PRAISE
The book has arrived and we have enjoyed every page of it. We in particular want to thank Karma for his friendly words of inscription.
In our view, one of the best books to describe daily life in Bhutan and those pictures add a certain mysterious flavor to it all.
I made a lot of pictures in Bhutan and wish that I could manipulate them the way Sandy has done. Karma writes very well and it was a pleasure to read and a pity that is was over so soon.
~ Symon & Louise, The Netherlands
Oh wow! I received your beautiful, beautiful book and it has exceeded my expectations! The art is so amazing! I can look at each photo ( although I haven’t drank up all of them, YET!) and I’m transported and I drift away. My husband was also so touched with the “photos”- so proof one needn’t have been there to appreciate your artwork, Sandy.
The writing is absolutely beautiful, Karma. I seem to keep starting at the beginning, and then I re-read it. I can’t help but reflect and then savor the memories triggered. So , now i have new writings (along with the new artwork) awaiting to spark my senses.
Thank you, both, for this beautiful gift of yourselves.
~ Mary Corti - USA
“Infusing peace and harmony in every image, Sandy Shum takes us on a journey through enchanting dreamscapes in this unique series on Bhutan. Together with Karma Singye Dorji’s personal stories, the images dissolve the barriers of distance, time and culture — almost a physical sensation of being transported into a foreign land. All senses are alert to the exciting new environment — the sound of a turning prayer wheel, the sight of mountains drenched in blue, the taste of warm butter tea — inviting us to make Bhutan part of our personal journey.”
~ Dana Langlois, Director of JavaArts
Java Arts: www.javaarts.org
“It’s hard to say exactly why Sandy’s elegant impressionistic photographs resonate more with one’s own impressions of this color-filled land than the most picture-perfect travel ad. And why Karma’s eloquent tales of growing up there reveal more about what is behind every Bhutanese smile than a ream of envious assessments on their official policy of gross national happiness. I suppose you will just have to find out for yourself.”
~ Sarah Harding, translator of The Life and Revelations of Pema Lingpa, Machik’s Complete Explanation, Creation and Completion, and Esoteric Instructions
Sarah Harding: www.amazon.com/Treasury-Knowledge-Book-Esoteric-Instructions/dp/1559392843
“The grace and beauty of Bhutan and its people are captivating as are the memories of Bhutanese author, Karma Singye Dorji. Bridging east and west, Karma’s stories provide insight to an ancient culture that is rapidly changing. Sandy Shum’s stunning images capture traditions and bring the Bhutanese experience to life. This book is a must for anyone who is drawn to the wonders of Himalayan cultures.”
~ Paula Wenzl Bellacera, painter and photographer
Paula Wenzl: www.paulawenzl.com
“Sandy Shum’s stylized images of life in Bhutan capture the colorful world and deep spirituality of the country. These colorful and compelling images have a joyful energy that truly conveys the Bhutanese theme of Gross National Happiness and captures the magical spirit of the country and its people.”
~ John McDermott, photographer, “… the Ansel Adams of Angkor” says The New York Times. McDermott Galleries, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
John McDermott: www.asiaphotos.net and www.mcdermottgallery.com
“In his collection of personal essays Karma Singye Dorji brings alive his family and personal relations in all their warmth and delight and sometimes, pain. They give us the sights and sounds and smells of rural life in Bhutan. Sandy Shum’s impressionistic photography paints the magical atmosphere that is a real world for the Bhutanese people. The dream-like impact of the images reminds us to ask ourselves, ‘How much longer?’ I welcome this […] pleasant resonance of sensitive Bhutanese experience and creative impressions of Bhutan’s pristine beauty. They blend well to provide a new tone and quality to Bhutanese literature.”
~ Kinley Dorji, Editor-in-Chief, Kuensel, Bhutan’s National Newspaper
Kinley Dorji: www.kuenselonline.com
“I’ve always felt that nothing on paper could ever replace the overwhelming, breathtaking, heartbreaking beauty of actually being in Bhutan, but here is a book that comes very close. Karma Singye Dorji’s essays are alive with detail and insight and humor, and Sandy Shum’s luminous photographs are utterly unforgettable. This is the most beautiful book on Bhutan yet.”
~ Jamie Zeppa, author of Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan
Jamie Zeppa: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Sky-Earth-Journey-Bhutan/dp/157322815X
“In Himalayan tradition, prayer flags embody the highest aspirations of the human spirit, and these offerings by Sandy Shum and Karma Singye Dorji carry their message of life to all beings. Sandy’s subtle alchemy of vision and craft shows us how by changing the way we look at the world, the world itself changes. This sumptuous interweaving of text and image takes us on a magical journey through one of the world’s most enchanted regions and reveals the true colors that underlie our habitual perceptions.”
~ Ian Baker, author of The Heart of the World: A Journey to the Last Secret Place
Ian Baker: www.rarejourneys.com