Candle, 'Elephant Ride'

A mahout rides his charge through dense rainforest, accompanied by excited visitors. In Thailand's elephant camps, these visitors can experience the magnificent animals close up and can even ride on their strong backs. Elephants are an important part of Thai culture and the Thai way of life; they have always been a symbol of both power and peace. Chaiyong Prasertpan brilliantly portrays the scene on a decorative candle. He first researches his subject, because each of his candles is based on legends, stories or ancient art. After making a detailed sketch, he sculpts the piece in oily clay mixed with beeswax; from this model he casts a silicone mold, which he fills with molten wax and pigments. Because the colors may fade over time, Prasertpan recommends the candle be lit within one month after purchase.