LIFE

Meeting of Mindsets

Life, Gerry Popplestone, Published on 30/01/2012

» This young guy seemed surprised that I wanted to take his picture. It was Chinese New Year's Day and I, too, was surprised _ intrigued to find him hard at work and in Yaowarat of all places. I've no idea how many hours he has already put into the carving. It's an intricate piece of work, with elephants, foliage from the jungle and, of course, some fiery dragons! What struck me most, apart from the care he has lavished on the carving, was that he had no idea how valuable this kind of work can be. Nor how much talented woodcarvers like him would earn in the wealthier countries of the West.