Phinit Cheamak

ARTIST'S BIO

Phinit, thirty-two, is new to America. Born in Buri Ram Thailand, he is the first son of rice-farming parents who have spent their lives growing Thailand's main staple. Phinit dedicated his youth to helping his parents. He attended elementary school in Thailand, but thereafter harvested the fields so that his brother and sisters could finish school. Though his teachers noticed his artistic talent then...he was never given an opportunity to re-visit this passion, until he came to the United States as a U.S. Missionary Forest Monk for the Buddhist Temple of America. In order for Phinit to come to represent Thailand in this way, he had to be selected to do so by the Abbot of his temple. Phinit was a master tailor and the primary chanter for his temple during the duration of his monkhood.

After his path as a devout forest monk for eight years (the first seven in Thailand)...Phinit decided to leave the monastery to attend classes at Chaffey College and re-enter the world of education. Around the same time, Phinit began dabbling with painting again, and re-discovered his love for the innocence of life through canvas, watercolors, and pastels. In three years, Phinit has become well-known as a local artist filled with the gift of color and imagination. He won the California Teachers Association's first place prize for his "A Day in The Fields"--a watercolor depicting the life of Cesar Chavez and the farm workers who toiled in the fields. Phinit's compassion for the American farm worker stems from his own experiences in the rice fields of Thailand.

Thereafter, Phinit's work was accepted into several Inland Valley juried art exhibits--including two of PVAA's annual juried shows. Mr. Cheamak, additionally, has exhibited at several Borders book stores;the San Bernardino County Museum of Art where he was recognized with the President's Award at their national juried show for "The Colors of Peace"; and at several restaurants throughout the valley including Thai Sea Breeze in Montclair, Jumbo Bowl in Riverside, and The Chino Cafe in Chino.

Phinit is majoring in Art at Chaffey College and hopes to someday open his own gallery, both in America and in Thailand. He also plans to illustrate children's books with his beautiful, imaginative works in hopes that those who view them, especially children, will feel happy and at peace. His collection of original works, limited edition prints, and adorable cards can be found at the So-Ho Gallery in Pomona, on his web-site at www.peacethroughart.net, and at Harwell Furniture Store in Chino, where Phinit works.