Chanakarn Semachai, also known as Punch, is a ceramic artist and educator from Bangkok. She holds a BA from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and an MFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, USA. Her art explores identity, multiculturalism, and the fusion of sculptural and functional elements, employing color and ornamentation to convey personal stories with a touch of humor. Notably, she experiments with layering colored plexiglass over clay to create unique color filters. She awarded 2022 NCECA Emerging Artist and in the same year she earned Emerging Artist Award through The Ceramics Monthly. She currently teaches creative ceramics at Chulalongkorn University.

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My artistic journey has been a profound exploration of cultural immersion, personal transformation, and the enduring quest for belonging. Moving from Thailand to pursue my Master of Fine Arts degree thrust me into an entirely new world, where unfamiliar experiences reshaped both my life and my artistic practice. Initially, I found myself grappling with the urge to assimilate, to mold myself into the expectations of a foreign society. Yet, amidst this struggle, a realization dawned upon me – that the essence of happiness lies not in conformity, but in embracing one's own uniqueness.

Inspired by a story of a man reintegrating into a world transformed by technology, I began to contemplate the notion of displacement and adaptation on a larger scale. What if dinosaurs, the ancient inhabitants of our planet, were to return to our modern world? How would they navigate the unfamiliar terrain of today's society? This analogy struck a chord within me, resonating with my own feelings of being a "dinosaur" in a world that often feels alien.

In my artistic practice, I focus on the full spectrum of identity and multiculturalism. I explore the possibility of blending sculptural and functional elements together, utilizing color and ornamentation to express personal narratives. Through these elements and a dash of humor, I hope to create special moments between my pots and those who enjoy them.

Through my art, I seek to convey the universal experience of feeling out of place, of grappling with insecurities and uncertainties. Yet, amidst this existential struggle, there lies a profound truth – that our differences are what make us truly remarkable as individuals. Just as the dinosaurs would inevitably stand out in our modern world, so too do we each possess a unique essence that sets us apart.

My work serves as a testament to the beauty of diversity, urging viewers to embrace their own uniqueness and celebrate the richness of human experience. By challenging societal norms and fostering a sense of inclusivity, I hope to inspire others to find solace in their individuality and to recognize the inherent value of every voice. In a world that often seeks conformity, let us instead revel in the kaleidoscope of human expression, for it is our differences that unite us in our shared humanity.