Laos
Buddha Park, Laos
Monday, October 21st, 2024
Oct.1st: Buddha Park 01, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper.
25 km from Vientiane, Laos, Buddha Park displays over 200 large, reinforced concrete statues based on integrating stories from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, created by Luangpu Bunluea Surirat and his apprentices, started in 1958. This is the first of many representations I have planned. I was there in 2016 and took so many photos, intending to do a series of drawings much sooner than today, but couldn’t decide where to start because there are so many interesting pieces and points of view.
Though the sculptures at first seem crudely done – for how easy can it be to manipulate concrete? – the artists have carefully rendered the grace of hands in prayer and portrayed such character in mythological gods, animals, demons, and combinations of all the above. Discovering cows grazing in the neighboring meadow as part of the setting in the far end of the park, it’s a place where the sum of its parts is so fantastic, that to dissect it in any portrayal will not do it justice. Better for you to read this link to all the information about this remarkable human achievement, than for me to only show you snippets of my impressions or try to describe it in words.
Oct. 4th: Buddha Park 02, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Oct. 8th: Buddha Park 03 – Vishnu as Narayana with Lakshmi and Sheshanaga, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
In the simplest of terms and with limited understanding, here’s my guess at what this group represents: Vishnu with weapon and symbolic items missing, in the form of Narayana (“He who lies in the waters”), is seen lounging beside Lakshmi, his female counterpart. He is mounted on Sheshanaga, a many-headed serpentine demi-god, said to exist before the creation of the universe and will remain after its destruction.
In the complex belief system of Hinduism, literature regards gods, demi-gods and goddesses assuming many forms, with different names and aspects that change with each incarnation. The broad concepts and multi-layered symbolism are only learned by lifelong (or many lives of) awareness, devotion and practice. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are 3 aspects of the One Supreme Being, and are principal deities who create, protect and transform the universe.
Oct 10th: Vishnu as Varaha – Buddha Park 04, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Oct 16th, Buddha Park 05: My best guess is that this is Durga, Hindu Goddess of war and strength, protective mother of the universe, eternally struggling with forces of good against evil. She is usually depicted riding a lion or tiger, with between eight and eighteen hands holding the various weapons and objects that are highly symbolic of her purpose.
18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Work process:
Oct. 21st: Buddha Park 06, Airavata, Hindu elephant deity or also known in Thailand as Erawan with Indra. Work in progress:
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Little Monkey
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023
Friendly Little Monkey at the Tad Sai Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W inches.
Asian Elephant
Saturday, September 10th, 2022
Asian Elephant (Aug. 2020), Tad Sai Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. 
Received “Artistic Excellence” award and now showing in Fusion Art’s 7th Annual “Animal Kingdom” International Online Juried Art Exhibition, September 2022. ‘American Green Tree Frog’ (2022) is also in the exhibition.
Asian Elephant, Laos
Wednesday, August 26th, 2020
Asian Elephant at Tad Sai Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on watercolor paper. Received Honorable Mention, Fins Feathers & Fur 2020, J Mane Gallery