Dreaming of Prayer Flags, Stories and Images from Bhutan.
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“Infusing peace and harmony in every image, Sandy Shum takes us on a journey through enchanting dreamscapes in this unique series on Bhutan. Together with Karma Singye Dorji’s personal stories, the images dissolve the barriers of distance, time and culture — almost a physical sensation of being transported into a foreign land. All senses are alert to the exciting new environment — the sound of a turning prayer wheel, the sight of mountains drenched in blue, the taste of warm butter tea — inviting us to make Bhutan part of our personal journey.”
~ Dana Langlois, Director of Java Arts
Java Arts: www.javaarts.org
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“It’s hard to say exactly why Sandy’s elegant impressionistic photographs resonate more with one’s own impressions of this color-filled land than the most picture-perfect travel ad. And why Karma’s eloquent tales of growing up there reveal more about what is behind every Bhutanese smile than a ream of envious assessments on their official policy of gross national happiness. I suppose you will just have to find out for yourself.”
~ Sarah Harding, translator of The Life and Revelations of Pema Lingpa, Machik’s Complete Explanation, Creation and Completion, and Esoteric Instructions.
Sarah's Latest Book: Treasury of Knowledge, Esoteric Instructions
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“The grace and beauty of Bhutan and its people are captivating as are the memories of Bhutanese author, Karma Singye Dorji. Bridging east and west, Karma’s stories provide insight to an ancient culture that is rapidly changing. Sandy Shum’s stunning images capture traditions and bring the Bhutanese experience to life. This book is a must for anyone who is drawn to the wonders of Himalayan cultures.”
~ Paula Wenzl Bellacera, painter and photographer
Paula Wenzl: www.paulawenzl.com
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“Sandy Shum’s stylized images of life in Bhutan capture the colorful world and deep spirituality of the country. These colorful and compelling images have a joyful energy that truly conveys the Bhutanese theme of Gross National Happiness and captures the magical spirit of the country and its people.”
~ John McDermott, photographer, “… the Ansel Adams of Angkor” says The New York Times. McDermott Galleries, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
John McDermott: www.asiaphotos.net and www.mcdermottgallery.com
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“In his collection of personal essays Karma Singye Dorji brings alive his family and personal relations in all their warmth and delight and sometimes, pain. They give us the sights and sounds and smells of rural life in Bhutan. Sandy Shum’s impressionistic photography paints the magical atmosphere that is a real world for the Bhutanese people. The dream-like impact of the images reminds us to ask ourselves, ‘How much longer?’ I welcome this […] pleasant resonance of sensitive Bhutanese experience and creative impressions of Bhutan’s pristine beauty. They blend well to provide a new tone and quality to Bhutanese literature.”
~ Kinley Dorji, Editor-in-Chief, Kuensel, Bhutan’s National Newspaper
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“I’ve always felt that nothing on paper could ever replace the overwhelming, breathtaking, heartbreaking beauty of actually being in Bhutan, but here is a book that comes very close. Karma Singye Dorji’s essays are alive with detail and insight and humor, and Sandy Shum’s luminous photographs are utterly unforgettable. This is the most beautiful book on Bhutan yet.”
~ Jamie Zeppa, author of Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan
Jamie Zeppa: Beyond the Sky and the Earth, A Journey into Bhutan
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“In Himalayan tradition, prayer flags embody the highest aspirations of the human spirit, and these offerings by Sandy Shum and Karma Singye Dorji carry their message of life to all beings. Sandy’s subtle alchemy of vision and craft shows us how by changing the way we look at the world, the world itself changes. This sumptuous interweaving of text and image takes us on a magical journey through one of the world’s most enchanted regions and reveals the true colors that underlie our habitual perceptions.”
~ Ian Baker, author of The Heart of the World: A Journey to the Last Secret Place
Ian Baker: www.rarejourneys.com
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