Lama emerges as self-taught artist

Hari Prasad Koirala,Urlabari, Feb. 11: Ganesh Lama from Lakshmimarga, Belbari-11, Morang, is skilled in making all kinds of statues and sculptures.

Lama, who has not received any formal education in arts from a school or college, had the opportunity to study only up to grade 10. 

Born in then Okhre of Bhojpur, Lama had seen his friends earn a lot of money by pasting the photos of Naag (Serpent) during Naag Panchami festival in his childhood.

Then, he started carving a serpent’s drawing on the rhododendron wood. After months of efforts, he made a beautiful frame that had the drawing of a Naag.

He dipped the wooden block in ink, printed it on handmade paper, and sold it to the village priest. Although he was the son of a Lama, he himself also went around pasting images of the serpent during the festival.

At that time, Lama was only 12 or 13 years old. The practice of pasting serpent images continued for many years.

Drawing was a good business for Lama for almost a decade. Whether at school or under the shade of a resting place, Ganesh was highly praised in the village.

Sometimes, he would sculpt an idol of Saraswoti from clay for the school, and other times, he would carve art into wood. Unknowingly, this process led him into the field of art.

In search of opportunities, Lama moved to Laxmimarga in the then Dangihat of Morang in 1994.

After settling in the Tarai, he got involved in painting banners for weddings, sacred thread ceremonies, and religious recitals, as well as doing wall art.

Lama currently carves figures of deities and political leaders on large stones.

There was a time when fiber statues were in high demand, but now people prefer stone or metal sculptures and statues. “I follow the market demand,” said Lama.

His paintings and sculptures have reached many countries worldwide, and he has received numerous awards and honours.

Lama lives in a small house in Lakshmimarga, Belbari-11, which is connected to the East-West Highway. 

The house, built on public land, has been home to Sakhi Art Gallery since 2010, which he has been running.

Apart from art, he has no other profession. Through his artistic work, he has supported his family and educated his two sons.

His eldest son is currently studying in Japan.

Besides sculpting, Lama also teaches painting and sculpture in local schools.

He recalls the time when art was not valued, but now he believes artists are receiving the respect they deserve. 

Lama now is the Vice President of the Belbari Academy of Literature and Arts.