Themes chosen by artists taking part in this workshop include unity, love, harmony, environment, women, beauty, friendship, current situation of the country, future of the nation's upcoming generation, among others.
Artists involved credit growing conflict across the nation as the inspirational factor. "We all are Nepalis, no matter where we are born and where we live. Hill, Mountain, Tarai - all is within Nepal. Growing conflict over regional identity is very unfortunate and will take the country nowhere" said member of Nepal Lalitkala Pragya Pratisthan, Lal Kaji Lama. "We are trying to deliver the message of unity and harmony among Nepali brothers and sisters through these sculptures," he added.
From morning to evening, Lama remains busy working on the sculptures which include people from diverse communities. "We all are one," he stressed while carefully and emotionally looking at the art that's waiting final touches. The sculptures are lively and attractive and Lama believes that Nepalis would definitely be touched by this.
"Hill, mountain and Tarai is nothing but just different geography. It's not fair to trouble life and divide people on the basis of geography and places," Lama further added.
Taniya Premranjan, an Israeli artist, expressed pleasure to be part of the mission. "I am leaving my heart in this beautiful country Nepal so that I will return to be near it in the future also," she said while looking at the heart shaped sculpture she was working on.
In the workshop that kicked off two weeks ago, 26 Nepali and over a dozen of international artists are transforming 47 stones into lively sculptures. The residential workshop will conclude in four days.
Art on female and the magic of the nature were being projected on stones by another famous sculptor of Lalitkala Prayga Pratisthan, Dhanu Yakkhya. He said his sculptures are almost ready and expressed confidence to finish the final touches he has working on before the workshop concludes.
Similarly, Ranjan Kafle has been transforming a stone into an abstract art. He said that the abstract art has positive message which will be felt by its viewers. "Children and adults who see this will be filled with positive vibes. This has to do with morality," he said.
Naradmani Haratmachhali, another sculptor has been working on sculptures that he feels convey message of peace and harmony. He opined that the message is crucial for the present day world. "The entire world is in need of messages that promote peace and harmony. Through these sculptures I'm trying to spread such messages," he said adding that artistic piece of work have greater psychological impact on onlookers. "We have to get rid of conflict, violence, irritations. We need to live as real human beings by promoting love and peace," he stressed.
"I'm very much glad to be part of this workshop, I feel at home," said Sugitomo Chito, a sculptor from Japan who said that the sculpture he has been working on will be very beautiful when it comes into being. Famous artists from India, Japan, German, Israel and Malaysia have been taking part in the workshop considering it an opportunity to learn Nepal's art and artistic values and share their feelings through their art.
"We brought 47 huge stones from Sheraha river of Dharan municipality for the artists to mould them into work of art that will inspire their viewers to promote unity, harmony and peace," informed Rohit Prasain, coordinator of the organizing committee. "This workshop has excited the participant artists and the locals alike," he said.
Mahesh Timilsina, executive officer at Itahari Sub metropolitan, said that the project is going to make Itahari even famous as a tourist site. "Earlier only Nepalis visited here. With the sculptures, now along with having greater number of domestic tourists, we are expecting to attract foreigners as well," he said.
Secretary of Pragya Prathisthan Nawaraj Bhatta claimed that Taltaliya is creating a different identity for itself through the sculpture project. "The stone sculptures made by famous national and international artists are amazing and they are definitely going to attract many visitors," he said.
The workship was jointly organized by Lalit Kala Pragya Prathisthan, Itahari Sub metropolitan, Taltaliya Conservation Committee and Itahari branch of FNCCI with a total investment of Rs 5.4 million.
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