Craft Writings

I have been writing and documenting the traditional crafts of the Kathmandu Valley since 2014. Garland Magazine in Australia. Articles are published quarterly in September, December, March and June.

Garland is a platform for thoughtful writing about beautiful objects made today across the wider world. It is through these objects that cultures are made, by hand, every day.

List of articles:

1. Colour thrives: The lokta paper makers of Kathmandu
   Gary Wornell is captivated by the spirit of craft in Nepal and the success of Chhong Norbu Sherpa’s paper factory.

2. How deities are born: Bronze casting in Nepal
   Gary Wornell spends an intense day in a Kathmandu bronze-casting workshop, witnessing the impressive resilience of Nepali artisans.

3. Silk Thangka: An unbroken thread
   Gary Wornell journeys to the Pullahari Gumba Monastery hoping to find Nurbu, whose life is dedicated to the tradition of sacred Buddhist imagery in luscious silk.

4. Tea with Abbas: Tibetan jewellery in Nepal
   Gary Wornell visits the workshop of Abbas Karim Bhatt, who brings resplendent Tibetan jewellery to the bustle of Kathmandu.

5. Wood carving in Nepal: How Buddha emerges every day
   Gary Wornell is welcomed into the home of Ratnamani Bramhacharya, a Nepalese carver of immense skill and generosity.

6. Roof top alchemy: Gilding statues in Nepal
   Gary Wornell visits a legendary Nepalese gilder and witnesses the mysterious alchemy that turns idols golden.

7. Chod Damaru: Summoning the energy of a Tantric princess
   Gary Wornell follows the rhythmic beats to discover a busy workshop making Tibetan drums in downtown Kathmandu.

8. The scented city: Incense making in Kathmandu

   Gary Wornell travels to the source of the pungent smells that orchestrate his daily life in Nepal.