En hommage au RTTC
It seems only fitting to pay respect to the art and artistry over at RTTC and the Rosarium for not only showing some very beautiful pieces of art, but also sharing the knowledge on how they are created.
I took it upon myself to attempt to understand how the Mala is made the best way to understand a thing is to undertake that thing. Thus, I am ready to present my attempt at making a few Malas.
The Mal in the upper left corner is 12mm Old Palmwood. I made this for someone with larger hands or less dexterity. The others are (clockwise) Nangka, tiger ebony, black ebony, rosewood, and another Nangka wood.
A few of these have carved beads for the Guru bead. The tassels are all made using pearl cotton.
I have enlisted “family” to make Mala bags. The black ebony Mala has already been paired with its bag and whisked off to a new home. They others will venture out into the world soon <sigh>.
December 22nd, 2007 at 18:23
Dear Glen,
Wow! Those came out great! What nice selection of woods too. I like the look of the Pearl Cotton. I’ve never worked with Rosewood myself - boy that looks nice with the color tassel you picked.
And - of course - you advanced mala making technology with the Guru Bead Jig…. let’s not forget that.
Very exciting!
The at the end. Shipping em off is the most nerve wracking part for me. “Did I put the right address on the bubble pack?”, “What if something heavy falls on it?”, “Did they REALLY mark it fragile?”, etcetera are all part of the paranoid inner monologue that takes place when one goes out the door.. That - and checking the tracking number on the USPS site…
Congratulations on beautiful work Glen.
December 22nd, 2007 at 21:24
P.S. - you are too generous (as always) in referring to anything I do as artistry or art. Maybe someday far far in the future..
Thank you for your kindness.
December 23rd, 2007 at 07:58
Roy - “you inspire”. I hope you realize (or that D hammers it into you) how rare and valuable a trait you have.
December 23rd, 2007 at 12:12
You never cease to amaze me with your creativity and ability to *do* things, Glen - these are beautiful.
I may fly down to LS for a weekend just to visit with folks - any chance to see you?!
Miss you,
Merry Holidays,
L