Michael Chaowanasai Passion in Transition The scene cuts to a bunch of bullies harassing a young girl. They immediately stop and are thrown out of a store one by one by a very large woman Most of you might remember the movie that was the talk of the town, “Adventure of Iron Pussy,” the work of art by none other than creator, Michael Chaowanasai, who proudly dresses as a woman during work as inspiration. “I like to dress as a woman and take photos. Don’t ask me why because I’ll just tell you that it’s pretty. I am not a woman and could never understand what’s going inside a woman’s mind but I am able to express my feelings of a woman from my experiences, whether it’s a mother or a beauty pageant winner.” “I opt for things that are not complete or are in transition. For example, I like the Don Mueng area, where modern day developments seemingly stop at the end of the airport’s runway. Going beyond there is not exactly a city nor is it a rural area. There are many stories that come with the red dirt and bumpy roads. Did you know that the fruits vary in each cart sold from place to place and the way people peel or chop their fruits differ from the city life to the country life?” Michael was in a joyful mood as he maneuvered our way to his highly recommended restaurant of chicken rice at the suburbs of Rangsit. “I accidentally came across this small hawkers’ stand of a restaurant and have gone back many times ever since. “Jum Jim” has tons of customers, thanks to the kind owner. If I were to have to wait in lines just to eat, forget about it. I feel totally comfortable eating here.” The deafening sounds of a small jet plane flew over our heads and we came to a stop in front of rusty large airplane parked at one corner of Don Mueng airport. Michael explains to us, “This is a plane of the Cambodian airlines, one of the first jet planes of Europe and has been parked here since before World War II. I love the design as every part seems to fall in perfect composition.” Michael has traveled since a young boy and it’s no wonder he appreciates and is immersed with the little things of the airport. “I like the part where we travel from point A to point B because it’s a part of the journey that is out of our control. We’re not able to stand up in the plane and shout nor are we to yell at the captain to go faster. I get excited from the moment the door closes as we enter the airport to the second that it opens at my new destination. It’s a transition of change that is very interesting and amazing for us to anticipate what we will encounter, who will come to pick us up or what we will see. But the moment I see the sign, “Welcome to the United States of America,” I feel bored stiff and wonder what I will stumble upon.” “When friends would call me to go out clubbing during the late party hours, they would find me sitting at the airport. I didn’t have any air conditioning at home and I would sit and watch the airplanes while brainstorming for ideas. I would observe the evolution of people and passengers wanting to leave but weren’t able to do so. There would always be movement and I would be triggered by this powerful force as well. I like Don Mueng airport the most due to its simplicity with its plain edifice and lack of intricate structures. Every time I look at Don Mueng, I feel like I’m either traveling to work or going home and I feel so much at ease.” Tomorrow Michael’s journey will begin again even though the destination is the same place. Although the familiarity of it all will not excite him but what goes on during his journey is much more important than the destination itself. The sparkle in his dark brown eyes show his enthusiasm to see the doors slide open for him to enter a new place.