My Volunteer Time In Bhutan

Last September (2014). After a successful kick-starter project ( The Perfect Sketchbook ) I enjoyed the good fortune of visiting Bhutan again. This was my third visit and I was sponsored by the good people of Drukasia Travel Agency.

I handmade a few hundred buttons with my paintings and gave them all out. No, I didn't put my name on any.

During my 3+ weeks in Bhutan, I managed to coach Art to Shaba Primary school in Paro, Thimphu Primary and also at V.A.S.T Bhutan.

It was an interesting chapter and it will most likely be my final visit to Bhutan.
Here are some of the things I have managed to do when I was there.

• Sent my top backers a small souvenir, all the way from Bhutan for their generous contributions :) 

I took the opportunity to send a small souvenir to all my top backers for my kickstarter project.

 

• I was given the opportunity to coach Art to a bunch of students at Shaba Primary School. With good fortunate, I managed to score some Art supplies for them. (Special thanks to Dr Mabel, Stephanie, Drukasia and Grandluxe). Contrary to to home, it was great to see so many interested and excited students.

Kids from Shaba Primary school were so excited to have an Art teacher. They helped carried the supplies from my sponsors

Free sketchbooks and a short lesson on shape recognition

The principle of Shaba Primary selected interested students for me. I didn't want to force anyone into learning Art. Something, I have to deal with in Singapore. 

I didn't want to preach them to become Artist. Instead, I merely wanted to share the joy of Art and sketching.

• I taught Shaba students a little on geography, shape recognition, medium and tools application. When questioned by a young student if there was future to becoming an Artist? I told her that one does not need to be an 'Artist' to enjoy Art. I reminded her that I wasn't there to preach an Art career. Instead, I was merely teaching them skills that can resolves visual problems. Some friends have also misunderstood my intent and questioned my contributions. I never assume that my Art can save their lives or lift them out of poverty. I am not a doctor, politician or businessman. I am an Artist and I just wanted people to be happy :) 

Shaba Primary student giving me a farewell thank you for the classes :)

• I was also invited by the owner of Thimphu Primary school to conduct some classes there. Unlike the rural students, these city kids were less shy and really active.

Thimphu Primary school and my classes. Very well equipped when compared to Shaba Primary

Students comparing the work done.

• I also doubled my effort between Thimphu Primary and Vast Bhutan. Over at VAST. I taught the fundamental of sketching and watercolor. Urbansketching was introduced to them and I organized their first urbansketch outing. Recently, the Bhutanese submitted their application for an official urbansketch chapter. I also shared with them the inspiration and making of ' The Perfect Sketchbook'. When The Perfect Sketchbook was produced, I sent them a box. I was so inspired by Bhutan's philosophy and way of life, when I first visited the country. This is why the Perfect Sketchbooks carried paintings inspired through Bhutan. 

Teaching the older students at VAST Bhutan.

Kickstarted their first outing. Imparted them with some watercolor skills at the same time

• Throughout my trip, I was accompanied by Tashi Payden who runs an animal shelter, RSPCA. I paid a visit to her shelter and got to know that she took care of all the stray dogs in Bhutan. Basically, she started a movement that aims to vaccinate and sterilize all the stray dogs (an on-going effort). The shelter also took care of abandoned bears, deers and basically any wild lives that couldn't fend for themselves. I was touched by her effort and pitched the idea of featuring Bhutan's animals in this year's Drukasia/Drukair Calendar. Though I tried to raise money for RSPCA by selling my paintings and asking people to donate for her cause, the results were not ideal. I am also trying to piece together a red panda plush that can become a souvenir in Bhutan. A chunk of the proceeds can then go directly to RSPCA. The plush was designed and prototyped by friend Audrey. Cost, production and distribution of this is a challenge and I am still working on this. Any help or contacts is appreciated

Tashi Payden, mother of all Bhutan Stray dogs.

I visited the Animal Shelter and fed many these handicapped but happy dogs.

I got really close to a Himalayan baby bear :)

Plush prototype developed by Audrey. I am working on getting this into the market with proceeds for RSPCA Bhutan. All help welcomed.

Pro-Bono work I did to raise money for RSPCA. Unfortunatly, I didn't raise much.

• I also got to sketch a little bit whenever I had time during the trip

Sketching Bhutan with the Prototype of The Perfect Sketchbook

• Shared the joy of a 'perfect sketchbook' with passer-by on the street :)

My biggest fan in Bhutan :) Photo courtesy of Zimbri

• Tashi Payden set me up with the Je Khenpo of Bhutan ( The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan) and I got to show him my sketches and received his blessing.

Blessing from the Je Khenpo of Bhutan

They call Bhutan's stray dogs, Solar dogs because they sleep in the day and roam at night. Many are annoyed by them but I found them inspiring. In Bhutan, all beings are respected and these stray dogs were given more space than they can ever get in
 other part of this world.