Off to Colorado

The traveling monks felt much smarter following a short visit to Harvard University, where we were taken into a vast genetics laboratory where advanced research is being done to make the world a healthier place. We would explain just what the scientists and technicians were doing, but that would require us to understand the things they told us.

Next, we crossed the plains to Loveland. Colorado. Loveland? That's right. This little town an hour north of Denver is America's foremost sculpting and bronze casting region. There are over 300 sculptors here, five major foundries and dozens of teams of craftsmen. So, it is not surprising that this is where our Iraivan Temple Builders' Tribute is being made.

Rajkumar Manickam drove up from Eagle, Colorado to spend the days with us, and Rushika Suriyakumar flew in from Concord, California, and Holly Young flew in from the Big Island to meet the team. Together we all took a day-long tour of the four major shops that are involved in the making of the bronze statues.

First, Page Bronze where Bobby and Kathy Page showed us the wax model of Holly's next masterpiece, two silpis sitting back to back on a stone, one doing the rough cutting and the other smoothening the stone. Kathy had duct-tapped the pieces together, so we could review the sculpture. It's amazing, a powerful depiction of the silpi arts. Rushika was conscripted into placing a square, hammer and several chisels which will show visitors in the future the different types of chisels used for different tasks.

Then off to the foundry, where Chris took us into a never-never land of 2000 degree metals. He had arranged for a pour to coincide with our visit, so we saw the whole thing.

Next, we stopped at Debbie Bakels Patina shop where the all-important colors are added to the metal. Debbie gave us a Chemistry 101 course during which we learned that she makes her own iron oxide with rusty nails that she rusts herself. Seems the store-bought iron oxide does not bond as well with the copper in the bronze. Finally, we visited another Debbie, who crates and ships the statues.

That evening we all came together at a local restaurant for a Celebratory Dinner. This team which works so closely still had never gotten together socially, and the presence of Holly and Rushika made it an historic dinner. Sadasivanathaswami had prepared a 20-minute slideshow summarizing the past accomplishments (we have finished five masterworks) and looking to the work ahead (we have three to go)

Each one of the craftsmen was called to the podium to speak of her or his experiences in making the works (especially Gurudeva's), and their stories were remarkably similar and surprisingly spiritual. Seems their lives and even their businesses have been transformed in the past four years as they work on the tribute pieces. It was a delightful gathering to be remembered far into the future of futures.

A visual summary of the project

Holly\

s most recent creation'

Kathy Page shows us the mold of the silpi\

s hammer'

We ask Rushsika to help: artistically place the tools. they will be attached in the final work

She makes it all look natural

Holly chats with Bobby Page, one of America\

s most gifted bronze masters'

He is just completing a horse and rider, full scale

This is the foundry team, Chris is on the far left

We video his technical talk about this arcane art

We are shown how to build a shell

This is dry sand, made like cotton candy by air blowing through it

Once cast, pieces are placed outside to cool

The electric heater

Yes, almost two thousand degrees showing

This is the molten metal

Their gloves are made of woven ceramic fibers that can handle 2,800 degrees

Pouring the hot bronze into the molds

The metal is 95% copper, 5% zinc

They work fast since the metal cools quickly

Many pieces waiting to be cast

Next to the patineur\

s shop'

Debbie greets us

Then shows us how it\

s done'

Showing how she sprays on the chemicals

The metals must be right at 400 degrees

She can also brush them on

Finally, the other Debbie who crates and ships to Kauai

That evening we meet at Biaggi\

s'

In a private room, the swamis give a presentation of the project.

Holly shares her experience these past few years.

And Martin describes the Living Temple gardens to let everyone know where this special installation will rest

All enjoy the presentations

Lots of visuals

Jai to Gurudeva who brought us all together and continues to inspire us daily. Yes, many of them visit TAKA to begin the day. Off next to California.

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