Trekking up the mountain side in Punaka, I met these two ladies deep in conversation but one unceasingly turning her prayer wheel and the older woman’s fingers moving the prayer beads without a pause. I was struck by this discipline almost reflex action and their simple piety while continuing routine day-to-day activity. They smiled and paused.
They were two sisters; one was a long-retired schoolteacher and the other had had a little grocery store in the market. Closely was the monastery that they visited to turn the giant prayer wheels once a day but the trek was getting more difficult as the older sister “had water on her feet”
They were sure that their young King who they held in high honour, would prevent ‘external bad influences’ from spoiling the country’s culture that threatened to make the younger folk forget the traditional way of life. We parted wishing each other “Tashidelek” !
They had allowed me to take a photograph and I was so touched and grateful. Elders in the eastern hemisphere, I have found are generally not too keen on being photographed as they believe it detracts a bit from their life force.
This photograph helped me compose the painting.
Original: Oil on canvas ; 12 x 12″ (305 x 305 mm) ; framed
Limited Edition Print : Available as Giclee print on finest quality paper or canvas. International shipment
Sizes available: 8 x 12″(203 x 305 mm); 12 x 16″(305 x 410mm); 18 x 24″(457 x 610 mm); 24 x 32″ (610 x 813mm)
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Will post rolled up in a tube with Certificate of Authenticity, number of the print and artist’s signature.
