If You Care About Peace, Please Read This...

Since I visited Pakistan several years ago, I feel much empathy for the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan, many of whom live in oppression and poverty. Much of the jewelry I create is made from vintage brass jewelry dies that I purchased while living there from the Afghan refugees who needed to sell much of their cultural heritage just to live. Currently, I donate 5% of the retail cost of every piece I make from the Afghan dies to Pennies for Peace which helps build schools for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Greg Mortenson, who wrote Three Cups of Tea, founded this charity and co-founded the Central Asia Institute. They have risked their lives to help thousands and thousands of children, men and women and continue to do so. Even the US military seeks guidance from Greg Mortenson on how to help better understand and help these people. Unfortunately, the media is nitpicking their efforts and causing a stir. Please read the following letter that was sent to me (and other suppporters) yesterday from Greg Mortenson.

Sunday, April 17, 2011 Asalaam-o-Alaikum (Peace Be With You). Greetings from Montana and on behalf of the dear children and communities we serve in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thank you (Tashakur and Shukuria) for the overwhelming response to the news in recent days, for the outpouring of support, prayers and the confidence that you, our supporters, have showered upon Central Asia Institute, Pennies For Peace and my family. In the midst of these difficult and challenging days, I keep thinking about the Persian proverb, "When it is darkest you can see the stars." You are all shining lights and we are grateful for your compassion. Although we would like the world to be linear, orderly and peaceful, the reality is that our world is a dynamic, fluid place, often filled with chaos and confusion. In that space, I thrive and get the courage to help bring change and empower people. I also feel great pride that you have chosen to support those who live in the 'Last Best Places', where other organizations or governments offer few or no services. I welcome and am used to facing criticism, which sometimes even turns into hostility and threats, over the important work we do in Pakistan and Afghanistan. As an introvert and shy person, it is also not easy to have to enter an arena of a media circus at the drop of a heartbeat. But, as those of you who know me and have supported my work over the years will recognize, the story being framed by "60 Minutes" to air in a few hours today - as far as we can tell -- paints a distorted picture using inaccurate information, innuendo and a microscopic focus on one year's (2009) IRS 990 financial, and a few points in the book "Three Cups of Tea" that occurred almost 18 years ago. Apparently, the CBS program is to be followed in the near future by a similar negative piece by Jon Krakauer in an unknown magazine, which I only recently heard about last week. The Board of Directors and I made the very difficult decision to not engage with "60 Minutes" on camera, after they attempted an eleventh hour aggressive approach to reach me, including an ambush in front of children at a book signing at a community service leadership convention in Atlanta. It was clear that the program's disrespectful approach would not result in a fair, balanced or objective representation of our work, my books or our vital mission. We also turned down a last minute request for an interview with Jon Krakauer. The "60 Minutes" program may appear to ask simple questions, but the answers are often complex, not easily encapsulated in 10-second sound bites. Working in isolated areas, in communities that are not on any map, and often in areas of turmoil, religious extremism or natural disasters where education is still relatively rare and ancient codes of conduct and social hierarchies still dominate - all these things demand constant adjustment, accommodation and patience. We have always maintained that our work is about investing in relationships, respecting elders, and listening over a time span that stretches generations, not in one that lasts just a few minutes on prime time television. So although I did not do an on-camera interview, CAI's Board of Directors and I have duly responded to questions provided us late last week by "60 Minutes" with both statements and answers. And as always we pride ourselves to be transparent with our financials and IRS 990 forms. All of this can be found on our website, www.ikat.org, and more information will be added in coming days. Because of a medical condition mentioned below, I have spoken with our hometown newspaper, The Bozeman Daily Chronicle, about this attack, and the newsroom is closely following developments on this story: Mortenson under fire from '60 Minutes' - Bozeman philanthropist denies allegations (Friday, April 15, 2011) CAI responds to Mortenson allegations (Sunday, April 17, 2011) I also recently returned from Afghanistan, and was amazed to see how incredibly well everything is going there, including having five female managers (out of 15 total) and a plan to establish and build over 60 new schools this year. Our Board Chairman, Dr. Abdul Jabbar, also recently returned from an extensive trip to Pakistan. We will combine the news and send you an email and / or printed information within the next month to share the good news. I would like to take this opportunity to disclose that for the last 18 months, I have been struggling with hypoxia (low oxygen saturation), which made it very difficult to get through a grueling schedule. My physician told me I had to stop and rest, however the urgency of what we do spurred me on. Last Friday (4/15/11), I came home and was diagnosed with a hole in my heart that was shunting blood, causing my low saturations. Tomorrow, I will have further tests and then a heart surgical procedure this week to fix the hole. After a few weeks my doctor says I will be as good as new. For the first time in eighteen months, I will have tremendous energy, strength and lots of oxygen. At that time, I will come out fighting for what is right and just, and be able to talk to the media. Regardless of what happens, our work must go on. It's most important to know that education is the only thing one can never take away from an individual; it remains forever. It is a true blessing to be at home now, with family and friends. In the meantime, I send you my heartfelt thanks for your continued support, and if you have any questions or concerns at all, I urge you to contact our office. Our small committed staff will be responding as quickly as they can to answer your calls, e-mails and requests for more information. Please feel free to pass on this email to your families, friends and colleagues, and if you feel compelled, please write letters to the editor, or your on-line communities, about your thoughts. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Greg Mortenson Bozeman, MT _______________________________

Read the CAI Board of Directors Statement Regarding Recent Media Reports

Hand Tooled Beauty in Paper

During my stay in Pakistan, I was constantly blown away by the amazing arts and crafts I saw ... past and present .  The markets and bazaars were filled with peddlers and refugees from all over central Asia selling their goods... Western and Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and many others.  I felt like I was discovering treasures from an ancient civilization.  There were many ancient, antique and vintage finds yet their artistic and cultural heritage is still alive and thriving with new creations borrowing from old traditions.  

I'm not sure if it is an old tradition or new, but one of the artisans that I met (at Lok Virsa in Islamabad) was a man who was hand tooling intricate lace-like patterns in paper to be used as stationary.  I couldn't believe the perfection he created by hand...one would swear the designs were created with a laser.  And again, his prices were so reasonable. I still have many pages of these little masterpieces and save them for special occasions....they are hard to part with!

As an art major, I took many art history classes and never learned about the arts of Central Asia (Northern India, Pakistan, Afganistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan..).  Why?  I'm not sure. But, it infuriates me! Especially as Central Asia is home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth.... some say even older than Mesopotamia.  I was and still am saddened that the only image most people have in their minds of Pakistan and Afghanistan is one of desolation, destruction, guns and poverty when there is so much beauty still to discover. 

More artisans at Lok Virsa...

"Art is important. We tend to think it is a luxury, but it gives people deep pleasure because beauty is the personification of hope that something grander is at work."

~ Gil Dellinger ~

 (see my post Slippers Fit for a Princess for more info on Lok Virsa)

Slippers Fit For a Princess

I promised to share more memories of my trip to Pakistan and India so I'm here to continue ...

As I mentioned before, I journeyed to Asia almost 15 years ago for several months to visit my parents who lived in Pakistan at the time.  What an incredible experience.  One weekend, my mom took my sister and I to Lok Virsa, the National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage in Islamabad which was hosting a craft faire.  I was overwhelmed by so many incredibly talented artisans who were crafting their creations right there in front of us.  My sister filmed the afternoon and hopefully someday you will be able to link to the video.

That afternoon, I came across a very serious man with a beautiful face and beautiful hands embroidering slippers that would seem to have come from some Arabian kings treasure chest!  And he was selling them for a fraction of what I would have imagined.  Alas, I couldn't resist.  

Last Sunday, as I was cleaning out my closet, I found them all covered in dust bunnies. I was relieved as I had been searching the garage for months looking for them!  So, I cleaned them up and photographed them to share with you. You MUST click on the photos to see them close up....and to think this guy doesn't even wear glasses!!!!

 "The preservation and promotion of the traditional culture, folk arts and folklore are instrumental in strengthening a nation’s identity.Pakistan, like most other developing countries of Asia & Africa is in a transitional phase. Along with being faced with the challenge of preserving its cultural heritage, Pakistan also has to meet the needs of a nation in the modern industrial world."

"Tradition and change go together. These are like two wheels of a carriage that must move in unison for advancement. No nation can afford to progress in industry, science and technology at the utter neglect and cost of its cultural awareness."

~ Lok Virsa ~

Playing Dress-Up in Pakistan

Before I blog about India I realized I should talk about how I got there. 


My parents moved to Islamabad, Pakistan in 1995.  Since they (we) had lived in Bangkok in the 80's, it wasn't too much of a shock.  I had so wanted to go with them to Pakistan but I had just landed my first real design job and couldn't leave and my allotted one week vacation per year just wasn't long enough to get there and back.  A year and a half later,  I bought a one way ticket to Islamabad and quit my job.  I just couldn't pass up this opportunity.  I imagined myself landing at my parents pad for awhile then becoming a nomadic gypsy artist for a year or two... not knowing where I might land and settle.  Then, the day after I quit my job I met my husband to be. Two months later, after my sister and I boarded the plane, I opened the card and parting gift he had given me on the way to the airport.  A love letter and a lovely handmade glass heart.  Well, my nomadic year only lasted two and a half months.  I guess the heart worked!


My two months in Pakistan was fabulous.  I met so many wonderful people and had incredible experiences of which I will share in upcoming posts.  My trip ended with my close friend Jessica flying to meet me in Islamabad and the two of us setting off to Rajasthan India together for a two week adventure.  I seems like a long time ago now!  


First little story....

After a fun evening with a Pakistani couple my parents had become friends with, the wife invited us back to play dress up.  When we arrived, she brought out an antique chest filled with stunning antique saris that had been in her family for generations as well as royal looking antique jewerly.  We felt like real princesses.  My dad even left work early to come see us all dressed up and take photos.  Notice the mandala on my forehead and necklace.....all diamonds and 24k gold.   My mom's necklace....solid gold.  The shimmer of the saris.....solid silver and gold threads.  

Sublime Copper

I had always thought copper to be a nice metal for bathroom pipes or lighting but I never purchased anything decorative.  It's not that I don't like it but I had just never seen anything that caught my eye. Then, I went to Pakistan where incredibly crafted vases, pitchers and bowls are made.  I purchased a few things and my mother went crazy.  Her entire house is filled with copper now!

When I heard that copper metal clay was invented I wasn't too interested as I've never come across any jewelry that called my name... until I saw some pieces made with it. And I love it in combination with silver and/or bronze.  So, I ordered some and realized afterwards that the firing was much more complicated than silver so I decided to take a class. I'm so glad I did ...  I would have had a devil of a time!  You really have to add moisture to the ready made clay and knead it until it' the consistency of fresh silly putty. And, you must wrap and  put away any unused clay in an airtight container before it begins oxidizing.  When it does, it turns hard and black.  Otherwise it  was fairly similar to silver clay.  Getting it out of the kiln is another matter.  It really takes two people.... one to open the kiln and pull out the shelf and another to grab the fired pieces (with mask, gloves and long tongs) and get plunge them into water lighting fast.  If you don't, a hard scale grows on the copper which is very difficult to remove.  I was lucky as my pieces had hardly any scale.  Then you pick of the scale, polish and put in pickle.  If the pickle is fresh, it help remove the scale.  As with silver, it's a delight to see your dull porous clay turn into a hard shining metal. 

 Here are my first copper jewelry pieces, peeks at my Pakistani finds and a sample of what raw copper looks like......

MORE ON COPPER

Healing history of Copper: 

Copper has been used in medicine for thousands of years, apparently since before the beginning of recorded history. The ancients recognized copper as an essential healing mineral. Copper was found useful for its curative powers — largely due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties — in the treatment of wounds and skin diseases.  In modern times, copper is becoming more widely recognized for its effectiveness in the treatment of a number of internal diseases including anemia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and heart disease. 

Here is an interesting quote from Shimmerings on copper....

"Mystical Properties:Due to the fact that copper is such a wonderful physical conductor of electricity and heat, it is also considered the conductor of the spiritualist's belief system.  According to myths, copper has the ability to conduct spiritual energy back and forth between individuals, crystals, auras, the mind and the spirit world.

It is also believed that copper has the power to amplify thoughts when sending and receiving psychic communications.  New Age followers carry copper with their stones and crystals to 'straighten' the properties of them, as well they are used when crating crystal wands to be certain of their clear and straight powers. Copper is also quite instrumental in the physical and mental healing rites of many peoples of this world"


AND recently in the news, it is believed that King Solomon's copper mines have been found in Jordan!

Gandhara

The jewelry line which I make from the vintage brass dies is called The Gandhara Collection. Here is a little background about Gandhara....

While I was living in Pakistan years ago, my family and I traveled to many historic places in the Northwest. One of these sites is the ancient ruins of Taxila, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and another, Peshawar, is an ancient city on the Afghan Border near the Khyber Pass. Both of these cities were once part of the ancient kingdom of Gandhara which began in the 5th century BCE and now there is new evidence of inhabitants as far back as 30,000 years ago! This kingdom spanned an area from the Eastern land of Kashmir to the Kabul valley in the West. Both were once important Hindu and Buddhist centers of learning and later integrated western ideas as well when Alexander the Great conquered the area. The Gandharan artists, influenced by Mahayana Buddhism and Hellenistic culture, initiated the development of Buddhist art and sculpture. The giant Bamiyan Buddhas were part of this heritage. They also designed gorgeous jewelry! The spiritual, cultural and artistic history of this ancient civilization, as well as the people who now inhabit these lands, has been on my mind ever since.

beautiful ancient masonry in Taxila

Taxila today

Peshawar marketplace

our hotel on the left - The Khan Club

Recently, while trying to think of a name for my jewelry collection made with the 20th century jewelry dies that I purchased in Islamabad (also in the Gandharan region), I was inspired by my travels to Peshawar and Taxila. Thus, the collection name was born. I was thrilled when Ms. Elena Neva, art historian and expert on Central Asian jewelry, confirmed that these dies did in fact originate northern Pakistan and Afghanistan...which is in the same geographical area as the ancient Gandharan civilization!