Temple Art Studios; Future

Silk/Brocade Appliqué designed and sewn in the Tibetan tradition. The representation of the historical Buddha who lived 2500 years ago is portrayed here at the moment of enlightenment - ultimate peace and wisdom. He is seated in a lotus pose signifying deep meditation with his right hand touching the earth - the witness gesture - symbol of the earth trembling in acknowledgment of his supreme achievement.His left hand holds a begging bowl as he lived as an ascetic for many years and here is filled with yogurt as this was the first offering he was presented with after completing his long fast and becoming the Buddha. His single red and gold monk's robe reflects the Theravada tradition of Buddhism which continues today in teaching and practice in many parts of Asia. He sits on a moon disc placed upon a full blooming lotus - symbol of purity.Below are featured an array of offerings: precious jewels, king and queen earrings, elephant tusks, conch shell, coral - all symbolizing the various precious aspects of his teachings and supreme qualities. In the center appears the 8 spoked Dharma wheel - representing the basis of Buddhist teaching beginning with the premise that all life is suffering. The historical Buddha's first teaching took place in Deer Park, Sarnath, India. The deer featured here for special protection are Tibetan antelopes presently high on the endangered Tibetan wildlife list. The cranes - ancient Asian symbol of long life - are often found in these devotional works. The basic elements of earth, sky, water and details in clouds, flowers, animals provide a complete ecological system conducive to generating peace and harmony. The sun and moon reflects a reconciliation of the duality in all things. Traditionally, the Buddha is depicted asexually and youthful pointing to his unbiased vibrant energy. These images are appreciated for their skillful and aesthetic qualities. Also, they are used as meditational objects to help focus and calm our busy minds. They are constructed according to a complete system of Tibetan Iconography, sacred geometry that is found in the Buddhist texts.

Buddhist teachings stress the calming of the mind to develop our own inner qualities and potential. All symbols are dynamic showing the complex nature of ourselves in the universe therefore meanings are deep and multidimensional.

Terris and Leslie Nguyen Temple design and draw the images using the finest silks and brocades. They work together with the White Conch Factory of Lhasa. Presently, Terris and Leslie are producing smaller works. Using both the sewn and glued appliqué techniques. appliquethangkas The use of color, design and assembling results in the creation of high-quality unique images. Detail work in sewn appliqué requires fine hand stitching and embroidery skills. The glued appliqués are finished with brush work and light shading.

They are presently the personal artists to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa.

Tibet Projects

Making of Smaller Images

The Sakyamuni Buddha Image

The Artists