Studying Chasing and Repousse at Wat Sri Suphan

This MAY be a question best answered by Hannuman, since he lives in
Thailand. Or maybe someone else has done it! I have been studying
chasing and repousse for a couple of years now, including classes
with Valentin Yotkov in both the US and Italy. I recently learned
about the amazing Buddhist Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) in Chiang
Mai, Thailand. The central building is replete with many, many huge
panels of chased silver and aluminum with highly detailed scenes of
the life of Buddha and other elements of Buddhism. The quality of the
work is extraordinary. So, I’ve decided to undertake a pilgrimage to
see this place for myself. I understand that the Temple is still a
work in progress and, therefore, it maintains some sort of silver
school in and around the site, run with some connection to the Wualai
silver artist community that resides in the area. I am wondering if
it would be be possible to take classes there. If so, I would like to
take a couple of months and dedicate myself to doing so. So, does
anyone know how to contact the school or know someone in the Wualai
community who could point me in the right direction? I am planning to
stay in Chiang Mai starting in November, staying until perhaps
February (Yes i know the visa complexities of doing that). Hannuman,
do you have any contacts or suggestions? Has anyone else done this
previously Dennis Turner, in drought-ridden San Diego

Hello Dennis

I understand that the Temple is still a work in progress and,
therefore, it maintains some sort of silver school in and around
the site, run with some connection to the Wualai silver artist
community that resides in the area. I am wondering if it would be
be possible to take classes there. 

While you might find it hard to find western style teaching of
repousse in Chiang Mai, staying in the wualai area and making
friends with the craftsmen is quite easy. Earn your respect, share
knowledge, exchange a technique or two and you will be quickly
welcome to observe, eat, drink and learn. From historic reasons,
different crafts guilds are confined to different areas of the old
city, so you won’t need to travel a lot in order to get to know the
main repousse masters of the city. Prepare yourself with some very
basic Thai language skills and bring your repousee tools with you.

Enjoy your explorations
Hanuman

Hi All,

Reading this post makes me think of all the workshops we could
experience, cultures to learn from, sharing ideas and
techniques…Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could organize trips to
the various regions of the world to explor, live and learn!! Be well
enjoy the sunshine!

Reading this post makes me think of all the workshops we could
experience, cultures to learn from, sharing ideas and
techniques.....Wouldn't it be amazing if we could organize trips
to the various regions of the world to explor, live and learn!! 

Agreed, Helen!

Cheers,
Becky

Dennis,

Have you seen Charles Lewton Brain’s postings and photos from his
time spent in and around the area doing exactly as Hanuman
mentioned, shared techniques.

He was so recently there, and I’m sure he would also share
with you.

In my other life, I spent as much as 3 months per year traversing
Thailand, doing that in 2-3 trips. I loved everything I came across
except Mosquitos.

I am so happy to read of your intentions, my advice, go for it. I’m
hoping to get there this year as well. BTW, this evening past The
thai Arts and Cultural Center put on a “Kingdom of Thailand” Dance
performance in Escondido at the Center for the Arts. It was
wonderful.

Take care, it has been a while.
Hugs,
Terrie
Teresa Masters

Hi Helen,

Workshops abroad are great ways to learn & get a business deduction.

However, usually these are put together to profit a craftsperson on
the workshop circuit and a sponsoring organization. Nothing wrong
with that, and the teaching may be fabulous. However, you might find
it possible to contact folks in countries of your choice who would
be interested in hosting a fellow craftsperson. Takes some doing, but
might be possible. Take a look at workaway. org, which is an
organization which puts hosts and workers together. The deal is
giving 25 hr/wk of work for room and board and possible language
lessons and cultural exposure. Many of the situations are for
agricultural or household workers, but you might find someone in need
of a visitor/intern or visiting craftsperson to share techniques with
in exchange for help in the workshop, language practice in English,
etc. Or extrapolate from this idea. Just like contacting folks in
other countries for house swapping, etc. Just need some creativity.

I’m hoping to arrange something like this in Italy eventually. Know
a little bit of the language and am at work making contacts. first
trip might be on me, but once on the ground there, I’m sure to meet
folks. Craftspeople seem to love to share and talk about their work
(uh, that’s why we’re here, right?) and seem well versed in “energy
exchange” arrangements.