WITH PRAIYA KETKOOL
When was the last time you paused to look at a tree or a patch of grass for more than ten seconds?”
It may seem like a simple question, but in a world that is constantly moving forward, slowing down, being present with our surroundings has become surprisingly difficult. For Praiya Ketkool, nature is more than a source of artistic inspiration—it is a way of seeing the world, shaped through memories, observation, and years of paying close attention to the living world around her. In this issue of Art Mode, we share a conversation with Praiya Ketkool, exploring her creative process, her way of thinking, and her relationship with nature— the inspiration behind The Biophilia Scape.
Can you remember what first sparked your interest in the natural world?
When I was a child, I always looked forward to visiting my grandmother’s home in Chachoengsao or traveling to the countryside because I was surrounded by nature. Looking back, I think I was fortunate to grow up before smartphones and the internet became part of everyday life. We played with whatever was around us—making pretend meals from leaves and flowers, playing hide-and-seek in the garden, jumping into haystacks, weaving grasshopper nests from wild grasses, or lying on a mat in the garden during summer, gazing up at the beautiful branches of a towering Takian tree.
What continues to make nature such an enduring source of inspiration for your work?
Above all, it is my deep love and lifelong connection with nature. I’m also fascinated by the relationship between humans and the natural world through different perspectives—whether history, philosophy, psychology, or biology. Another important driving force is my awareness of the environmental challenges that threaten the existence of many living species, especially the natural ecosystems that have always been here. Through my paintings, I hope to bring attention to these forms of life and their presence.
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