Lao textiles and 2010 Enduring Vision Award recipient - Bounxou Daoheuang Chanthraphone

There are some Lao who now think machine-made is superior and cheaper, but I hope a few in the next generation will still appreciate and collect the hand-made work.

For a good discussion on how much work goes into a traditional piece of Lao textiles and clothing, here's a great 2010 interview with NEA Heritage Fellow Bounxou Chanthraphone of Minnesota. At the time, she had just received the inaugural Enduring Vision Award from the Bush Foundation. She took the time to explain her art and the meticulous process it requires. In that same year, she received an Asian Pacific American Leadership Award from the state Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans that I nominated her for.

 Sometimes a piece can take up to 8 months to finish.