Overcoming challenges to sculpt what the mind can see
UOB bank
Overcoming challenges to sculpt what the mind can see
Art is a universal medium of expression that can unite individuals despite their differences. This notion is reflected at the UOB Please Touch workshops conducted by UOB (Thai) employees and representatives from social enterprise Klongdinsor Company to help people with visual impairments appreciate, experience and create art.
Now in its fifth year, the UOB Please Touch Programme embraces a multi-sensory approach to help people with visual impairments that are aged between 10 and 70 appreciate and create art. During the last workshop which focused on sculpting techniques, art professors and UOB (Thai) volunteers helped participants to apply modelling and carving techniques to make pottery and soap sculptures out of natural ingredients such as coffee powder, charcoal, turmeric, black sesame seeds, safflower and aroma oil.
Mr Sanchai Apisaksirikul, Managing Director and Country Head of Finance and Corporate Services at UOB (Thai), said, “The UOB Please Touch programme enables people with visual impairments to tear down a wall of darkness and to overcome the boundaries set by their physical challenges. During the workshops, we saw the happiness they experienced from their cheerful expressions and creative energy. Not only does the art of sculpture bring joy but also helps build a positive attitude towards living life.”
“UOB (Thai) believes that art plays a vital role in society and should be accessible to all. The UOB Please Touch programme is one of the ways in which we demonstrate our support for the community, helping to open minds and hearts through art, children and education.”
Associate Prof Tuksina Pipitkul, an expert in art for people with visual impairments who designed the workshop and is the key instructor, said “Like all of us, people with visual impairments have artistic potential and are capable of doing many things. We have added the sculpting techniques so that they can fully touch the surface, which enables them to use their imagination when shaping.”
Nong Noot, a repeated attendee at the workshops since it was first organised, said, “I learnt many skills at the workshops which gave me the confidence in creating more daring artwork. Working on art also calms me down and helps me practice mindfulness.”
Chatrarin ‘Nong Tin’ Sintusarn, a first timer at the UOB Please Touch workshop, said, “When I was young, I lived in a neighbourhood with many shops that sold earthenware and art sculptures. I spent a lot of time looking at how they created artworks and later learned how to sculpt. Unfortunately, I became visually impaired which stopped me from pursuing my passion. However, that changed when I learnt about the UOB Please Touch programme. I am very thrilled to be able to pick up where I left off in furthering my passion for pottery.”
Methawee “Nong Mint” Khunponuiam, also first time participant in programme said, “I was a little hesitant to join the workshop as I thought the activities might be too difficult for me. It turned out to be a fun and fruitful session where I learnt how to sculpt based on my imagination and through senses of touch, smell and hearing. It is a lesson of what a visually impaired person would experience in art that a seeing person would not.”
The UOB Please Touch programme aims to inspire people with visual impairments to know no boundaries, to generate a potential source of income as an artist and to share their works of art with others.
5th March 2020
For More information, please contact
Strategic Communications and Customer Advocacy
United Overseas Bank (Thai) Pcl.
Nida Puwanich Tel. 0-2343-4963