Mingalaba! Today's programme is entitled "Uniquely…artistic straw paintings of Myanmar". Rice is the staple food of Myanmar, and rice is planted all over the country. After consuming rice, which can be said to be our-blood-line, we even use the discarded stuff, like straw, to create beautiful artistic paintings. Thus, we give them the name "KaukYoeBagi" which means "Straw Painting".

The creators of straw paintings categorize their paintings into two categories. The first is, the straws are used in their natural colours, and the second, the straws are painted according to the colour, the artist prefers. By mentioning, the natural colour of the straw means…that the straws changes colour according to age. The paint uses to colour the straws are usually silk-dye.

To produce a straw paintings, there are two methods. The first one is to draw a rough sketch on the velvet cloth, and the second method is to draw a rough sketch on a paper, and then, cut it out and stick it onto the velvet cloth.

After the rough sketch is drawn, you have to use a stainless steel knife, with the edge turn inwards, to split the straws. After the straws are split, they are spliced into shapes required.

To produce a beautiful artistic straw painting, you need the precise degree of angle, thickness of the straw, and the exact light and shade colour the artist needs to create his painting. Then, you have to stick glue upon the rough sketch and after that, stick the straw on vertically or horizontally according to the shape the artist desires. When the desired shape has been created, an iron is used to heat the straws to settle them and prevent them from bending. Natural straw painting is made by using natural-coloured straw different shapes to create the required light and shade the artist wants.

Nowadays, creators of straw paintings not only use natural coloured shades for their creations but also straws painted according to the painting, the artist wants to create. And these paintings have become popular among buyers not only locally but also from abroad.

We admire these creators of "Straw paintings" who use their artistic skills to create wonderful, beautiful paintings from discarded straw to create decorative items which will enhance the beauty of living rooms, office rooms, and exhibition rooms. Why don't you become a proud owner of a beautiful straw painting and join many of the proud owners who proudly display their "Uniquely…artistic straw paintings of Myanmar " to the world.