Randomness

I love art and do appreciate it in all forms. However, I am not artistic by any means. I made peace with this fact when I was still a teenager. I would watch my friends make beautiful drawings and any attempt to do so, would leave me cringing at my work. You know what, that was the end of me trying.

Amongst the different forms of art, what have stood out for me is the rice garlands.

Isaan community in North-East Thailand, use rice to make garlands. They roast sticky rice grains in a clay pot over medium heat. The grains split similarly to popcorns. They are left to cool and thereafter, using a needle and white thread, are strung one after the other.

It takes a number of months to make them and it is team effort. They are decorated using materials such as Buddha images, beads, ribbons and crystals.

When all the garlands are finally displayed in line, it is usually a breathtaking view. They make them in different sizes even tiny ones that you can put on the table. The fact that they are all handmade makes it more fascinating.

Every day I get to learn that art can be made from literally anything. It just depends on creativity levels and resources at your disposal.