“I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of artisans and guitar makers”. 

My name is Lhakpa Lova. I am a woodcrafter, a luthier, an artist, and a photographer. My artistic journey began at a young age of 12 when I discovered a passion for sketching and painting. In 2012, I met with Dr. Maurice, a guitar luthier from Australia whose expertise ignited my interest in the amazing world of guitar crafting. Under his guidance, I delved deep into the  study of various woods suitable for crafting guitars. A year of dedicated  exploration laid the foundation for my future endeavours. 

Later, I immersed myself in the art of guitar crafting, joining the Maurice Paul  guitars team. Amidst the creative process, I noticed an abundance of unused  wood. Determined not to let this resource go to waste, I came up with this idea  to experiment- transforming these scraps into exquisite earrings and rings. So, I  began to practice carving these scraps into small jewelleries and kept practicing. What began as a casual hobby soon turned out into a blazing passion. 

As my skills evolved, I experimented with different textures and materials.  Wood remained the cornerstone of my designs, but I incorporated elements like  stone, copper, and silver to add depth and uniqueness to my pieces. In 2018, I  encountered with ‘The Local Project Nepal’ who opened doors to a wider  audience, providing a platform to showcase and sell my work. 

By the end of 2017, I had already made plans to work overseas. With high  hopes, I headed to Kathmandu and applied for a visa to one of the European  countries. All I hear after six months of awaiting is the news of my visa denial.  My plans were dashed. Despite the circumstances, I continued my passion for  making different types of jewellery.  

Soon, I also got opportunities to showcase my creations at Kathmandu's art  market. The positive response from customers fuelled my determination,  transforming a hobby into a thriving profession. 

Beyond jewellery, photography become another artistic outlet for me. In 2015, as I was slowly recovering from the accident where I cut my finger with a  bandsaw, I returned to the workshop after a few days of rest. My boss assigned  me a simple task: to take pictures of guitars and guitar-making process. As I  started clicking, I quickly realized how much I loved it. This newfound interest led me to learn more about photography through online materials. I continued  my photography skills in my job as a trek guide, capturing beautiful images of  mountains, landscapes and people. This journey provided ample opportunities to  hone my skills and share my visual narratives. 

Looking ahead, I aspire to share my knowledge and passion with others. I am  planning to organise training programs for jewelry-making to empower aspiring  artisans. Additionally, I am committed to crafting exceptional acoustic and  classical guitars, aiming to reach both domestic and international markets. Just  as Dr. Maurice mentored me, I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of  artisans and guitar makers. 

This journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has shaped me into the artist I  am today. With gratitude for the experiences and support I've received; I look  forward to creating and sharing my art with the world.

 

Instagram: lhakpaluthier

“I started wood carvings when I was 6. By the time I was 11, I made detail carvings of wood”.

Chandraman Kapali, a skilled wood carving artist, hails from the small village of Bungmati in Lalitpur. Bungmati is a place deeply embedded with the tradition of wood carving, and it is here that Chandraman’s journey began. 

Starting at the tender age of six, Chandraman immersed himself in the art of wood carving, learning from the skilled hands of his community. By the age of eleven, he was already creating complex and intricate wood carvings, showcasing a natural talent that set him apart. 

Despite his early success, Chandraman  faced numerous challenges in his career. Like many others in his village, he initially thought he would have to  leave his homeland and work in the Gulf countries to make a living. However,  he soon realized that his talent was a unique gift from God, and he decided to  embrace it wholeheartedly. 

About twenty years ago, Chandraman with his family moved to Pokhara,  seeking new opportunities. His exceptional skills quickly earned him a  reputation as a master wood carver. His journey took him to Mustang, where he  worked for two years, honing his craft further. There he made carvings of  wooden pillars, windows, wooden water jars, etc. 

Upon his return to Pokhara, Chandraman opened his own shop, allowing him to  showcase his artistry and attract a wider business. In his shop, he sells a variety  of wooden structures, including frames, pillars, windows, idols, small water jars, pagoda-style architecture and more. His  dedication and hard work paid off, enabling him to  build his own house in Pokhara and settle there  with his beautiful family. 

Today, Chandraman Kapali stands as a testament  to the power of perseverance and the importance of  recognizing one’s unique talents. His story is not  just one of personal success but also an inspiration  to many aspiring artists in his homeland.

Nima Lama is a talented craftsman from Sauraha, Chitwan, a village close to the famous Chitwan National Park. Inspired by the wildlife around him, Nima carves beautiful wooden figures of animals like rhinos, elephants, and more. He also makes traditional masks that reflect Nepal’s rich culture and history.

Every piece Nima creates is made with care and attention to detail, showing his love for nature and art. His creations are now displayed at Crafted, where visitors can admire and purchase them.

By sharing his work, Nima not only supports his family but also brings a piece of Nepal’s beauty and tradition to people’s homes. Through his craft, he connects nature, culture, and art in a way that everyone can appreciate.