While on my recent trip to Nepal to participate in acupuncture health camps for people affected by the April earthquake, I had the pleasure of meeting Sonu, a student of Thanka painting.
My first discovery of Thanka painting was during a Tibetan Studies study abroad program, while staying in Dharmasala in 1998. I remember being impressed by the geometric symmetry and precise proportions that were prescribed for each figure. The images are generally always created in the same fashion, which is transmitted through the generations. Proportions and angles are always preserved.
Each image tells a story, or organises a set of principles according to the dharma, or buddhist teachings. There are specific methods used in the preperation of the ‘canvas’, the inks and colors, and the gold leaf. Once the figure has been outlined, colors are applied, and finally the faces of the dieties are completed, and the eyes of the diety painted open. This is pleasing to the god, that awakens in a completed setting, surrounded by his companions and environment.
Some commonly known thanka styles include the Kalachakra Mandala, the Wheel of Life, Sri Yantra, White Tara, Green Tara, or Medicine Buddha. There are many variations on hundreds of themes, and each artist bring his touch and style to the image, through fine details, color choices, and shading techniques.
Paintings can take anywhere from a week to a month, to many months to be completed.
Sonu in a 4th year student, and thus has 6 more years of study to become a graduated master. He works in a school that was damaged by the earthquake, and is completely invisible from the street. Despite economic and social setbacks which are not helped by government folies, he maintains a concentrated desire to perfect his art, and help his school and community.
If you are interested by thanka art, please feel free to contact Sonu in Kathmandu. His details are available through Nyonacupuncture.com.
