Walking the streets of Nepal is like taking a step back in time with its narrow streets and temples at every corner. I spend each day walking around, refreshing old relationships, and looking for new artisans to work with.
I’ve been sharing these special moments on our Instagram page. If you haven’t already, make sure to follow us @LotusSculpture for a daily dose of inspiration and a closer look at the wonders of Nepal.
Click the video below to watch the process of transforming plain copper statues into golden wonders.
Discovering this extraordinary Vajradharara statue was certainly a highlight of my trip. Crafted by not one, but five incredible master artisans whose talents know no bounds. Adorned with sapphire, coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and ruby stones, the statue is a kaleidoscope of meaning and beauty. Showcasing six months of dedication, the intricate detailing, hand-painting, and gold plating are a testament to the skill that thrives in Nepal.
Watch the video below to get an up-close look at this Nepalese Vajradhara statue and learn more about the process of creating such a masterpiece.
I met the same sadhus who I met with my mother 16 years ago when I first visited Nepal at Pashupatinath Temple
It has been 16 years since I first visited Nepal. Lotus Sculpture has never imported any statues from Nepal so this past week was like a buying trip 20 years ago, exploring Kathmandu valley and searching for new artisans with exceptional statues. Happily, we found them!
Here is Mr. Shakya holding a gold-plated statue of Indra in a loving embrace with Shakti. I loved this man! he had a youthful charm to him that was infectious.
The moment that I laid my eyes on this stunning Nataraj statue I knew I would have to bring Him home with me. I have never before seen a dancing Shiva in this style. It is a perfect statue in casting, form, and painting.
From the moment I met Siddartha I knew I had met a lifelong friend. He has a calm grace and inner peace that emanates from him. And he has some amazing statues like this amazing Vajrasatva (coming to Lotus Sculpture soon)!
Going from shop to shop finding some hidden treasures like this copper double dorje brings out the inner Indiana Jones in me.
Batsa is a young 29-year-old artist shown creating a wax mold of Vajrayogini. He uses yak bone to shape it. The saliva keeps them from sticking together which differs from how stipathis (wax modelers) of South India create their wax molds. He spends all day drawing and creating wax molds. I loved him. He is a dedicated, true artist!
I knew I was going to find amazing statues, but when I saw some amazing prayer wheels I had to learn where and how they are made. The mantra “Om Mani Padme Om” is pounded into copper sheets and then made into a prayer wheel and filled with prayers. I know you will be as excited about them as I am!
Mahesh is a Master craftsman! All of his statues are made at another level of artistry. I can not wait to show them to you!
We are going to have a big selection of masterpieces coming from Nepal! As big a selection as Indra’s arms are wide.
Vajrasatva is jeweled with rubies, red coral, and emeralds. Stunning carving!
“Being in Nepal was like experiencing my first buying trip as a young man 22 years ago. With every step I took on the streets of Kathmandu, I was in search of something new for Lotus Sculpture, a new artisan or a new art form. Every day was exhilarating!”
~Kyle Tortora, Founder, Lotus Sculpture
One sees colorful Prayer flags fluttering everywhereRefreshing the temple outdoor deities with a coat of paint.
Here are the ghats or steps where bodies are cremated at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was a very heavy difficult day for me. There were children begging, old sadhus laying on the ground in awful health conditions that aren’t appropriate to share, and then seeing bodies burning on funeral pyres really affected me. The Buddha said that “all life is suffering.” It was easy to understand why he uttered those words so long ago. It was also very easy to see the impermanence of all life in those moments as both life and death were on display in front of me.
A beautiful Manjushree statue sits with a sword raised beneath a blue sky filled with prayer flags. What a sight!
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