Shaping Forms, Shifting Futures
The Shaping Forms, Shifting Future project is based off of 10 months of ethnographic field work and apprenticeship in Kathmandu, Nepal during a Fulbright research award.
Culminating in a exhibition, talk panel, zine, and two week workshop, the project explores challenges and innovations related to knowledge sharing amongst traditional metalsmiths.
View the digital zine here.
Image 1: Sarah Burack, Ashtamangal Puja Thali, 2023, Brass, 6” x 6”
Development sometimes results in an uptake of occupations that differ from historical professions and may catalyze wider societal change. Substantial gaps exist in understanding how development and globalization shape cultural traditions of metalsmithing around the world. Nepal has a specific metalsmithing tradition that traces back thousands of years, and the living artisans are often the direct descendants of those who build temples, homes, and ritual objects. This research asked how knowledge sharing of metal smithing, a craft largely handed down through generations, is shifted by a changing socioeconomic landscape and livelihood strategies? Who is engaging in this art form and what are the techniques that are used today? Through ethnographic interviews and metalsmithing apprenticeship, the study explored the needs and goals of art-based heritage celebration and preservation.
Image 2: The workshop of Rabindra Shakya, photo by Sarah Burack
Image 3: Sarah studying kattajya (chasing) in the workshop of Manik Man Shakya, photo by Ayla Maagdenberg
Image 4: Sarah Burack, Goddess Necklace, 2024, sterling silver, fine silver, amazonite, opal, Chased amulet with hand formed chain
Talk Program, Exhibition, Public Workshop
Taragon Next, Kathmandu, Wednesday May 8th, 2023
The program included honored speeches from Mr. Narad Mani Hartamchhali, Chancellor of NAFA and Mr. Prashansa Shakya, President of FHAN. Presentation of research findings by Sarah Burack and Prasansa Thapa with commentary from Manik Man Shakya. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion with Vijay Maharjan, Tejesh Man Shakya, Prasanna Shakya, Swarna Tamrakar and the opening of the accompanying exhibition.
Image 4: Sarah Burack and Prasansa Thapa present research findings.
Image 5: Panelists answer questions from the audience.
Image 6: Visitors engage with the exhibition.
Image 7: Sarah Burack aids Manik Man Shakya and Suhel Shakya in the chasing and forming workshop.
To learn more about the project, find the digital zine here.
