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Karsang Lama is a third generation painter. He was taught in the monastery as a child by his grandfather in their home village on the Tibetan border. He came to Kathmandu at the age of 12 to begin painting professionally in order to support his family. At the age of 22, he opened his own studio and established the first fair labor practices for thangka painters. He shortened the work day from 16 hours to 8 hours, paid fair wages, and established an active education program. His labor practices soon became standard, and his painting school and studio remain the home of the best traditional artists. Karsang Lama helped to establish three orphanages in the Kathmandu Valley, housing and educating more than 100 orphans at a time. 20% of the sale of each painting goes directly to the orphanages. Karsang Lama's paintings are cherished around the world. He has painted commissions for religious leaders, political leaders, monasteries, and museums. His works have shown in museums in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the USA. |