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Sher Maker - PTT Saraphi, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Sher Maker – *PTT Saraphi*, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Address

75 ม.7 ถนน เชียงใหม่-ลำพูน Saraphi, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50140, Thailand Copy to clipboard

18.669278, 99.051914 Copy to clipboard

Visit information

Open 24/7

Accessibility

The gas station is easily accessible by car, located along a major route in Saraphi District.

The site is designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

Before you go

Photography: Daylight hours provide excellent conditions for capturing the ceramic façade’s vibrant colors. Consider visiting during the golden hour for softer lighting.

Safety: The area is generally safe, but exercise caution when navigating around the gas station. And watch out for the lively Thai traffic. It's always full of surprises.

Best visit time

To fully appreciate the dynamic reflections of the ceramic façade, visit during daylight hours when sunlight interacts with the tiles.

Early morning or late afternoon provides softer lighting, ideal for photography.

Directions

By car

Drive to Saraphi District in Chiang Mai. The gas station is located along the main road and is easily identifiable by its distinctive ceramic façade.

By public transport

Take a local bus or taxi from Chiang Mai city center to Saraphi District. Ask the driver for the PTT Saraphi gas station.

Parking

Free parking is available at the gas station, though spaces may fill up during peak hours. Plan ahead for busier times.

Renovation of a gas station

Creatives find inspiration from some of the most uninspiring sources. Many of them find ideas from looking at others’ creations. Architects are in this category too. They get their creative juices running from some of life’s regular occurrences. A gas station is the last place you would expect to see creatives basing their work upon. Because of this, Sher Maker’s renovation of a gas station is a unique production.

PTT Saraphi Station

PTT Saraphi Station in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the location. The facility provided the canvas and background that made the installation exceptional. Through the new exterior, the gas station was turned into a public space where passersby can enjoy themselves. To achieve this, it worked with a local artisanship studio to create a unique piece of art.

Location

180 Thanon Chiang Mai-Lamphun, Saraphi, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50140, Thailand
Open 24/7

Why use ceramics?

Sher Maker opted for ceramic works. In Thailand, ceramics have been popular since the prehistoric periods. Compared to other art forms, it is one of the most widespread in the country. Chinese ceramics influence Thai ceramics a lot. Despite that, the latter is distinctive for its mix of indigenous styles. Thai artists infuse their ceramics with unique colors, shapes, and decorative motifs.

Material of Sher Maker's PTT Saraphi, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Material of Sher Maker’s *PTT Saraphi*, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The uniqueness of Thai ceramics comes out clearly in Sher Maker’s renovation of the gas station. Besides that, Thai ceramics are renowned for acting as façade materials. Again, you can see that without much difficulty in the Chiangmai gas station. At this point, it’s important to mention that ceramics are not limited to their quality as a façade material alone. Instead, they stand out for another reason.

Sketch for Sher Maker - PTT Saraphi, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Sketch for Sher Maker’s *PTT Saraphi*, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Glorying Workmanship

Thai ceramics also glorify the artistry involved. Chiangmai is full of talented craftspeople. The men and women of this region handle their arts with the deserved seriousness. They are capable of creating a piece of art that matches the color of the ever-changing sky. In Thailand, the sky seems to change its color at different times during the day. Ceramics, as you can see in the renovated gas station, are of the most impressive quality.

Production of Sher Maker's PTT Saraphi, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Production of Sher Maker’s *PTT Saraphi*, 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Collaborations

Sher Maker worked with three studios to give the gas station a new refreshing look. One of the studios in question is Chatchaiwat Studio. Secondly, Maerim Ceramic provided the design consultancy. The third studio is Saraphi Ceramic and Design offered its expertise in pearl coating.

In all this, Sher Maker was careful to use nothing but the best local resources. The result of all that work is an exceptional installation that stands out in Chiangmai, Thailand.