We recently had the chance to connect with Arthaya Nootecharas and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Arthaya, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My normal day during work week has just been getting up and taking my dog out for a quick bathroom walk and then heading to work. After work I usually go on my run. Once I get home I take my dog out for a walk or a run. Evening comes around, I will either cook something at home or find something I have at home that is easy to just heat up and eat. Late evening I usually end up watching something short, a motorcycle race during the race season. I usually always find something to do in the yard, sometimes I will sit and watch the sunset with my dog to wind down the day during warmer months.
Weekends are different. I tend to ease into the day at a much more relaxing pace. My partner and I enjoy making coffee in the early morning then we usually go on a longer hike or a run with the dog. We usually have some motorcycle projects or car projects going through the winter; maintenance stuff. Sometimes we would end up at museums, botanical gardens, we like to go with the flow. We try to find something fun to cook together, or find a restaurant to try, or sometimes just go to our favorite restaurant for a meal.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am working for an aerospace company, building components as a Senior Mechanical Technician. It has been fun and I have learnt a lot in the last three and a half years since I have started. However, I still like to tell myself that I am an artist. I do illustration work mostly but also make stickers, craft, handmade stuff as well. Lately a lot of my friends and coworkers are having kids, so I have been having a lot of fun dying clothes for their kids and newborns. I like to make beaded earrings but I don’t wear them much. It has been a fun project that I give myself.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The lack of effort, lack of sincerity you put in for others, and lack of compassion are what breaks the bonds between people. I believe that the bonds between people are made and restored the moment we all make time for others and have compassion towards others.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
When I moved to the US for school, it was such a culture shock for me. I didn’t speak any English, I didn’t understand much at all. I felt like as much as it was a move for a better education for me, that has to be one of the darkest times I went through. I felt like a lot of kids go through that phase of trying to find who you are and what you want to be and become. High school was very rough for me, changing from being a pretty normal student in Thailand, with friends, have hobbies, never felt to scare of anything, to a student in the US, not having anyone that speaks my language, no friends, not knowing most of the sports they play at school during recess or in a PE class, not getting picked during a group activity, made fun of in classes and on a school bus, not having anywhere or anyone to sit with during lunch time. I have never felt so alone and it had kept me down for so long until I started to know how to speak and understand English. I was able to start joining in team sports; swimming, water polo, track and field. Luckily I was good at swimming. It gave me confidence but I was still shy. As years go on, high school, colleges, I’ve become more fluent in the language and found my path in fine art. Artists are a different breed, I feel. We see people and feel people in different ways. I have always felt like artists can think and see softly, but effectively. I have surrounded myself with friends and people that are sincere, driven, compassionate, and always wanting to push each other forward. I find that healing when I am around people that support each other, not leaving people behind, and always take in consideration of others.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that my family, close friends(them), and my dog are what really matters to me in terms of non-hobby/objects. That I am an open minded about the world and what makes everybody and places unique. Running and art would probably be the ‘non-live’ things that matter to me
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. As an artist, you never know when and what you make is going to come out like what you want or not, you always just do it. As a long time barista, every shot of espresso I pull, every serving of milk that I steam, is a new chance to do a perfect one. As a former bike painter and builder, every frame is another chance for me to make it the best work. I love that satisfaction when I see the work that I have put my all into and see the outcomes. That alone is already more than enough for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acnootstudio/
Image Credits
Instrument pedal artwork inspired by “Vault Boy” art work and “Pete the Cat” illustration.
Photo of self credited to James Batty
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
