Same as thangka painting, this custom of artistic anonymity is grounded in the Buddhist belief in working toward the elimination of the individual ego. Their execution generally follows strict canonical rules as to proportions, symbols and colours, in accordance with artistic manuals. When it is successfully completed it has an existence of its own and an inherent power to help the viewer come to spiritual realisation.
Making a proper Buddha statue is a lengthy process which requires great skill and time.
In ancient times, the methods of making statues was a well-kept secret passed down among few families . It takes years, to memorizing the seated and standing postures of each deity, their hand gestures, and their individual body measurements. Sculpting or carving of a large piece can take up to months and years for several artisans to work on it for accomplishment. The skill was passed down to each succeeding generation and was guarded from those outside the family circle. Production of Buddha statues not only requires delicate physical work, but also efforts to infuse the works with something of the thoughts and feelings of those who commission them. Having talent, patience, and perseverance are basic prerequisites.
Wood carving
Statues are carved from one solid block of wood in a four-step process. Carving begins with drawing the figure of the Buddha image on paper to calculate the size of the image and then tracing it to a wood block.
- Prepare and size the piece of wood
- Rough cut with round chisel or other cutting instrument
- Detailed carving and smoothing of surface
- Refined cutting for final piece
Seven Day course
All Materials supplied
Clay sculpting
The ancient technique of making Clay Buddha statue begins with drawing the figure of the Buddha image on the paper to calculate the size of the image.
To prepare the clay for sculpting, we source the clay from local, pound the clay and put it in water. Then the clay is mixed with sifted sand and water in the appropriate ratio. Then start the three-dimensional model using clay and expands the model to the desired size. The last stage is to refine on all the detail of the mould.
This workshop will suit the advance student who already understand the traditional grids and put their soul in the artwork in order to create a beautiful, elegant, and delicate work in Buddhist art.
Seven Day course
All Materials supplied
