One of the joys of visiting Elephant Parade Land or seeing some of Chiang Mai’s most well-known elephant statues pop up in cities around the world is to discover new designs, often created by world famous artists and celebrities. In Chiang Mai, the newest designs are hand painted onto elephants of all sizes, and the best are selected for sale in any one of their stores found in Chiang Mai and overseas.
For many, when seeing hundreds of beautiful elephant designs – all with the purpose to raise funds and support elephant conservation in Asia– ideas begin to spring to mind about how you would go about painting and designing your own elephant…if only you had the chance.
Thankfully, that dream can easily be a reality thanks to the innovative thinkers at Elephant Parade offering elephant painting workshops at Elephant Parade Land and at a number of selected stores – or by way of the Elephant Parade Artbox which you can buy in store or online and take home, perfect as a gift for that creative loved one or even for yourself.
Every year Elephant Parade host an Artbox contest, where all submissions are uploaded to a Facebook album where the community share their thoughts, support and vote for their favourite design. Elephant Parade, on behalf of Citylife, talks with Priscilla Teoh-Stoute – 2017’s winner – about how she came about the Artbox and what inspired her to paint her own elephant. Every year, the winning design is pained full size and permanently joins the Elephant Parade’s travelling herd, alongside elephants designed by celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Katie Perry and Khloe Kardashian, brands such as BMW, Ferrari and Paul Smith, and top local and international artists from around the world.
Tell us about yourself.
Priscilla: My name is Priscilla Teoh-Stoute. I was born in Singapore in June 1964 and I have been a graphic designer and illustrator since 1985. After 25 years of designing professionally, I am dedicating my life to creating different art forms, mostly inspired by my love for nature. My frequent cultural journeys to many countries as well as gaining extensive experience with international clients from various backgrounds, has further enriched my artistic journey. My art pieces have been exhibited, sold and commissioned internationally.
As a nature lover I am very excited to be part of the amazing work done by the Elephant Parade. It gives me great satisfaction to (indirectly) contribute to the protection of elephants by painting this large size elephant.
How did you get your hands on the Elephant Parade Artbox?
Priscilla: I was presented the ArtBox by a friend as a gift. With much joy and passion I began to paint the elephant. I did not realise yet that there was a competition for the best painted elephant. I was just inspired by the cause of protecting the elephant with my brush, so I aimed to express my respect for this impressive and amazing species.
What was your inspiration?
Priscilla: I recently moved to Hong Kong and here I am much closer to the Chinese culture and way of living. One typical Chinese art form particularly caught my attention and fascination: paper cutting. In the modern age this unique form of craftsmanship is at risk of being extinct. With the human drive to be part of the modern (digital) world, we run the risk of ‘selling away’ our cultural and environmental inheritance. Through this elephant I hope to contribute and raise awareness that we should never take anything for granted.
Why did you choose this theme/colour palette?
Priscilla: Red is an attractive colour and represents luck in Chinese culture. Black words are written in Chinese brush calligraphy to further strengthen the character. With all the various auspicious motifs and words of blessing, this elephant symbolises Happiness.
Do you think art plays a vital role in environmental conservation awareness?
Priscilla: Definitely. To put it stronger, of the key purposes of Art is to keep people aware and constantly remind people of the consequences of our behaviour. Through art we can mobilise people. Art attracts the eye, triggers the brain and makes us think further.
When you purchase an Elephant Parade Artbox, 20% net profit goes towards elephant conservation. 30% of all full size (1.5 metre baby elephant statue) sales go to elephant conservation.
To submit your design to compete in the 2018 competition, follow this link.
Click here to learn about other ways you can get involved and help support elephant conservation.
To buy an Artbox online, visit the Elephant Parade store by clicking here.
To contact Elephant Parade in Chiang Mai (head office) or visit their Elephant Parade Land museum (open daily), contact them via the details below.
Elephant Parade Land
180/9 Moo 7, San Pee Sua, Muang Chiang Mai, Thailand
+66 (0)53 115 266
info@elephantparade.com