QA: How has your experience with the project been so far? Did you face any challenges along the way?
Golf: Our project has been filled with all kinds of adventures: happiness, sadness, disappointment, etc. But, each product is an art piece that has an effect similar to art therapy, making it my personal therapist. The project has become our home, our community, and our life.
THE BANANA LEATHER INNOVATION
QA: How are the Tanee trees used in Thailand?
Golf: Tanee is a type of banana tree that is not commonly used in Thailand due to superstitions that it is haunted. Scientifically, the reason is different: there are 150 seeds for 1 banana. Hence, when planted with other trees, it overtakes and crowns other trees. Thus, in the past, the elders created a haunting tale to avoid people from farming them.
Furthermore, Tanee is also considered the “queen” of banana trees as it has many beneficial compositions and their leaves are stronger and stiffer than other types.
| "By using our crafts, you are not only enhancing your look, but you are also supporting a community and lives." |
QA: How did you come up with the idea to create banana leather?
Golf: I source the trees from the farmers' community, and their plantation and soil are organic, allowing the trees' natural organisms to paint the most beautiful patterns and textures. Once the banana tree blossoms, it will die, so we cut it and use the majority of the trees to create the banana tree leather. We cut the trunk and slice it into thin sheets before sun-drying it. Depending on the climate, the dried color and pattern of the sheets will vary: white for winter, red/purple for summer, and sepia for the rainy season. Next, we combine and iron the sheets to create larger ones. The innovation of Tanee that I created transforms the sheets into leather, gaining strength, durability, and stretchability.
QA: The Tanee banana tree leather is a new innovation. What makes it unique and durable?
Golf: It's not leather; it's made of banana trees. Natural products can be durable, and nature has already proven that. You just need to care for it and treat it well.
THE COMMUNITY
QA: Who you do work with?
Golf: There are about 30 families, including farmers and tailors, currently involved in the project. We are all equal and work together ethically, moving forward as families by taking care of one another.