The stone sculptures of Nepal possess the most distinctive characteristics in Nepali art. For generations, people have been engrossed in the creation of these magnificent stone sculptures. Occasionally, sculptures that are centuries old and crafted from stone or wood are unfortunately stolen, leading to prolonged efforts to repatriate them back to the country. The art of sculpture-making has been passed down from one generation to the next, and while some individuals pursue these skills out of personal interest, others continue to learn and preserve this art form.
Chandrashyam Dangol, an accomplished sculpture artist, has devoted nearly three decades of his life to this field and currently holds the position of president at the Stone Craft Association of Nepal. His fame extends not only within Nepal but also to foreign lands. Additionally, he serves as a faculty member at Srijana College of Fine Arts. Over time, his skills have flourished, leading to both acclaim for his stone artifacts and the prices at which he sells them.
While fulfilling his role as president of the Stone Craft Association, Dangol recognized the need to share and enhance the skills of other dedicated artists in the field. He noticed that their prices and talents were not receiving the appreciation they truly deserved. However, creating an entire work of art is a distinct endeavor, as it must align with the scriptures. Consequently, artists often do not receive the appropriate value for their work, which is a matter of concern that Dangol aims to address. Therefore, he conceived the idea of enhancing the skills and knowledge of the association members. He emphasized that this endeavor was not a basic class, but rather a means to augment the abilities of professional sculpture makers, many of whom owned their own shops. He stated, “We aim to provide a platform for them to further refine their skills and expand their artistic horizons.”
The majority of artists and professionals engaged in the training had never received formal education in their craft. Their livelihood solely depended on their skills as sculptors. However, due to their lack of knowledge regarding scriptures, their sculptures appeared visually appealing but often lacked proper proportions. Many trainees expressed that this kind of training significantly elevated their skills to a new level.
Throughout the one-month duration of the training, various esteemed individuals delivered lecture classes on different aspects of art. Prof. Dr. Yam Prasad Sharma provided insights on ‘Eastern and Western Art,’ while Anil Chitrakar, a conservationist, discussed ‘The Importance of Nepali Art in the Global Perspective.’ Senior Paubha artist Lok Chitrakar shared his expertise on ‘Hindu Art,’ and renowned sculpture artist Rajesh Awale delivered a lecture on ‘Clay Art.’
Furthermore, artist and art teacher Krishna Gopal Shrestha covered the ‘Basics of Art,’ and Surja Muni Shakya, another accomplished artist, conducted a class on ‘Traditional Art.’ Raj Kumar Maharjan, an artist specializing in clay, explored ‘The Structure and Art on Clay.’ Similarly, Nani Hera Shakya provided insights into ‘Buddhist Art, Philosophy, and the Method of Sculpture-making based on Texts.’ Lastly, artist Purna Ratna Bajracharya delved into ‘Buddhist Philosophy and Art.’
The concluding ceremony took place on June 3rd at the premises of Patan Durbar Square. Distinguished individuals in attendance included the Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Municipality, Ms. Manjali Shakya, the Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Mr. Narad Mani Harthamchali, and the President of Nepal Handicraft Association, Mr. Prachanda Shakya, among other artists. They all shared a unanimous belief that such training programs aimed at uplifting the quality of Nepali stone sculpture makers should be conducted regularly.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Mayor expressed her assurance to the participants, stating that the Municipality is committed to supporting similar programs in the future as well. Their presence and endorsement highlighted the importance and value of this training initiative in promoting and preserving the art of Nepali stone sculpture.
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