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Sangrawee

"My name is Sangrawee Aphisawangroj and I was born on June 6, 1954 in Chiang Rai province. I am the eldest of seven children and we come from the Lahu hill tribe. When I was a child, hill tribe people didn't have a good standing in society and there weren't any schools where I lived, so I didn't go to one. Being a woman, according to Lahu traditions, I had to learn about my people's handicrafts, including weaving. My mother taught me, as well as other women in the village. I love to weave, sew and embroider, which is why I have been doing it practically my whole life.

"I married Phongsak, a Novica featured artist, when I was 27 years old. We've actually known each other since we were children because we come from the same village. He is a nice guy and a great family man who works hard to support us. We have three sons. The two older ones attend university and the youngest is about to finish school. They are good kids to us, and we are very proud of them. We are also proud that we have been able to provide for them and offer them the opportunity of higher education.

"I am a homemaker and I look after my sons and my husband. We are Christians and we usually go to church every Sunday. I have been president of the Christian Women's association for Region 18 since 2004. We always go back to Chiang Rai for the New Year festival as well as other important events. I visit my father, brothers and sisters in the village. My mother passed away many years ago.

"The work that I make celebrates Lahu lifestyle and traditions, so every piece is filled with my hill tribe's artistic details.

"I would like to thank Novica for giving me a chance to show my Lahu hill tribe works to the world. I am happy to know that collectors worldwide show interest in my work, for it will also help other people in my hill tribe."