Traditional Tibetan Woodcarving ProjectA proposal from Penpa Tsering in collaboration with Tibetan Association of

Northern California (TANC)

Work Samples Presentation for

Creative Work Fund

Woodcarving process: Sketching

Sketches of images, symbols and motifs are hand-drawn by the artists traditionally

All images used in this presentation are authentic work of Master woodcarver Penpa Tsering

Woodcarving process: Paper piercing and tracing -

dusting off the red-earth powder on the sketch

Tiny holes are pierced by hand on the paper along the outline of the sketch after which the red-earth powder is applied upon it

Woodcarving process:Tracing image on the wooden panel

Dusting leaves a trace of the image on the wooden board as the artist rolls up the paper

Woodcarving process: Tracing images and drilling

Artist draws the image on the board and then using a drill punches holes on the image

Woodcarving process:Sawing with a traditional bow-saw

Using a traditional bow-saw, artist then threads the hole and then saws along the image

Woodcarving process:Carving with handmade chisels

Many hours of carving now finally begins….

Woodcarving tools:Chisels (artist’s best friends)

Carving tools: all hand-made and maintained by the artists including the chisel sharpener above

Artist’s work samples

The ceremonial throne at Tibetan community center, Richmond, CA (2012)

Artist’s work samples

An altar at a Tibetan home in Albany, CA (2011)

Artist’s work samples

Dragons, peacock and the lion-head

Tiger, lotus and the elephant

Artist’s work samples

At a Tibetan home in Berkeley, CA (2010)

Artist’s work samples

The peacock The thunderbolt The lion

The deer and the dharma wheel

The jewel

Artist’s work samples

Altar with Eight Auspicious Symbols, Albany, CA (2009)

Artist’s work samples

Garuda: the mythical bird (above) & the knot of interdependence (right)

Artist’s work samples

Some household items: table, offering box (chemar bo) and picture frame

Thank You!

Submitted by:Penpa Tsering & TANC5200 Huntington Ave.Richmond, CA 94804

07/17/2013