Getting down to it

It's getting down to the nitty gritty now, as I start to truly document and research about Sam Rit village.

Firstly I will introduce Eck, our Project Liaison and Translator for the program.  Eck will be responsible for orientating each artist and then being on call whenever an artist requires assistance with any matter.  He is also helping me to get the project developed during my short stay at the moment.











We started the day off by checking out one of the tourist hot spots that the artists will see during their 3 day orientation.  The place is called Sai Ngam, and it's made of one single Banyan Tree which is so old, it has now grown into its own island.  It's a very sacred a beautiful place that both locals and tourist venture to see and have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants flanking the site.

It was then down to business as Eck and I went to suss out the living quarters and studio for the resident artists, sorting out what needs to be done and what needs to be sourced.  I've got some great pictures of the local family residents, including the animals, and an insight into the livelihood of this working village from farming mushrooms, eggs, pigs and rice, which will be put into the residency package.  
We also took a trip to the local school in Sam Rit.  This school has grown over the years and now teaches students from primary to junior high level.  The English teacher was especially excited to learn that each artist would be paying a visit to the school in order to give a presentation about their life in Australia.  They are crying out for genuine English language exposure and are excited about the residency program starting next year.

Artist's residence in Sam Rit

We took a trip to all the local convenience stores and documented what kind of products are available.  There is pretty much everything you need in the village from toiletries, snacks, beer, phone cards and a photocopier. The temple or 'Wat' also welcomed our presence as we took photos inside the building and checked out the wall paintings adorning the walls.  I hope to meet the artist who painted these murals at the end of the week.

Chicken coop for egg farming

The day ended with a home cooked feast in the family compound, and some local beers to boot.  It truly is such an organic experience in the village - so relaxed and honest.  We are truly looking forward to sharing the experience with the artists that come over.

A feast of local produce

The adventure has begun!

After 8 hours flying, 10 hours driving (collectively), 2 aeroplane meals, 10kgs of luggage and a stop over in Bangkok, I have finally made it to my destination of Sam Rit, in order to get the residency project made. in Sam Rit, off to a start.  It has been quite a journey already, starting at Brisbane airport, just after checking my luggage in, then spilling an entire bottle of carbonated beverage all over my pants (there will be no advertising of names here), and having to spend a whopping $90 on new surf labels pants just to ensure I wasn't going to be drenched for the next 8 hours!

The flight was great, coupled with a few vodkas, on demand movies, and a sketchbook.  Landing in Bangkok had to be the best part though.  The airport is amazing - a futuristic architectural design jam-packed with tonnes of glass and steel, and travelators throughout the entire terminal.

After meeting up with Lindsay Sales (Project Liaison and dad), we set off the hotel to rest before heading up country to the village on Monday.  It was midnight on a Sunday in Bangkok by the time we reached the city, and it was in no way asleep.  Taxis were still everywhere, people working, playing and eating.

Monday morning I woke up bright and early (thanks to a 3 hour time difference) and headed off to find coffee.  I had remembered coffee in Thailand to be particularly sweet and creamy as they use condensed milk with it, so I thought my best bet would be a convenience store to find something stronger and unsweetened.  After choosing the type of coffee in a can that read 'strong', and still being highly disappointed with the level of sugar, I came across several coffee vendors with espresso machines and all.  Things have certainly changed since I lived here 11 years ago.

Bangkok is a great place to recalibrate your senses.  So many sights, sounds, smells and tastes.  Walking past all the street vendors on my morning adventure, I felt so enlivened and excited to be back here.

In the afternoon we headed North out of the city towards the village.  It was heart-breaking to witness how the floods are STILL affecting the people in the area.  So many people are displaced from their homes, jobs and cars.  I had no idea it was still this bad, even after a month.  I really want to do something to help out from Australia once I get back.

After delays from the flood and some massive billboards and overloaded vehicles, we made it to Nakhon Ratchasima Province to my family's house in Ban Muang, which is 20 minutes from Sam Rit Village.  Tomorrow we will venture around the area and I will document how amazing this part of the world really is.  Stay tuned...

Welcome to our new Blog

made. Director Alex Stalling

made. Director Elysha Gould

Hello World Wide Web and welcome to our Blog about the made. In Sam Rit artist residency, a project between ARI made. Creative Space Toowoomba (made.) and the remote Thai village Sam Rit.

Our very first blog is really a simple welcome and introduction about this space.   

In 2012 made. will be launching their international artist residency program for creatives to research, document and make work inspired by the working village of Sam Rit in North Eastern Thailand.  Our first mission is to create a 'face' for the project and so to achieve this made. Director Elysha Gould will be jet-setting off to the village next week to start the ball rolling.  During her week Elysha will be presenting the final project details to the Major and Village Leaders to formalise the partnership.  In addition to this Elysha will be writing the equivalent of a travel guide for the area to make the residency as fun and easy going as we can for the artists.  

Stay tuned for regular updates from Thailand and Toowoomba.