Shawna Moore, “Khata,” 60″ x 20″, Encaustic, 2015, Donation Painting

The devastation of the earth quake in Nepal has rattled us all; many of our collectors and artists have traveled to this beautiful country and have friends and relatives there right now. We send our best wishes of safety and health to them all.

One such artist who has traveled to Nepal is Shawna Moore. She has decided to take a most generous step and, along with Gallery MAR, and is donating the entire proceeds of sale from a new painting, “Khata,” to a small, grassroots organization called Children of Kathmandu. This group is on the ground in Nepal, and all of the donated funds go directly toward aid. If you have been considering a painting by Shawna Moore, now is a wonderful, heartwarming, and generous time to invest.

 

“Khata” by Shawna Moore

60″ x 20″ x 2″

Encaustic on Panel

Retail Price: $7,250 [“Buy it Now” Price: $8,750]

Opening bid price: $3,500 with increments of $200

Call now to bid! 435-649-3001 and view the painting and watch the auction online here.

 

Shawna Moore’s story of “Khata”…

Five years ago, I visited Nepal and trekked into the Everest region.  Beyond the commotion of Kathmandu the splendor of the high elevation Himal and the exposure to spiritual practice in nearly every corner, I was most touched by the kindness of our Sherpa guides.  We spoke in broken English, played cards, hiked together, took care of each other when fatigue or sickness arose and cried when departing a land so far away from our own. 

Anyone who has visited that part of the world has seen how difficult and marginal life is for most of the people.  It is hard to imagine now, with this devastating earthquake that even the most simple needs of water, food and shelter are not available for so many.  My heart breaks for my friends there, both American and Nepali.  

I was introduced to the concept of khata while on this trip. The khata symbolizes purity and compassion and are worn or presented with incense at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests and are usually made of silk.  Tibetan khatas are usually white, symbolizing the pure heart of the giver. 

This painting is based on the concept of khata.  Khata is less of an object and more of a feeling.  The painting is divided into two parts which symbolizes both the giver and the receiver.  The dark banding at the bottom of the piece reflects the tendency of the cloth to unravel, expressing the temporary nature of things in our physical world.  Words are “woven” into the striations of the painting just as the weave of many khata hold sacred text and prayer.  My “Khata” painting was finished about three weeks before the earthquake that devastated Nepal.  It seems a fitting offering to send its energy back to the people who befriended, inspired and cared for me on my journey.  Namaste.

In addition, for the entire month of May, on any sales of Shawna Moore’s artwork will, Gallery MAR will donate 10% to the Children of Kathmandu. Please call the gallery at 435-649-3001 with any questions.

 

Tags: Khata, Nepal earthquake, painting donation, Shawna Moore
Posted in Gallery News, Park City Life