Anukun Hamala is a Chiang Mai native, and has more than 13 years of experience in the field of graphic design. He graduated from Ratchamongkol Institute, Faculty of Architecture, and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Department of Architectural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education. Anukun worked as a graphic designer for several magazines in Bangkok and Chiang Mai before deciding to quit and pursue his dream: to open a small art shop.

Anukun has proved his outstanding style by winning many awards in graphic design and guest lecturing for the Applied Photographic Art at The Faculty of Fine Arts Chiang Mai University. His areas of interest also include writing fiction and non-fiction, drawing, and photography.

Can you tell us about your background as an artist?

“I co-founded Nokhookdesign with Kittiya Moonsarn, a translator, columnist, and teacher. Together we run a small shop selling handmade products and we also run an art gallery. Our products are inspired by local Thai culture and art. We usually hold art events with our friends from different fields to mix different kinds of art together. You can see the variety of techniques shown in my work on my website: www.nokhookdesign.net.”

Can you explain the inspiration and colour palette of your elephant, “Puang Chompoo”?

“I used bright colours on my elephant with an aim for children to enjoy and appreciate my elephant design.

The details are all about making elephants happy too, with green luscious tropical leaves, and ripe and unripe bananas – as not all banana bunches are yellow! This adds an element of realism to the playfulness of my style. The tree on the elephant’s leg were inspired by a wall mural at a Thai temple, connecting elephants with nature and on the spiritual level that elephants are intertwined in Thai culture.”

Miniature 10, 15cm, 20cm and 30cm versions of Puang Chompoo are available for sale here. 

We look forward to seeing what new creations Anukun comes up with.