Artist Profile Chatrawee Thongnak Textile Artist / Contemporary Textile Designer / Founder of Rawee Textile Art Chatrawee is a contemporary textile artist driven by a profound passion for silk and natural dyeing. She believes craftsmanship goes beyond visual aesthetics; it is a "voice" to spark deep conversations between humans, nature, and social issues. Her installations blend traditional wisdom with contemporary contexts. Her signature flowing "Phuttan" (Hibiscus flower) motif symbolizes the dynamics of change. Exhibited globally including in Chengdu, Oslo, and recently at UAL Central Saint Martins, London, depicting her father’s Alzheimer's journey—her work expands the definition of sustainability from environmental dimensions to spiritual well-being and meaningful human connections. Project Description Project Title: I'M A BIRD, YOU ARE MY SMILE Subtitle: Textile Installation Art & "Fly & Rest" Workshop Problem and Concept Origins: This project stems from the artist's direct experience as a "secondary caregiver" alongside her mother for her father with Alzheimer's. The family faced extreme exhaustion, Caregiver Burnout, and emotional wounds from a lack of societal understanding. A turning point emerged when she introduced art at home. Her father frequently drew birds, noting, "I like drawing them because birds can fly freely," reflecting a desire to escape his illness. This simple activity restored smiles and created a safe refuge for the family. The artist now expands this home-experiment to the wider society, creating a healing space for other caregivers and patients. Presentation Format and Activities: The project features three main components: 1. Textile Installation Art: Memories of Petals: Indigo-dyed silk fading to pure white symbolizes disappearing memories. Remaining floral traces represent enduring beauty, while incense-burned holes reflect caregivers' emotional wounds and burnout. I'M A BIRD, YOU ARE MY SMILE: A co-created family artwork featuring drawings of "birds" (freedom/protection) and "flowers" (emotional nourishment) exhibited on flowing silk. 2. Caregiver Talk: A safe dialogue space featuring medical experts providing dementia care knowledge. The artist will also share personal lessons to empower and pass on emotional strength to other caregivers. 3. "Fly & Rest" Workshop: An interactive art therapy session where participants select two bird shapes (patient and caregiver) and paint them using local natural plant dyes. The finished birds are attached to 3-meter naturally dyed fabrics representing emotional refuges, such as the Sky of Letting Go, Nature's Refuge, or the Garden of Beautiful Memories. Highlights & Impact: This exhibition promotes "Local Art Therapy" utilizing natural materials and local crafts as accessible healing tools. It draws out the hidden potential of patients and caregivers, shifting the patient's role from a "care receiver" to a "co-creator artist." Participants will receive a "Happiness Idea Kit" (guidebook and natural fibers) to replicate this therapy at home. By targeting caregivers, medical personnel, and the public, this project aims to raise awareness, alleviate Caregiver Burnout, and prepare Thai society for an aging population with profound empathy and a sustainable quality of life.