The Tale of Nong Bpen

When people ask me what I do for work, I usually go on a little rant about this or that, then they follow it up with, "Wow, you work with children? It doesn't sound like you like them." The thing is I really do. It's just that I'm also really exhausted, and it's hard readjusting to adult talk/non-kid logic. There's nothing in this world that will keep you on your toes and constantly guessing like kids. Boogers and all.


The free size show finally gave Logan something to do for the past couple months, and it's been great having some alone time of my own! What even better timing to have an emergency school closing the weekend of the opening, so I could spend time with some folks from back home.

But everywhere I go, I just can't shake the kids...

Jen showed me a picture of this kid, Nong Bpen, last week during the middle of their install. He just walked around the factory in his sandals with a bottle and a blankie. We were destined to become great friends... once he put the bottle and blankie down!

Nong Bpen lurking during a photo shoot for Thailand's Computer Arts magazine.

Last Friday, he started chatting up a storm. He showed me his homework book and went on and on about how much he loves to color.

Nong Bpen practicing his Thai alphabet.

Jen said they had extra paint, so let him in on the action. Nong Bpen says that he loves to color beautifully and cries when it is not.

No crying tonight!

Typical kid painting starts off nice, then they just can't stop themselves from layering as much paint as possible.

Juan tried to impress Nong Bpen by doing handstands. Does he look impressed?

While we were waiting for his paintings to dry, Nong discovered the kiddy pool Logan bought to ice all the opening reception beverages.

Love at first sight. And yes, that is a beer floating in the melted ice water.

Logan told Nong he had to work for a visit to the pool!

Mr. Bay makes it rain.

So little Nong Bpen picked up a roller, and started priming the SOI FREE SIZE sign for the main road entrance to the factory.

To kill a few extra minutes, I had Nong pose by all of the artists' works.

P7: BKK, Thailand

P7: BKK, Thailand

Alvaro Ilizarbe: Miami, USA

It's really hard to get a good picture of Juan's piece because it's so big, but Nong decided that it would be more fun to go inside the piece and declared it his home. Since there are a lot of sharp staples and exposed nails involved, I had to run in and pull Nong out per Juan's advice. To be honest, most Thai children will be completely fine in weird habitats with exposed nails and staples, while running around barefoot in anticipation of pool time!

Juan Chavez: CHICAGO!, USA

If I had to make a top 10 list of things the people of Thailand love, rainbows would definitely be on it. Jen's piece was by far Nong Bpen's favorite.

Jen Stark: Miami, USA

After 3 exhausting hours of running around with Nong Bpen, he finally reaped his reward!

After the opening, we requested that the pool be left for Nong Bpen, who we hope to see again one day! Miss you little guy.