While wandering the top of Swayambhu, I became distracted by the consumables, tourist knick-knacks and material kitsch. Objects of desire are all around us, I surprise myself with how much I can want a beautiful statue of Buddha or his mother Mayadevi. (Click to look closer.)
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| Even the monks look a little distracted. | | | | | | | | | |
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| Lost in the meditation of Guru Rimpoche / Padmasambhava, he chisels. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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The artist is only 18. His parents taught him the art of carving slate.
It is both prayer and livelihood. |
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| The symbols are of energetic power, wisdom and compassion. |
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| In the end, both Buddha and Mayadevi came home with me. Depicted here, the birth of Buddha. |
There is something about kitch that I reject, but this is art. Holy holy art. I don't blame you one bit for bringing that home. I'm glad there are pictures to accompany.
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erin
I think that that I see both art and kitch. Most of the things that you see in the photo at the top are the same mass produced tourist products that I have seen again and again for 18 years. They are reproductions of masterful art work. For Nepalese it is something like having little copies of the statue of Liberty to take home with you, but not quite as bad as Jesus on black velvet. The first time that I saw it, it was all art. There are still incredible districts of living artwork that I will take you to later.
ReplyDeleteI would have brought home several things. I think it's all just wonderful, so lively and full of color and life.
ReplyDeleteDo you all realize, I'm not even finished showing you what happened on the 3rd day of my 2 week trip?
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning! So we've got days and days more of insights and photos. Yay!
ReplyDeleteSome of those masks are pretty scary. I love the slate carvings. The day must pass very quickly when he is doing that sort of work.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying your pictures and comments.
Blessings, Star
I think my trip to Africa was done in 7 or 8 posts, please do as many as it takes to share it all. I like to think I am supporting artists by buying their work and then i am rewarded back at home everytime I look at my treasures gathered from travels. Good memories!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous slate pieces - what an artist! wonderful that you were able to bring some of these beautiful things home - and to share them with all of us! thanks so much for taking us all along with you on these incredible journeys!
ReplyDelete"It is both prayer and livelihood." I loved that. When I am really into my artwork it seems to come from somewhere other that conscious thought. I think inspiration is just that. Watching the process is also inspiring. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis post was such a gentle reminder of how hard it is to not have desires. "Even the monks look distracted."
ReplyDeleteThe carving in slate is masterful and contemplative.
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