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Marco Ko Oo

"I was born on 23 March 1962. I belong to the Akha hill tribe, which originated in Mon Tong Guay Joaw and Mon Ton, Yunnan in China. However, my ancestors migrated to Thailand, Laos and Burma at the beginning of 20th century and established villages near the Burmese border.

"I was born in one of these villages, and did many different types of things when I was young, because I have always liked to try different things. I am a hard worker, and I enjoy being busy all day.

"I started working with wood 10 years ago, because at that time I had moved to the Sankampang region, and in the village near mine there were many people working with mango wood. Though they were successful, I did not like their designs, and so I asked myself, 'why not start working with wood, and creating new and different designs?' And this is how everything got started.

"I began working with seven people and little by little we grew. At the beginning I worked all day at the workshop, and during the night I would be working on new designs from home. Everything that surrounds me, especially Thai culture, inspires me.

"My beloved country has many customs and traditions, but I would say that my inspiration comes from all Asian cultures. I try to transform them by adapting contemporary styles.

"My wife helps me a lot, and she is a great source of inspiration too. We have a small daughter, and she is a great source of energy and joy.

"I still have not taken part in any exhibition, but I would like to and hope that it will happen in my future. I believe that life is a big mystery and you cannot explain what may happen in your life - today I am like this, but tomorrow who knows?

"I really want to thank Novica and hope they like my items. All I can say is that I really made them with my heart and all my knowledge."