Life-size Bronze Bust of Papaji
height: 38 centimeters, about 15 inches
Please e-mail questions and special order requests to mail@avadhuta.com

$2595 US, plus shipping and handling

The head weighs approx 12-15 kg and the price includes postage. It is being sent from London. Each casting will be numbered and supplied with an authentication certificate that it has been cast in the studio of Luke Shepherd.

"After more than 15 years I would like to offer this bust and make bronze editions available to Papaji's followers. It is an unlimited edition, which means that each will be numbered, up to an unlimited number. However, to ensure that each bronze is produced to the highest possible standards I would like to produce them myself, rather than give them to a foundry, to be made by a worker that doesn't know Papaji. Therefore I can only produce a small number in a year which may result in a waiting list for each bronze.

After completing the bust and presenting it to Papaji there was interest by other people obtaining an edition. Papaji suggested that if anybody is interested in obtaining a bronze edition they contact me and that I charge my professional rate for my time for it's manufacture, not the value that it is worth on the art market. Hence the price given reflects my time in making the bronze bust, which is substantially lower than a comparable bust sold through a gallery.

Currently there are only three bronze castings: one in Lucknow, one belonging to Gangaji and one belonging to Hanuman.

Background

Returning to Lucknow in 1994, my wife Satya suggested I take my modelling tools and ask Papaji if I could model his bust.

We made an appointment to show him some photos of my work. He immediately asked me what I would need to undertake the project. I replied 3 things. Some of his time, some clay and a venue to model the work.

Without hesitation he called for his car and with Yamuna driving, myself and Satya accompanied Papaji to the river where the potters dig their clay. He secured a downstairs bedroom in his house and informed me that this was to be my studio and I should come and go as I please. The work commenced in the spring of 1994.

I was somewhat daunted by the project as I knew everybody has their own relationship with Papaji and to try to capture all aspects of Him would be an enormous task. Papaji sat like no other!


Measuring distances

He was a mountain, with no concern for time. He removed his false teeth without a care, changing the whole structure of his face. During many sittings we sang bhajans or popular film music. Six or seven would be present and a sweet grace would prevail the modelling room. I had the opportunity to stare into his eyes and see what was on the other side. At times I couldn't work for the tears in my eyes. Little did I realise, but the period of the work was to be Papaji's time to re-model me!

After four weeks and (eight sittings) Papaji began to become impatient and told me that my modelling studio was to change from the solitude of a rear bedroom to the thoroughfare of the sitting room! Here up to 30 people gathered every evening, each with their own opinion of the clay in progress. This was to be my greatest challenge. To steer a path from my heart to the work, without heeding other's views. The work in the sitting room was to last 12 days before it was finished.


In a rear bedroom, and then, working in Papaji's sitting room

From a sculpting point of view, this was one of the most challenging works I had undertaken. Papaji's face in relaxation carries none of his wicked humour. His eye closes somewhat and his cheek raises when he smiles, but this also reveals his teeth, which can look like a grimace in a bust. So I had to find a transitional composition of different states of expression that captured his movement, but never actually existed in that form. Because of this, the bust looks like it could just smile, roar, or be compassionate and for that reason portrays more than a single photo can.


Working on the clay & nearing completion

I made the mould on the roof of Papaji's house and I subsequently took the mould to have the first bronze cast in Nepal with my friend Ratna Jyoti Shakya.

With many thanks to Papaji and also to Satya, for her unerring support and encouragement, without which this bust would not have manifested."

by Luke Shepherd

Further work of Mr. Shepherd can be seen here: www.luke-shepherd.com