The Sculpture of Nang See Wei from the Muralpainting of Tamon Temple, Long District, Phrae

Abstract

This creative research study had two main objectives 1) to collect and publish the history of the mural paintings at Tamon Temple, and 2) to create a sculpture of Nang See Wei, inspired by the mural of Nang See Wei, to highlight the distinctive beauty and cultural identity of the Tamon community.

The research methodology combined creative art research with a quantitative
approach. The study population and sample consisted of 171 individuals, divided into two groups  (1) a sample of 118 people used to survey the community’s needs and suggestions for creating the Nang See Wei sculpture prototype and (2) a sample of 53 people who evaluated the satisfaction with the sculpture prototype.

The study’s findings were as follows 1) the collection and dissemination of the history of Tamon Temple murals broadened public understanding and conveyed the knowledge, values, and historical  significance of the paintings, which serve as cultural symbols connecting the
community’s way of life and beliefs to a wider audience and 2) The researcher successfully
created a three dimensional sculpture of Nang See Wei, inspired by the two dimensional mural, translating the essence of the two dimensional artwork into a contemporary three dimensional form. This piece conveys the community’s identity and aesthetic value in a new dimension.
The satisfaction evaluation of the Nang See Wei sculpture prototype showed a very high level of satisfaction, with an average score of (x̄ = 4.81, S.D. = 0.42). The participants specifically
appreciated that the sculpture’s color resembled the original mural and that its composition was beautiful. This creative work highlights the importance of contemporary art as a medium to connect people with their local history, wisdom, and identity in a harmonious way. Additionally, the process  of  experimentation and refinement led to new technical knowledge, creating a learning innovation that can be applied to other art forms. This work also fosters a sense of pride and builds a collaborative network for the preservation and continuation of cultural heritage.