Strangers no.1, 2013, 35x135x85 cm, fiberglass

Briefly describe the work you do.

My work simply documents my life. My artwork is inspired by my real life experiences;
expressing emotions I have felt, the times I have been through, my feelings and my sense of self. My portfolio of artwork also borrows from literature and poetry to record my journey.

Tell us a little about your background and how that influences you as an artist.

I’m a native of Bangkok, Thailand. I’m currently based in Melbourne. I received my MFA in Sculpture at the University of Silpakorn, Thailand. Shortly after graduation I worked as an art professor for 3 years. I grew up in an artistic family. My father was an art director for an advertising company so I learned how to draw and sculpt in my earliest childhood. I have extensive art teaching experience in multiple Thai Universities. My twelve years as a professional artist have been showcased by several solo and group exhibitions

The concept of the “artist studio” has a broad range of meanings, especially in
contemporary practice. The idea of the artist toiling away alone in a room may not necessarily reflect what many artists do from day to day anymore. Describe your studio practice and how it differs from (or is the same as) traditional notions of “being in the studio.”

A number of years ago I worked at a university based studio but found it distracting as I was frequently visited by my students. I loved my students but this situation decreased my productivity. I now work in my private home studio. I love having my own studio as I work with loud and powerful power tools on large-scale sculptures at times and the private space is useful I generally make a lot of noise and mess in my practice. I often work with fiberglass resin so it is not good idea for me to share a studio with other artists. I love to shut the doors and play my music loudly when I sculpt in order to create my own world. I often visit my friend’s studios as I need some socialization to discuss art and they come to visit mine too.

A Dialogue of Strangers ,2014, 170x400x220 cm, fiberglass

What unique roles do you see yourself as the artist playing that you may not have envisioned yourself in when you first started making art?

I heal my soul through sculpting. I sincerely hope to touch my patrons by feeding and guiding their imaginations and emotions with my art. Oftentimes they will smile and find insight. If I can effect such a response with my patrons, I feel I have found success.
“Close your eyes and put the hand to your heart…you will see me once again with your soul.”

When do you find is the best time of day to make art? Do you have time set aside every day, every week or do you just work whenever you can?

I sculpt every day and am always excited to discover new mothods.
I try to be very disciplined with my scheudule. I find that it helps me concentrate, enhances my creativity, and makes me more productive. My best working time is in the morning from 10AM till 12PM. I like to have coffee and sit at my table just thinking for a while. I feel so fresh and bright when I start work in the morning and I feel like I am very productive if I start early.I have worked during the night but I feel it was not good for my health. As with other artists, when a deadline draws near I will often need to start work earlier and end work later in the day.

Strangers,2013, Life size, fiberglass

How has your work changed in the last five years? How is it the same?
It has changed since I became a full time artist. I dealt with more moribund topics in my past works; abandonment, death, solitude, fear, loss, and the strength I needed to survive these tribulations. At the time, that is what I experienced and needed to express through my art. My current work has a more relaxed style and tone compared to my past sculptures but still reflects my life, and is equally important to me. More recently my art explores love, relationships, happiness, and sometimes simply fun! I also like to work with found objects. Some of the materials I find challenge me and inspire a lot of passion.
Lately I think I’ve found more time to enjoy the process of sculpture. This is in contrast to the past when I had little time to create my individual work as I was so busy teaching.
I feel my more recent works have more character as a result.

Are there people such as family, friends, writers, philosophers or even pop icons that have had an impact on the work you do?

I am always looking for inspiration. When I first began thinking sculpturally, Gorge Segal was fundamental in my development. My idol is Louise Bourgeois. I also have a passion for Frida Kahlo, and Ron Mueck. I love to read Franz Kafka, Khalil Gibran even photographers like Jerry N. Uelsmann.

If you had an occupation outside of being an artist, what would that be and why?

I think I’d really enjoy being an Art Therapist. To me, art is the process of talking about and sharing aesthetics with people. I think it would be so rewarding to present people with art with the direct intention of treating their mind and soul.

About

A native of Thailand, sculptor Pimpisa Tinpalit is currently based in Melbourne. Pimpisa Tinpalit holds a Master’s Degree in Fine Art with emphasis on sculpture, and has extensive art teaching experience in multiple Thai Universities. Her twelve years as a professional artist have been showcased by several solo and group exhibitions in Thailand, Japan, USA and Australia.

She has also produced several public sculptures in Thailand. Pimpisa Tinpalit’s works document the human experience as she lives it. Her art is as integral to her life as is her breath. In her sculpture one can contemplate the relationships between man and woman, cultural body dysmorphism, and concepts of personal boundaries and distance. She utilises literature, poetry, and symbols on various mediums including fibreglass, clay, cement, bronze, and others. She is inspired by various artistic styles including the realistic, abstract, and contemporary.

Her current project is a series of medium to large scale sculptures which have been gaining notoriety in multiple Australian art competitions and solo exhibitions.

The Studio

www.pimpisatinpalit.com

All images copyright of the artist and used with their permission.