We have reached our goal. The video of the interview will be edited and shared!
I am humbled and grateful to enjoy such a remarkable community of support. We reached our goal in less than a week! I can't wait to share the video with all of you. Will keep you posted on the progress of editing. Our first team meeting is on May 13.
In the meantime, this campaign will remain open till the end of May.
Your additional contribution can help
- complete the photographic part of my own documentation,
- edit other artists’ interviews, and
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preserve and teach the ancient techniques of Tibetan appliqué.
Select a "perk" on the right to direct your contribution to the activity that inspires you most. You're not limited to the dollar amount shown in the perk description. After selecting your direction, you are welcome to add whatever additional contribution you like!
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Below is the original project description. As promised, any contributions received in excess of the project goal will go toward furthering the artistic and educational projects of Leslie's Threads of Awakening and of Focus on the Masters.
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First things first...
why have I called you here?
I had the most amazing experience last month being documented by Donna Granata of Focus on the Masters. On March 28, after extensive preparation, Donna interviewed me before a live studio audience. The loving energy was palpable, encouraging me to open my heart and share my story more clearly and powerfully than I have before. I want to make this interview available, in whole and in segments, to anyone who may be inspired by it.
The four-camera video recording needs to be professionally edited before it can be shared. I and Focus on the Masters are asking for your help in getting this done.
Why you might want to fund this project...
- Fund it because you came to the Spotlight, were fascinated and want to listen again.
- Fund it because you couldn’t make it and want to watch yourself.
- Fund it because you want to share it with friends.
- Fund it because Focus on the Masters is the only biographical archive of its kind in the country, illuminating the lives of artists and inspiring others to the diversity of creativity.
- Fund it because you love Tibetan art.
- Fund it because you love textiles.
- Fund it because you love Leslie.
- Fund it because you love Donna.
- Fund it because you’re inspired when others open their hearts and share what’s meaningful to them.
- Fund it because you think artists’ stories need to be told and that they merit preservation.
- Fund it because the dakinis whispered ‘yes’ in your ear...
About Focus on the Masters
Focus on the Masters (FOTM) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), art appreciation program that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished contemporary artists. The FOTM archive includes photographic portraits, audio and video interviews, artwork and biographical research that encompass each artist's experiences, reflections and development. Not only is this rich resource made available to researchers, but FOTM also seeks to present it to a broad public through educational programs for all ages, notably the Learning to See Youth Outreach program, a monthly Artist Spotlight Series, exhibitions, publications, and an extensive resource library. FOTM is the only biographical resource project of its kind in the country. Its multiple projects are linked by a common mission: to demonstrate the importance of the arts to a healthy society by bringing highly accomplished artists to the forefront of the community.
About Me
(Here's where I write about myself in third person)
Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is an American textile artist working in an ancient Tibetan tradition. In her fabric thangkas, the sacred Buddhist images of Tibetan thangka paintings are rendered in vivid mosaics of silk. One of the only westerners trained in the rare Buddhist art of silk appliqué thangka, Leslie is passionate about the preservation and evolution of this cultural tradition. Her story is the subject of the acclaimed documentary film, Creating Buddhas: the Making and Meaning of Fabric Thangkas. And her thangkas have been exhibited in museums and dharma centers worldwide. Leslie's work is simultaneously traditional and contemporary. Over the course of two decades, her nomadic life has brought her full circle from California to India, through Italy, and back home to California. Each place has touched her and influenced her vision. She mentors students around the world through her Stitching Buddhas Virtual Apprentice Program. And her Threads of Awakening Weekly Wake-ups bring a weekly dose of inspiration to many. Learn more and view Leslie's artwork at ThreadsofAwakening.com.
From the Artist Spotlight invitation:
When Leslie Freilich's name was changed by a Tibetan lama to Rinchen-Wongmo it was not done to deny her past but rather to catalyze a spirituality that she had been seeking. This Tibetan name means Precious Empowered Woman and reflects Leslie's embrace of life and the philosophy of Buddhism. She creates thangkas, vibrantly colored, meticulously sewn, sacred fabric scrolls that act as objects for meditation, for contemplation. Creating a thangka (sounds like Tonka) involves techniques that are centuries old and a keen understanding of and appreciation for spiritual tradition. Over the years Leslie's style has morphed from creating very traditional scrolls to a more modern, personal style that evokes both the ancient art form and modern quilting techniques. Whether ancient or modern, however, all of her art is infused with joy and serenity.
About the Artist Spotlight
Each year, Focus on the Masters selects ten "Master Artists" for extensive documentation, a process that culminates with the Artist Spotlight interview series.
FOTM Master Artists are selected based on criteria that include mastery of their craft, respect from their peers, and their historic role in the life of the community. FOTM also gives consideration to selecting a group of artists who practice a variety of media so that all creative expressions are represented.
Each artist’s documentation begins with the gathering of biographical materials. Resources can include publications, essays, published work, slides, CDs, video recordings and ephemera of all types. These materials form the basis for each artist’s file. Additionally, Donna Granata personally interviews the artist in recorded oral histories and at the Artist Spotlight evening, which is video taped in front of a live audience. The Artist Spotlight Series provides the public with an opportunity to meet the artists and experience their work first-hand and allows the artist to exhibit original work, share personal experiences, and give advice to the gathered audience.
The Project
(What your contribution will pay for)
Digital recordings from four cameras will be brought together into a seamless whole and interspersed with images of the art and story.
With your help, we'll edit and publish the entire hour-plus conversation, making it available to the public and researchers, both online and offline.
We'll also edit and publish selected “shorts” online. These are segments in which Leslie responds to particular questions on topics such as trichotillomania, silkworms, and how to view images of enlightenment.
Production of these videos will help both Leslie and FOTM promote their good work in the world and will strengthen their ability to acquire funding for future projects.
DETAILS:
Donna Granata and the whole FOTM team do a spectacular job gathering information and interviewing.
They add meticulous stage production, lighting, sound, and cinematography…
But these multi-camera, multi-track recordings are not really usable until they’re edited, and that requires funding.
Editing the full-length interview will cost about $1500.
I’ve budgeted another $400 to create short segments for quick viewing on single topics, for gathering supportive imagery and ‘B-roll’ video, and for getting everything published on the web.
Finally, because it costs money to raise money, I've budgeted $300 to cover the costs of running this campaign.
Any contributions received in excess of the project goal will go toward furthering the artistic and educational projects of Leslie's Threads of Awakening (75% ) and of Focus on the Masters (25%).
Your help is NECESSARY and APPRECIATED. Look in the sidebar to your right for giving levels and for our gestures of thanks!
Comments from some people who attended Leslie's March 28 Artist Spotlight:
Your interview was the best I've seen. -- Paula Spellman
I sit in the audience each month and wonder if I could sit in front of 100 people, baring my soul and heart. I am not sure I could, but I greatly admire your courage. Your art is superb and reflects your life. Thank you for sharing yourself and your art with us. It was a special evening in many ways. -- Jo Ellen Lee
...so real, earnest, impassioned, caring, open to the world to share... and more... Thank you for sharing, Leslie. I loved being there in the room that you so richly and fully filled. -- Kathleen Johnsen
Thank you again and again for your openness and sharing of your self and your loving beautiful work with all of us in the Focus on the Masters interview. -- Jean Bramer
Being my first time, I was very impressed with FOTM and Donna Granata in Ventura. Great job to all! -- Liz Galvan
I've always been a supporter of Focus on the Masters and have attended many Artist Spotlights. But now, having participated in the process, I feel more deeply supportive than ever. Donna Granata does an extraordinary service with great humility, unwavering presence, and multifaceted meticulousness. AND we share a birthday! -- Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo
So nice to learn more about you and your art. Jayne in particular was really fascinated with all the talk about stitchery and fabric. Thanks for both your talent and your gracious and gentle spirit. -- Tim Pompey
Fantastic artist. I loved hearing about her journey and seeing her beautiful art pieces. -- Gerri McMillin
Another wonderful Focus on the Masters Artist Spotlight interview. Thank you to everyone who came out to listen to the life story of Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo. The love for this amazing art artist was palpable. -- Donna Granata
I want to edit this one! -- Francisco Munoz, cinematographer
Other Ways You Can Help
Whether you donate yourself or not, there are lots of additional ways you can help!
- Share this campaign with your friends on Facebook and other social media.
- Email the link to others you think may be inspired to contribute.
- Become a Focus on the Masters member.
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Commission a thangka ;-)
Your help is NECESSARY and APPRECIATED. Look in the sidebar to your right for giving levels and for our gestures of thanks! Or choose to contribute whatever tax-deductible amount you like.
My deepest thanks!