One of our most popular Thai artists is Kunchai Kuninat, affectionately known as “Q” to art lovers around the world. At just 24, it’s remarkable to report that Q has been creating his subtle masterpieces for nearly seven years. Q was born and raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, known far and wide for having more Buddhist temples (”wats”) than any other place in Thailand. It was and still is a place where all the technical comforts of modern life are available, but also easily escapable, and the life of the “wat” is a constant influence.

In this unique atmosphere, synthisizing the ancient and the modern, Q’s formal artistic apprenticeship and his technical schooling at University were tempered by the wonderfully intricate ancient patterns of his environment, by the temple bells that woke him in time for his classes each morning, and by the safron-clad monks that walked in a timeless peace all around him.

Although he is proficient in many mediums, Q has been creating striking oil paintings for most of his career. His paintings often use Buddha images from many areas, eras and cultures. He loves the traditional Lanna style as seen on temple walls throughout Thailand, but Q also uses elements of modernity and abstraction in his unique paintings to give them a vibrant life in the present.

When asked about his painting, Q is very modest, and at first you might get the impression that he is shy–but this is to misinterpret the Thai way. He just wants to create a mood with his artwork, a feeling that will gently influence the environment around it–a feeling that he hopes will speak for itself. Q explains that the form of the Buddha, the image which he creates on the canvas with his sure lines and subtly blended colors, is only the symbol of the emotion and compassion which he believes are the basis of everyday life. His works are reminders to be quietly aware and mindful. We look at them and may feel pleased, calmed, amused, assured–the gamut of emotions–but what remains after long viewing is a sense of satisfation, the feeling that an answer long sought has been found.

Oriental-Decor.com is proud to make Q’s visionary artwork available to a worldwide audience. You can see dozens of his original paintings in our Buddha Painting category, and commission him to paint a genuine reproduction especially for you.