around the fullest part of chest under the arms and over the shoulder blades keeping the tape measure level.
WAIST
Measure around the smallest part of the waist keeping the tape measure comfortably loose. Most garments use the low waist measurement noted below.
LOW WAIST
Measure around the body approximately 1.5" below the natural waist (above). This is the area where most pants and skirts actually fit.
HIPS
Standing with your heels together, measure around the fullest part of the body approx 7"-8" below the waist.
NECK
Measure around the base of the neck keeping the tape measure comfortably loose.
SLEEVE
Bend elbow slightly and starting at the center back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, to the elbow and down to the wrist.
INSEAM
Our standard inseam length for women is 32" and 34" for men; however inseam measurements will vary slightly by style.
Belts with buckles are measured in inches that correspond to a waist size however, most people do not wear belts on the waist, they wear them closer to the hips. A buckle belt measurement is take from the end of the "pin" of the buckle to the middle hole on the belt. Generally there are 5 holes for size adjustment, with a 1" space between each, so the middle hole will the be average size of the belt.
For at tie belt (no buckle) measure the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This again is the medium size of the belt.
For a soft fabric tie belt it can be called "1 size fits most" and the entire length of the belt should be measured and listed.
See buckle/tie belt size standards below.
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
inches
26 - 30
28 - 32
31 - 35
34 - 38
38 - 42
cm
76 - 86
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
inches
30 - 34
32 - 36
35 - 39
39 - 43
43 - 47
cm
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
109 - 119
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
Sash tie length
Lay sash/tie out flat away from the garment and measure from end to end.
Belt with buckle
Measure from the end of the pin of the buckle (where it touches the buckle) to the middle hole.
Belt without buckle
Measure from the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This is will give you the medium size of the belt.
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
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Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. UNICEF USA partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from UNICEF Market to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
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