Thailand art studio built from reclaimed boat wood

A massive thank you to my good friend (and talented illustrator) Sophie Crichton for introducing me to Pui Ngowsiri. Sophie is currently living in Phuket, Thailand and recently came across the fantastic Love Art Studio in Phuket Art Village, Rawai. This recycled wood structure is home and studio to artist Pui who built it by hand from pieces of driftwood collected from beaches around Phuket during the rainy season. Here he spends most of his time painting and making sculptures. He also holds art workshops for children using collected items.

Photo by  Sophie Crichton

Pui says: “Everything in my studio is about the art of living, I believe that art is not just in painting, it is in everything, in everyday life, it is in the way you relate to other people, it is in the way you inspire them or in the way they inspire you.  The design for my studio was inspired by the many Thai fishing boats that work in Andaman sea. My original design was influenced by the cabin of these boats. Like most things it has evolved into something else.  The fishermen would burn the wood that I collect if they could but the wood has great spirit, it is old and seasoned by the ocean.  Each piece is completely individual and tries to find its place in the big puzzle that is my house, my studio, my life.”

Images via Pui Ngowsiri

Author: Antonia Edwards

Antonia is the founding editor of Upcyclist. Based in the UK, she is the author of two books: 'Upcyclist: Reclaimed and Remade Furniture, Lighting and Interiors' (Prestel 2015) and 'Renovate Innovate: Reclaimed and Upcycled Homes' (Prestel 2017).