An introduction to the life of Artist Saziv Shakya
Our family are connected to the 22nd generation of the globally famed Mahabuddha Temple. Saziv feels lucky and blessed. He has a disciplined and humble character. That we hope is reflected in his work. He is the elder son of the late Bhim Jyoti and Durga Devi Shakya. He was born on 28th Jan 1981 in Lalitpur. From an early age, he had a natural enthusiasm for the visual arts and music. He loved to ''sketch'' but soon diverted his interest to the deities of the Buddhist families. He has tried to blend his love of the visual image with other dimensions of Buddhist rituals and traditions. His 2D images now blend 'oils colour' with prominent metallic ornamentation. He has studied the basic Buddhist philosophies and blends his limited knowledge into his work. The images give the viewer greater chances for further study. The work is an addition to 'reflection', not a dogmatic statement. His and all our artists are complimentary to life not in any way assertive.
He has established a working studio within our home where workshops and exhibitions can happen. They can be for youth or adult groups. We all have the potential to express ourselves but the artist takes the next step and puts 'pen to paper'. Or visually expresses him/herself. We want to create a space where young people can show their work. Once it’s seen, incomes can be earned so spread the message to new societies.
Buddhism is a way of life and a philosophy that encompasses all the facets for a full filling life. We at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudha Stupa, The Spiritual Arts gallery is trying to help it happen. We believe all the artists of whatever genre should reflect the feelings of the artist. Saziv has for a number of years tried to blend metallic rendering with oil colour paintings. He has experimented greatly, and soon will create a ''lasting style'' that enhances the expression of the images created.
We are a close knit family so I have witnessed his maturing, from a young child to an established practitioner. He now uses meditation and intro section as an integral facet of his on going work.
If you require more information about our artists please contact me.
Sanam Shakya,
Whatsapp +977 9803214009
Paubha-cum-metalwork; how did he devise this unique work of art? I was familiar with the metal carving and metal trappings on traditional boxes and iron mandala. And since I already painted and did the metal carving, I thought, why not experiment on blending these two methods?, puts Saziv. To protect it is immensely difficult though and needs tremendous research and combination management. I am successful to pull one, only after two longs years. He joyfully reminisces that one time when a foreign art historian asked him how he innovated that style, which had an uncanny resemblance with the ancient paintings with metal accouterments found in some cave in India. Maybe I was the one who made those in my previous life, was his joking answer. Having started out drawing sketches of natural sceneries at the tender age of 14 and metalwork just a few years after that, Shakya had to take a break on these endeavors eventually when bad health caught firm on him when he was 17. It was then when he started to play with colors. But it was also the period when he forayed to philosophical ruminations that would give food for this spiritual inquisitiveness. He soon shifted from drawing visages of humans to visages of gods. As nuanced as the hues of his paintings are the philosophical underpinnings of his work.
His plan for the near future is to introduce the very original 8D paintings, the work of art that is intended to cater to other human senses too besides the visual. The paintings will be more than just a treat for the eyes. Image the fragrant smells and sounds. It would be hyper-realistic. It would evoke the feelings that a typical picture cannot as if you are observing something very real. He is not clear yet on how this plan would come about, but he has plenty to explore and experiment with, to capture that stylistic splendor.