Following the Path in THAILAND

Over the last 4 years I have found my enthusiasm for my work, painting people into the World, to come in waves and lately, I have been called to ask myself whether this is still the right path for me. Despite the fact that this practise truly makes my heart sing, I now have a deep appreciation for all the facets within… including the gravity and extremity of the entire process. Today my passion for this art form lies primarily in the work I do exploring ‘Indigenosity’, and honouring the people and the lands that I visit through this creative process. By Painting the People of the land into their Lands, I get to play in my favourite ways. As an anthropology undergrad, cross-cultural collaboration is my heart and soul. Learning about one another, sharing our likeness and marvelling at our differences is my most comfortable and favourite way of being in the world. The opposite of being part of a ‘society’ where a ‘normalcy’ pervades and we are expected to be something particular. Learning about another’s culture is fascinating and liberating. To truly appreciate that the way we see think hear and understand things is not actually the way things are, is a relief! We move from life being ‘ordinary’, to life being full of possibility.


Here in Thailand’s hippy corner of Koh phangan, surrounded by a melding pot of culture, one can become whatever they like. There is much to absorb and adopt, there is much to release and let go of. Staying in the centre of ones being, feeling into he body’s intuitive signals, is key to an authentic and meaningful journey.there are many ways to deepen ones connection to themselves, but necessarily involves solo onwards practise. Being back here in Thailand after 8 years between, I felt a yearning to connecting with Thai people. At times there can feel to be a disconnect between the people and the tourists and sometimes it’s as simple as not having the language to really connect. But along the way I started to make Thai friends... And it occurred to me that we could do a Merge Ceremony together in honour of the land that was bringing me back to balance: i thought, if I meet the right Thai person (preferably woman) then I would be honoured to say THANK YOU in this way, and create a THAILAND edition to the EEP series www.emergingearthpeople.com


Whilst I was booked to paint at a festival here, I met a woman called Lala. We had gone into the ice bath together, she had stayed in for 4.5 minutes when the usual time period is one minute! Her will and mind power blew me away. When I told her about my project and asked if she wanted to be part of it, she was an immediate YES. As was revealed along the way, this project was born from the stars.


The team came together effortlessly. James, with a heart as big as a giant peach was the man to hold space, and look after details so we could create. Ron came to work together with me for a second time this week, and blessed us with his photography. The production was set to occur our in the shallow waters of Koh Phangan, with the painting taking place against the backdrop of the water and shoreline. We needed a sturdy table to put in the water. I learnt that Thai people love to help and can be all too willing to give you their fruit stand table on the spot if asked! Having a very beautiful Thai woman by our side asking, helped also. It offered the opportunity to really experience Thai culture as Thai people relate to each other.


Being naked in public is also not something that can be taken for granted but bless this island for having a fully sanctioned naked beach! The production itself was more beautiful than I could have imagined. With Lala arriving in complete tradition Thai dress, with all her glistening adornments. She walked out into the water just like that, and gradually shed all the decorations, until she stood bare, ready, open and present. As I painted her the tears began to run down her face... I was soon to learn that she was pouring prayers upon me... at first I chased her tear streaked Face with my brush, but quickly noticed the most beautiful art I had ever seen. The reality of emotion, nature of strength and gentle vulnerability all being seen at the same time. My paintbrush wouldn’t dare cover up such beauty... Celebrating the beauty of tears through this powerful and courageous Thai woman was a privilege and an honour.


I realised that we didn’t have anyone doing filming for us and decided to take it on myself. I captured little parts of this whole beautiful magical process and planned to put together a short video. My interest in making film has been ignited over the last years, with a few very inspiring people encouraging me to get into this mode of expression. One of these people is NAS, of NAS DAILY. If you haven’t heard of him check him out. Those who know me know that I’m pretty obsessed with this guy and his work. He went from being an amateur making one minute films on Facebook to being followed by 700000 million people!! His films are inspiring and authentic. I have wanted to meet him for a year now... one of my big hopes and dreams was to meet him in Israel as I will be arriving in a couple of days...


After the production on site (in the water!!) was completed, we headed out for some music. Sitting there chatting away like two sisters separated for many years, Lala mentioned that maybe she knew of a project good for me... “NAS DAILY....” she began to say before The look of shock on my face told her I knew who she was talking about. “NAS DAILY! I love nas!” Was all I could say, and suddenly Lala’s Face changed also with words following “wowwww this project is for you!!” She showed me a video from Nas INVITING WOMEN CREATORS to join his BOOTCAMP! The deadline for the application video: April 10th!! I Haven’t really had many dreams lately.. but this one shines like the sun. Apparently he will fly us somewhere in the world to learn film making with him and create stuff. YES! Soo soooo yes! So I spent my last two days in Koh Phangan in my computerland editing and preparing stuff to send out.
It’s been massive. I did my best. Hearts on my sleeve again. Here it is. Enjoy and send some good vibes out for me to be the chosen!

Now: en route to the holy land. Nervous, excited, tentative.. not really sure what it’s all about. Of course visiting family and friends is great and I will be doing lots of that! But also reminding myself that I’m coming in the tourist spirit, keen to connect with all types of people in ways I haven’t before: arab-Israelis, Jews, christians, Palestinians especially EVERYONE outside the box in some way, let’s get together, create art, and express ourselves and expand within the healing realms.


Thailand, I have truly love every second. It wasn’t long enough. I feel strongly about coming back, and maybe even staying here for a proper while. Seems perfect for me in many ways…Huge thank you again to all the amazing Thai people I met who took the time to share their lives with me, and teach me a little bit more about THAILAND. I would LOVE to make a home here one day :) Sending it out to the universe! I’ll be back x


Orly x





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