Mineral Pigments
Before Bhutan started importing paints, it is said that natural pigments derived from plants were predominantly used for painting and dyeing clothes. However, with the onset of trade, chemical paints began to replace indigenous pigments, contributing to the decline in the use of mineral and plant pigments for painting. Recently there is the beginning of a revival of natural paint.
The children in Rinpung were given the opportunity to find, prepare and use local pigments. The first project was the making of a mandala.
The second project was for the children to paint the eight lucky signs
The students and I undertook a project that explored the collection, preparation and use of local pigments found around Paro.
We also explored different kinds of binders for the pigment. An interesting choice was the use of soya milk to make fine washes and abstract images..
Resources to Support Projects
There are five colors used in Tibetan and Bhutanese art and rituals. I used these colors to create abstract images for meditation.