Struggles of Dolpo as an Artist – Part I
It has
always been my father, Gyaltsen and what he always inspired to do. Without him,
it would not have been possible for me to be an artist. He used to be a very
good skilled artist including a painter and also a good craftsman. Without any
support, he learned many skills. Still he was known as a ‘Gyaltsen Khewa’
(skilled Gyaltsen). Though he was a breadwinner for the family, he never gave
up his art. Early as a child, I learnt a lot from him. My young eyes met in
depth with those colors painted beautifully by my ‘aaki’ (father).
Image 1: A Gaze by Tsering Samdup.
Sherab
Jhyama, my mother always patiently waited for his arrival every time when he
left the village for his work in other neighboring Dolpo villages. Distance
with my father was filled with the love of my dearest mother. She still takes the best care of me.
During
my time as a herder running after those livestocks including Yaks, Himalayan goats,
and Sheep, I indulged in inscribing and creating many shapes in those flat red stones
available in many areas of my village. I used to pick a sharp stone and make
many faces of yaks and horses in those red stones. I still miss those local
involvements in those large empty green pasture lands though the meaning of art for me has definitely changed.
Art for
me is also more about understanding my subject. The play of light in my subject’s
body is important to me. I try to gaze him/her closely and I find the
difference in such play. I find art there which continues to motivate me in
creating what I seek to draw. Obviously it is always a tedious process though I
tend to enjoy. My commitment towards education in Dolpo has shifted now shifted
the meaning. I have found a purpose where I want to promote the education
through my art. Though I am not really earning much and I have debt to pay off,
this long bonding with art will definitely help me to pursue my dream in Dolpo.
Even a threat to my life such as, I will cut and throw your bodies into pieces in Bheri river, from non-Dolpo teachers has not and will not stop me
from doing what I continue to do. There are more things to understand than to sacrifice in this relentless journey. Moreover, born in the family of a farmer in Tsarka
village, one of the highest human settlements has its share of motivation and
troubles in how I am attempting to shape my life…
Image III: Tsering Samdup Dolpo with one of his recently concluded piece depicting an image of the late Thrinley Lhundup, a main lead actor of the highly acclaimed movie, Caravan.
Note
from the blogger: I have always remained intrigued by the art and how it tries
to reflect our human society and its frailties. Human society and its frailties
meanwhile need to be contextualized to make it more socially relevant. Dolpo and
our struggles therefore also have its social relevance. With my Dolpo roots, I
know I will remain in this journey to understand many aspects of such contexts
where many travelers pass by. One of those travelers is Tsering Samdup Dolpo,
here in this part is presented as an artist. Thankful to him, we managed to
talk for extended two hours recently. Especially revolving around his
struggles, we talked on many issues. In this part I have tried to present his
thoughts on art. In the next part, I will put forward his struggles in his
village, monastery and then back to Dolpo schools. Till then, I hope you
readers will remain attached to this story of Tsering Samdup.... Thujichey!!!
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