The “art scene” is always of interest as we consider a potential home base. By this we don’t mean the magnificent remnants of an artistically vibrant past. Rather, the question is – what art forms are practiced regularly? What materials are readily available? Can we find artists we can learn from?
The answer in Luang Prabang is a resounding yes. And the type of art is somewhat unexpected.
The most surprising art form is… stenciling. All the temples show walls and columns and ceilings and floors – covered usually in gold leaf, stenciled in buddhist motifs. We looked for and found a stenciling expert. A meticulous process, wooden hammer in one hand, sharp steel chisel going through thick, hard paper on the other. This stenciling would merit a dedicated post – suffice to say that it’s a lost art and Luang Prabang has it in spades.
The profiles of orange-clad monks is of course a favorite. Acrylic on paper is the medium of choice that is displayed at the night market. We looked for a store to buy paint and brushes – a pretty disappointing affair. Must be out there somewhere, but we couldn’t find a source. We would probably need to buy supplies in Vientiane, the capital.
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| A local artist, displays her paintings of scenes in Luang Prabang, in the night market. |
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| Paintbrushes made using horse hair. We used to have a small collection of these once upon a time when we had possessions. |
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| One of the art galleries with work by local artists reflecting life in Laos. |
OK, not exactly a typical “art form”, as one needs a temple as canvas. But since several of Luang Prabangs’ temples are experiencing a make over, it is worth reminding ourselves of what artists paint in Luang Prabang. Our favorite temple, Wat Xieng Mouane, across the street, has received funding from the European Union to maintain the tradition of painting and wood carving, and young novice monks can be seen studiously learning the craft.
After stenciling, another fun surprise is the prevalence of paper making. There are several villages around Luang Prabang that have maintained a tradition of artisanal paper making. While we did not try our hands at paper making, we did make it a practice of stopping by an artisanal paper store around the corner from our apartment, to stroke the beautiful, thick, knotty paper, every few days. If we could, we would have been tempted to load up a large suitcase full of this gorgeous paper.
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| Process of paper making in the village, using pulp from the mulberry tree. |
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| Paper making trays decorate the streets in this village. There are many workshops inside stores which display and sell the handmade paper, and handmade books. |
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| Paper with flower petals embedded inside |
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| Paper with beautiful sanscript writing decorating it. |
Not sure if textile weaving is an art or a craft – but either way, it is a strong aspect of local culture. Each village has its own “twist” on weaving and one can see weaving looms and hear the clickety clack of wooden boards slamming in between each thread insert.
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| Silk threads dyed with natural plant dyes, drying on a washing line at the textile center. |
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| Silk and cotton scarves are a prominent feature on the streets of Luang Prabang. |
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| Couldn’t resist putting up this amazing colored, mirror mosaic. A unique art form. |
This is really amazing..Gorgeous…I envy their talent .. Do you think you could get me one of their brush ? I have 2 ( one green and one black). I could use a red or yellow one…You can also send me all of their magnificent fabric !!!!!! I love the mosaic too.. What a treat to look at your pictures!!!!!
Your paintbrush request came JUST in time! We fly out today to the capital of Laos, Vientiane. Ben rushed over to nab you one of these beauties minutes before we leave. Done! So glad you are enjoying our photographs so much. Thank you for your continued feedback on the blog. (HINT: to our other 100 or more readers whom we never hear from, but would love to… When we get written feedback directly on the blog, you become part of the evolving Green Global Trek narrative. Instead of email feedback, please do post your feedback right here!)
Look like for mellowness and color Laos is the place. Can’t wait to see you guys!
Absolutely mellow and absolutely FULL of color. Look forward to seeing you guys too! Thanks for your continued feedback…!
What beautiful and amazing art work from the area! Looks like a place I’d love to visit. Keep us in touch especially as we are very stuck in Sydney at the moment with my mother in a rehab facility. Have fun and keep sending the blog! Love,Zwi.
Zwi, you would LOVE it here. But be sure to visit in the low season before the throngs of visitors in November thru February. Best wishes to your mom, hope she is doing ok. Much love, xxx, Peta.