Artisans

Sustainably Made Treasures: Our products are handcrafted using all-natural fibers and materials. We use Nepali reed, bungy ropes used by Everest climbers, recycled wood items, etc., to make exquisite baskets and other handicrafts. Also, we ensure that every product of ours remains eco-friendly and of the highest quality.

Nepal Knotcraft Centre (NKC) is a social enterprise founded in July 1984 by Mrs. Shyam Badan Shrestha who is also a current chairperson. The main goal of NKC is to provide women economic empowerment through employment. Thus, it is committed to 'weaving nature into women's livelihood' - changing the lives of women through economic independence using their traditional skills and knowledge.

NKC started with just three women who manufactured simple macramé goods. Today, NKC works with hundreds of women from various regions and women's target groups from socially and economically deprived communities. NKC partners with these women to improve their livelihoods while paying tribute to their cultural significance and value to their crafts and craftsmanship.

NKC is also the leading manufacturer of unique macramé crafts, recycled wood items and natural fiber products that are inspired by the rich natural and cultural beauty of Nepal. Their products represent a celebration of the immense natural fibers and grasses native to the country.

All their products have a story - for it speaks of the lives of the people behind it and places from where their natural fibers come. Their products are handcrafted using all-natural fibers and materials and they are committed to improving techniques and production in order to ensure every product remains eco-friendly and of the highest quality. You are sure to marvel at their selection of products, each one woven with the unique stories of Nepali culture and tradition. NKC believes that you'll share in the beauty and heritage embedded in every fiber of our goods.

Crafted is honored to partner with NKC, an organization making a significant positive impact on the Nepalese community through sustainable practices. We are thrilled to showcase their products, crafted from locally sourced materials such as Nepali reed and climber’s bungy rope, woven into exquisite baskets and other handicrafts. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces carbon footprints but also fosters a culture of sustainability and innovation within the organization and the community.

A Journey of Creativity: “I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of artisans and guitar makers."

My name is Lhakpa Lova. I am a woodcrafter, a luthier, an artist, and a photographer. My artistic journey began at a young age of 12 when I discovered a passion for sketching and painting. In 2012, I met with Dr. Maurice, a guitar luthier from Australia whose expertise ignited my interest in the amazing world of guitar crafting. Under his guidance, I delved deep into the study of various woods suitable for crafting guitars. A year of dedicated exploration laid the foundation for my future endeavors.

Later, I immersed myself in the art of guitar crafting, joining the Maurice Paul guitars team. Amidst the creative process, I noticed an abundance of unused wood. Determined not to let this resource go to waste, I came up with this idea to experiment- transforming these scraps into exquisite earrings and rings. So, I began to practice carving these scraps into small jewelries and kept practicing. What began as a casual hobby soon turned out into a blazing passion.

As my skills evolved, I experimented with different textures and materials. Wood remained the cornerstone of my designs, but I incorporated elements like stone, copper, and silver to add depth and uniqueness to my pieces. In 2018, I encountered with ‘The Local Project Nepal’ who opened doors to a wider audience, providing a platform to showcase and sell my work.

By the end of 2017, I had already made plans to work overseas. With high hopes, I headed to Kathmandu and applied for a visa to one of the European countries. All I hear after six months of awaiting is the news of my visa denial. My plans were dashed. Despite the circumstances, I continued my passion for making different types of jewellery.

Soon, I also got opportunities to showcase my creations at Kathmandu's art market. The positive response from customers fueled my determination, transforming a hobby into a thriving profession.

Beyond jewellery, photography become another artistic outlet for me. In 2015, as I was slowly recovering from the accident where I cut my finger with a band-saw, I returned to the workshop after a few days of rest. My boss assigned me a simple task: to take pictures of guitars and guitar-making process. As I started clicking, I quickly realized how much I loved it. This newfound interest led me to learn more about photography through online materials. I continued my photography skills in my job as a trek guide, capturing beautiful images of mountains, landscapes and people. This journey provided ample opportunities to hone my skills and share my visual narratives.

Looking ahead, I aspire to share my knowledge and passion with others. I am planning to organize training programs for jewelry-making to empower aspiring artisans. Additionally, I am committed to crafting exceptional acoustic and classical guitars, aiming to reach both domestic and international markets. Just as Dr. Maurice mentored me, I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of artisans and guitar makers.

This journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has shaped me into the artist I am today. With gratitude for the experiences and support I've received; I look forward to creating and sharing my art with the world.

"From overcoming adversity to blending faith and tradition, Binod's journey as an artist is a testament to resilience and passion. Learn more about his story".

Binod, an artist based in Pokhara, creates stunning paintings of scenic mountains, landscapes, and unique patterns. This craft, passed down from his forefathers, is a passion he practices daily and has also taught to his son and daughter.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Binod's business suffered, that compelled him to sell his shop at a 35% loss. He looked for opportunities abroad but soon realized the true value of his gift for painting, with many encouraging him to continue his work. Therefore, he continued his art business in his own space at his home.

After discovering Christianity, Binod began incorporating Bible verses and creation stories into his paintings. Previously, his Thangka art, a round figure like Mandala that is significant to Buddhism, was among his bestselling. He continued painting Thangka where he now beautifully portrays the creation story. However, he soon started facing opposition from some people who demanded he stop depicting cross symbols in his art. At some point, he suffered from severe anxiety and loneliness. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast, believing his artwork to be a unique gift from God meant to bless people and future generations.

His unique talent for painting Bible verses in multiple languages attracted buyers from all walks of life. His dedication and talent not only brought in a good income but also made his art popular among both locals and foreigners. To date, he has sold thousands of his paintings, each one finding a special place in the homes of art lovers from around the world. His pieces not only brought smiles to many faces but also sparked motivation and positivity in those facing challenging times.

Crafted is honored to partner with Binod, who has devoted his life to his art. His work spreads love, encouragement, and dignity to many, inspiring future generations.

Gopal Darai is an artist based in Pokhara, Nepal. He primarily works with watercolors but also enjoys painting with acrylics. His style is impressionistic, and he often paints outdoors, capturing the natural beauty around him.

With 15 years of experience in art, Gopal has created and implemented engaging lesson plans for students of all ages. He has supervised various student art projects, both in the classroom and in the field, to enhance their understanding of art concepts.

Gopal has earned numerous accolades throughout his artistic career. In 2016, he won the 1st Prize in the Open Art Competition organized by the Ex Sportsman Forum Nepal. Two years later, he received a Special Regional Award from NAFA. In 2019, he was honored with the Best Artist Award in West Bengal, Kolkata, India. Gopal also achieved recognition as one of the top 10 Plein Air artists by IWS Nepal in 2022.

His participation in prestigious exhibitions includes the International Watercolor Biennale organized by IWS India in 2015 and 2019, the International Watercolor Festival by IWS Nepal in 2016, and the National Art Exhibition by NAFA in Kathmandu in 2016/17.

Additionally, he secured first place at the International Watercolor Biennale organized by IWS Pakistan in 2016 and took part in the International Watercolor Festival by IWS UAE in 2017. In 2012, Gopal held a solo exhibition organized by The Drishya in Pokhara, Nepal.

I am originally from Darjeeling but currently residing in Pokhara. I began to paint landscape when I was a little child. To be specific, I was Inspired by my grandfather who taught me to draw circles, shades, and the beauty of expression through art. Landscape painting brings me immense joy and remains my favorite way to stay connected to those early lessons. Apart from using brushstrokes and easels, I am also a musician. I currently teach piano and classical guitar lessons in Pokhara.

Chandraman Kapali, a skilled wood carving artist, hails from the small village of Bungmati in Lalitpur. Bungmati is a place deeply embedded with the tradition of wood carving, and it is here that Chandraman’s journey began. 

Starting at the tender age of six, Chandraman immersed himself in the art of wood carving, learning from the skilled hands of his community. By the age of eleven, he was already creating complex and intricate wood carvings, showcasing a natural talent that set him apart. Despite his early success, Chandraman faced numerous challenges in his career. Like many others in his village, he initially thought he would have to leave his homeland and work in the Gulf countries to make a living. However, he soon realized that his talent was a unique gift from God, and he decided to embrace it wholeheartedly.

About twenty years ago, Chandraman with his family moved to Pokhara, seeking new opportunities. His exceptional skills quickly earned him a reputation as a master wood carver. His journey took him to Mustang, where he worked for two years, honing his craft further. There he made carvings of wooden pillars, windows, wooden water jars, etc. Upon his return to Pokhara, Chandraman opened his own shop, allowing him to showcase his artistry and attract a wider business. In his shop, he sells a variety of wooden structures, including frames, pillars, windows, idols, small water jars, pagoda-style architecture and more. His dedication and hard work paid off, enabling him to build his own house in Pokhara and settle there with his beautiful family. Today, Chandraman Kapali stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of recognizing one’s unique talents. His story is not just one of personal success but also an inspiration to many aspiring artists in his homeland.