The Development of Para-Rubber Based Art Materials for Creating Innovative Learning in Thai Art

Thai art is a unique cultural identity that reflects wisdom and Thainess through exquisite artwork, particularly in Thai traditional painting patterns, which are divided into 4 categories: Kanok, Nari, Krabi, and Kacha. As this is a cultural heritage worthy of preservation and transmission to youth, current learning management focuses on developing innovations that promote creative learning. The researcher was interested in developing an innovation for adolescent youth to learn Thai art by integrating knowledge of Art and Science. This involved using Para rubber, a significant natural resource and key economic crop, with the potential to be developed into creative learning materials to create Thai art learning activity kits based on the 4 pattern categories. These kits were designed to be contemporary, easy to understand, practical for hands-on use, and the resulting works can be utilized in daily life. The objectives of this Research and Development (R&D) project were: 1) to study guidelines for developing Thai art learning innovations, 2) to develop 3 types of art materials from Para rubber, and 3) to study the effects and quality of these materials suitable for the target group. The operation consisted of 5 phases: Phase 1 studied data on educational innovation, Thai patterns, and rubber to design the innovation guidelines; Phase 2 designed the Thai patterns; Phase 3 developed the rubber art materials (Rubber paint, Para rubber foam, and Reclaimed rubber) and the activity kits; Phase 4 experimented with the kits to test efficiency and create prototypes; and Phase 5 evaluated the efficiency with the target group and experts. The materials were developed in a laboratory, and data were collected from a trial with 20 students aged 16–18, alongside an efficiency assessment by 3 art education experts. Research tools included a satisfaction assessment form, a focus group interview form, and an expert suitability assessment form. The results indicated that the development of art materials allowed for the design of 4 art activities: 1) Painting Kanok patterns on hats, 2) Painting Nari category foam dolls, 3) Painting Krabi category glasses, and 4) Crystal sticking on Kacha patterns. The developed rubber art equipment included: 1) Para rubber paint (2 formulas), 2) Para rubber foam for forming 3D dolls and 2D sheets, and 3) Reclaimed rubber sheets from waste tires. This integration of Art and Science allowed for the control of material properties suitable for art usage. Findings on the material properties revealed that all 3 types were suitable for use in the activity kits. Type 1, Para rubber paint, consists of a thick formula (viscous, suitable for various surfaces like fabric, foam, acrylic, and for lining) and a liquid formula (translucent, reflective, suitable for smooth or transparent surfaces like glass and acrylic); both adhere well when dry. Type 2, Para rubber foam, has appropriate density and softness with a smooth surface suitable for painting. Type 3, Reclaimed rubber sheets, are strong, smooth, glossy, and durable, making them suitable as a base for crystal attachment. These results demonstrate that rubber art materials are appropriate for developing Thai art learning kits and serve as alternative materials that promote both creative learning and sustainable resource usage. The evaluation results showed that participant satisfaction was at a good level (x ̅=4.45, S.D.=0.697), and experts assessed the suitability of the activity kits at a very good level ( x ̅=4.57, S.D.=0.288). Focus group results revealed that participants learned the 4 Thai pattern categories while developing creativity, concentration, and brush weight control skills. Participants felt that presenting Thai art through these activities made it more accessible and applicable to daily life. Regarding materials, participants opined that the rubber paint had clear colors and was convenient to use, while the foam dolls were interesting, with a suggestion to reduce the doll size for better handling. In conclusion, this research developed Thai art learning activities through a fun creative process and innovated learning materials from Para rubber. This serves as an alternative material for art creation, adds value to domestic resources, and reuses waste products for sustainable art creation and environmental conservation.