Teachers as Arts Practitioners (TAPs) Project: Artist Spotlight | Pimpakarn (Jam) Abhinoraseth, Graphic Designer

Purnima Ruanglertbutr | TAPs Project Lead | Secondary English Teacher

In this interview, we shine a light on Pimpakarn (Jam) Abhinoraseth, a Graphic Designer at Bangkok Patana School, who explores the world of oil painting alongside her established career in graphic design. Jam shares how her passion for painting, her shift from digital art to oil painting, and her evolving subject matter reflect her personal growth and creative expression. Through the TAPs project, she has been able to break out of her comfort zone and bring her vibrant artistic vision to life.

1. Can you tell us about your artistic background and what led you to pursue painting alongside your graphic design career?

I have a passion for painting and Polaroid photography, valuing the charm of tangible, hard-copy materials over digital formats. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Chulalongkorn University and a Master’s in Visual Development from the Academy of Art University, California. Field trips during my Master’s studies sparked my love for painting, eventually leading to an invitation to exhibit my work. Although the pandemic disrupted those plans, the TAPs exhibition now marks my first opportunity to showcase my paintings, reigniting my artistic journey.

2. What made you decide to move away from digital art and explore oil painting for this exhibition?

For this exhibition, I chose to explore oil painting, a medium that allows me to break away from my usual digital work as a graphic designer. While I often create on the computer, I find oil painting to be a relaxing and rewarding way to work outside of the digital realm. In my free time, I’ve always enjoyed painting, and I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on something more tangible and expressive.

3. How did your subject matter evolve over time, and what is the significance of the subjects you’ve chosen to paint?

Initially, my work centered around natural elements, particularly flowers, which I find beautiful and calming. However, as I continued to paint, I realized I wanted to incorporate more personal subjects. This led me to start painting my close family members, beginning with my parents. I felt compelled to capture the people who have supported me throughout my life. These paintings are a reflection of the connections I hold dear, and I plan to expand this series to include friends and others who are important to me.

4. What makes oil painting a special medium for you, especially in comparison to your digital work?

The decision to use oil paint was influenced by my desire to create more textured and expressive works. Unlike digital art, oil painting allows for a deeper exploration of color, texture, and emotion. The process is more unpredictable, with abstract textures emerging that wouldn’t be possible in a digital medium. As someone who tends to focus on perfection in my digital art, working with oils has given me the freedom to embrace imperfection and spontaneity.

5. How has being part of the TAPs project influenced your creativity and artistic expression?

Being part of the TAPs CPL programme has had a significant impact on my creativity. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, providing me with a great opportunity to express myself in new ways. I’m excited to share this collection, which feels like a personal exploration of the things and people I love most.

Stay tuned for more personal and expressive journeys as we continue to inspire an appreciation of the transformative power of art and human connection in our lives.