Creating Mixed Media Artworks: Inspiration from Roadside flowers

Abstract

              This creative research project, Creating Mixed Media Artworks: Inspiration from Roadside Flowers, was inspired by wildflowers commonly found in the northeastern region of Thailand, where the artist resides. These wildflowers bloom abundantly across different seasons; however, their beauty often goes unnoticed because they typically grow in open fields, rice paddies, and along roadsides, making them appear ordinary and overlooked by most people. Some wildflowers in northeastern Thailand hold cultural, traditional, and religious significance and are used as symbols representing various meanings. The creator recognized that the true beauty of these flowers is frequently disregarded in terms of their forms and structures. This realization led to the concept of creating artworks that use these forms and structures as representations of roadside flowers, integrated with visual art knowledge. Flowers such as crown flower (Calotropis), white champaca, hibiscus, jasmine, and others possess cultural significance and are commonly used in rituals and as regional symbols. The objectives of this research were: (1) to study the hidden forms and structures of roadside flowers in relation to visual art theories; (2) to create mixed media artworks using fine metal wire; and (3) to disseminate creative mixed media artworks utilizing metal fiber materials to the public, in alignment with the initial inspiration. The resulting artworks reflect new perspectives, concepts, and interactions with viewers, conveying simple yet meaningful symbols through narratives and forms constructed from materials that express thoughts and emotions. The visual artworks consist of mixed media sculptures and installations, each harmoniously integrating artistic elements. The symbolic forms convey meaning through bending, weaving, and combining fine metal wires, which constitute the creator’s distinctive technique.

              The creative outcomes of this research project received an Honorable Mention Award (Third Prize, Bronze Medal) in the Mixed Media Art category at the 70th National Exhibition of Art, held in 2025.