The ‘Thai Architecture Infographic’ offers a deep dive into Thailand’s ancient sites and historical buildings. The series explores locations that have vanished, places that are either difficult to access or restricted, including sites that were conceptualized but never brought to life. One intriguing example is the theory surrounding King Nangklao (Rama III), who initially envisioned constructing the Phra Borommathat, or the Golden Mount, as the tallest pagoda. This ambitious project aimed to rival the Golden Mountain in Ayutthaya and the iconic Wat Arun pagoda at the Temple of Dawn but was ultimately abandoned due to foundational subsidence issues.
Marrying hand-drawn illustrations with sophisticated 3D modeling, the series streamlines the complex narratives of Thai architecture into digestible visuals that both captivate and educate. This methodical approach not only makes elusive architectural facts accessible but also stirs public interest in architectural history with a refreshing take. The Kidyang team’s collaboration with National Geographic Thailand’s editorial team has beautifully crafted content that blends rigorous research with stellar storytelling about Thai architecture over the past several years.
At the heart of Kidyang Architecture & Research are individuals from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, united by their fascination with the architectural history of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Key members of the collective include Surachet Kaewsakun and Patcharapong Kulkanchanachewin, who are also the pivotal figures in the creation of the Thai Architecture Infographic series.
WHO Handigraph. The name derives from handicraft + graphic because what I do is essentially handmade rubber stamp carving. I carve eraser stamps. You can call and think of Handigraph as an eraser stamp carving studio.
WHAT Handigraph is a craft studio working primarily in eraser stamp carving, and with those stamps, different graphic design pieces are created. I’ve done a lot of patterns but mostly I like to carve architectural structures in Thailand because I think they’re quite interesting.
WHEN Eraser stamp carving has been my hobby for about ten years since I was an architecture student at Chulalongkorn University. I remember seeing carved rubber stamps by foreign artists and thinking ‘it doesn’t look that hard,’ so I gave it a try. At first, I did ordinary patterns, not just architecture. I like creating a collection because by using different stamps in the collection to create a graphic piece, it comes out pretty cute.
WHERE Since this is my hobby, I do most of the work at home, in my free time. The pieces are also available for sale on my page and at Museum Siam.
WHY I’ve seen artists carve eraser stamps into different patterns inspired by their countries’ cultural icons but I haven’t seen this type of craft work that much in Thailand. I think it’s a great medium to reflect our country’s cultural identity and characteristics, and it would be nice to have more things like this in Thailand.
What made you start carving eraser stamps into architectural structure patterns?Personally, I’ve always liked to look at architecture. Each building has its own unique details especially the old ones such as the gingerbread houses where each of them have these details that you won’t find in modern architecture. When you carve something with a lot of lines and details, the end results are usually very beautiful. One of the first buildings I carved is Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
What is the most fun part and what is the most difficult part of the process?
Actually each process is both difficult and easy in itself. I usually spend a lot of time finding the references for the building I want to do. Because when I carve a building I look at the proportions so I have to look for working drawings, sections and elevations. I’ve always liked parts of history that aren’t in textbooks so I really enjoy researching and searching for all the information. There is one building that I really want to do. It’s called Baan Banthom Silpa. It’s actually a very prominent residence of its time. But it’s extremely difficult to find a solid reference or a working drawing I can use. The carving process, I have to say, is the most challenging part. Because when I’m done drawing everything, there are so many details and I end up thinking ‘Will I be able to pull this off? This one isn’t going to work (laugh).’ I think it’s a process where I have to really think about how I’m going to carve everything out, so it’s just like a step-by-step process. The part that seems the easiest but is actually very difficult is the stamping. Because if you stamp and you didn’t place it down evenly, you may end up throwing away the whole thing. Stamping requires a lot of experience. There was this one time when I did everything right, exactly like it was supposed to be done, but there was too much ink being absorbed into the paper because it was raining that day so the humidity was very high. So, to get the stamp right, it may seem easy but it’s actually a lot harder than you think
Which project do you like the most?
So far, I like Suriyanuwat House the most. Once I was done with it I looked at it and I thought that this building is very cute, like a doll house. The original house belonged to Phraya Suriyanuwat, and it’s located on Larnluang Road. It’s now a museum that is open to the public.
What is Handigraph’s philosophy? I do it because I like it. I love carving eraser stamps. I work based on what I’m comfortable with. I don’t like pressure. I like the feeling where I carve something, and let my mind focus on just that moment, with the mindset that at times, I may not know what the final outcome is going to be. I don’t want to do commissions because a client may expect something different from what I’m doing. Most of the stuff that I sell are hand prints of the rubber stamps that I’ve made.
What does one have to do if they want to practice or start carving rubber stamps? We hold workshops sometimes at different venues such as Museum Siam. But the most simple thing you can start with is just try to do it. It’s just like most types of crafts, theoretically, it isn’t that complicated but to improve your skills, you need practice. Keep doing the same things until you are proficient. Then you can see the details and you’ll know which type of rubber or paper would be good for a certain type of work. These things require observations and experiences.
What do you do or where do you go when you have a creative block? I’ll eat snacks when I’m really tired and I want to heal myself. Desserts are my source of healing.
If you could choose one artist or creative individual to have a coffee with, who would you choose? I’ll go with Wara, my husband. Because we’re both designers, and he’s my life partner, my consultant and he knows my vibe. He knows what I’m thinking, with or without words. I feel the most comfortable around him. He’s like my best partner for every and any circumstance.
FROM THE NEW GALLERY BUILDING TO THE FORTHCOMING ART EXHIBITIONS, GRIDTHIYA GAWEEWONG, A CURATOR FROM JIM TOMPSON ART CENTER, SHARES AN UPDATE ON HER RECENT PROJECTSRead More
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.