Farmer-sculptor working to preserve Khmer art

      Sculptors have myriad ways of introducing new perspectives to lovers of the art, but few are as skilled as the self-taught Son Kinh.
"I’m simply a lover of Khmer sculpture," said the 78-year-old farmer. "I’m trying to introduce my Khmer people to a beautiful world of traditional sculpture in wood."
Born in the Mekong province of Soc Trang, Kinh says he has loved sculpture for as long as he can remember.
Soc Trang has more than 30,000 ethnic Khmers, accounting for nearly 29 per cent of the province’s population.
When he was 15, he received basic training from a master who lived in My Xuyen District’s Bai Xau Pagoda.
After seven years of learning the art, he returned home to Bung Chong Village and worked as a farmer.
Because of his love for the art, after farming Kinh became involved in creating sculpture from tree roots and trunks.
Kinh found a greater love for life and people by making beautiful sculptures based on Khmer legends.
"Sculpture was very difficult for a farmer like me," said Kinh. "But I didn’t give up. I knew that it was my destiny."
For years, Kinh has mastered the art of making several hundred sculptures, including huge statues featuring animals like dinosaurs and mythical dragons.
Using his knife and brush, Kinh carves lively works in wood. He often spends at least three days making a small sculpture.
Some of his more outstanding works portray the daily life of the Khmer people in traditional festivals, harvest time and worship activities.
Many skilled artists will not accept Kinh because of his amateur status and his work as a farmer.
But no one cannot be charmed by his work, which he calls wild and simple but meaningful.
Kinh’s odd talent has dazzled local people and visitors, and his works are stored and displayed in local commune houses and pagodas.
His sculptures are products of a combination of creativity and careful attention to detail.
Kinh says that he loves depicting the inner life of Khmer people.
"Through my art, you can see how my Khmer live and think," he added.
"I have dedicated my life to the art. I hope to infuse my love for the art into the young generation who should preserve and develop Khmer traditional culture and sculpture."
Kinh said his family had encouraged him to continue his work.
"My eldest son, Son Kol, and his 12-year-old son, are also involved in the art and try their best to capture my skills," he said.
"I’m very happy to see visitors enjoy Khmer culture and art through my works. I’m like a child when I sculpt. I want to share my love of sculpture with all people," said Kinh, smiling, adding that he is seeking more students who will carry on the art.