Sonam Phuntsok

Sonam was born in Kongpo Province, Tibet. He learned traditional thangka painting (religious paintings of Tibetan Buddhism), calligraphy, healing medicine, Buddhist scripture, and philosophy from his uncle, a Buddhist monk. He moved to Kathmandu, Nepal in 1986 where he was an English interpreter and also taught thangka painting and Tibetan language. Later, he moved to France where he studied computer graphics and Western Art. In 2006, Sonam received a grant from the Fund for Folk Culture to complete a giant thangka painting that then toured nationally. He now lives in Portland with his family.

Area: Portland Metro Area
Type: Workshop, Residency (small groups only)
Grade: 6-Adult
Cost: See fee schedule for workshops and residencies

Sonam uses acrylic paints and canvas to teach traditional techniques for creating either an individual painting or a larger class mural. He explains the symbolism of the images used in thangka paintings. Sonam also teaches basic Tibetan language and presents information about his culture.