For most of us, 44 years since graduation is too long a period to start over. But that hasn’t stopped artist Sakwut Wisesmanee from embracing new ideas and putting his creative genius to work. One of the few of his generation to make a lot of money from his artworks, he’s now offering NFT portraits, a move that ensures he remains relevant, accessible and remembered.

“I have to start creating NFTs (Non-fungible Token) works. I have to go along with the trend otherwise people will forget me,” Sakwut says.

The artist recently started drawing portraits on his iPad and finds it enjoyable. But he admits that the initial enjoyment will fade once he becomes familiar with the process and the pressure to produce more work grows. “Like anything else, it’s fun at first and after it becomes your work, you pressure yourself and the fun ends.”

Compared to a real canvas, the iPad drawing is easier in that it allows an artist to make mistakes. However, a big challenge for Sakwut is the screen’s brightness which worsens his eye problems, making his vision blur. Therefore he can’t work long hours on an iPad.

Sakwut suffers from corneal dystrophy, a condition that runs in his family. The disease prevents him from working at night as his eyes are extremely sensitive to neon light. Today he works mostly in a room bathed in natural light.  “When it’s gloomy like today,” he says, gesturing to the clouds outside, “I can’t work.”

There’s no doubt that embracing a new platform to create art and his worsening eye health are challenges. But when people learned they could have their portraits done by Sakwut at a relatively “affordable” price, requests poured in. As he could do only 33 pieces, the spots were booked in no time.

Those who have registered for the Portraits by Sakwut ​2ND DROP project will each get a print on canvas sized 80 x 60 cm with a unique frame and the Sakwut logo as well as a NFT art piece illustrating the work of artist from his first outline through to the finished painting.

Sakwut insists he can’t handle more than 33 works although Jventures Co and his friend believe the demand is far greater. “My eyesight is far more important.”

Asked how difficult it is to draw on a tablet compared to a canvas, Sakwut says he feels more comfortable working on a large canvas as it puts less strain on his eyes.

With art trends changing at a swift pace. Sakwut wants to stay relevant on every platform. His loyal fans still love his works but they no longer want to buy it at high prices.

He says he will not stop working for as long as he still nurtures big dreams. “There are two schools of thought: as you are growing old, you either stop doing everything or do everything you want. I’m in the latter category.”

Sakwut’s dream has long been to build a gallery boasting his name yet his current home built in art deco style already gives off a distinct gallery aura. He owns an impressive collection of works including the iconic recreation of Flower Bomber by Bansky, movie posters and replicas of Jeff Koons’ balloon dogs to name a few.

The second floor of his home is like a small exhibition space that displays his own creations and art collection including his self-portrait from the early days and his sculptures. When visitors tell him it already counts as a gallery and there is no need to build a new one, Sakwut shakes his head. He is a man challenged by his own perfectionism.

“Greed is what drives an artist,” says Sakwaut, adding that he has to find more money first to create a proper gallery.

When a “new” platform becomes “old”, he will have to adjust again. After all, he needs to continue working for a long period of time if he is to have a gallery in his name.

By Veena Thoopkrajae

Photo by Samatcha Apaisuwan