By Christine Morente, STAFF WRITER
GUIDED by a steady hand, Narongwacha Broytubtim's carving knife glides through the tender meat of a watermelon, carefully creating the curves of a lotus flower. He's not isolated in a quiet room, but instead works outside the Wat Buddhapradeep Temple, where music, laughter and conversation flow. He looks up occasionally to advise his students on their own carving projects during a Thai Fruit and Vegetable Carving workshop.
"The lotus is a symbol of Thailand," Broytubtim said, as his student Rosalin Moore translated. "When you see a picture of the Buddha, you see a lotus. It is like a symbol of protection for the Buddha and Thai people."
The ancient art originated at the Royal Palace centuries ago. Now, it is coming back into Thailand's culture. Over the past 15 years Queen Sirikit has worked to preserve Thailand's almost forgotten customs and crafts, using her own funds to support artists and craftsmen.
The same idea is spreading to the United States as fruit and vegetable carving becomes a staple in Thai restaurants and more classes like Broytubtim's are offered.
"It's something that people get amazed at," Moore said.
Moore learned about the art 40 years ago while in grade school in Bangkok, Thailand. She started taking classes again at the temple.
A carving can take from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the fruit and the complexity of the style.
A person's "signature" shows through the knife strokes. Broytubtim specializes in the 3-D effect. Student Kanyanut "Emmi" Kasemwatana's signature is smooth and even. Moore, on the other hand, said she can't carve leaves evenly so she compensates by carving odd shapes of the petal.
"You hold the knife, like you hold a pencil," she said. "The signature is more of like a style that you prefer."
Fruit and vegetable carving not only teaches patience but is an an act honoring guests and loved ones.
"To please the eye is one thing," Moore said. "But carving fruit and vegetables tells them, 'I honor you by making the food presentable. I am willing to do it for you.'"
The class is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The temple is located at 310 Poplar Ave., San Bruno. The class is $100 for four weeks. Bring your own fruit, one carving knife and one paring knife. For more information, call (650) 615-9528.
Staff writer Christine Morente covers Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno and Hillsborough. She can be reached at (650) 348-4333 or at cmorente@sanmateocountytimes.com .
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