Private Project

Tsurphu, the Giant Appliques

1992-2018 two western artists are requested to replace monumental artwork destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in Tibet. Tsurphu Monastery founded in 1187, the original monastery of the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Through the centuries all the Karmapa Lama's have resided at Tsurphu.
The 1st project a 35x23 mt applique was created and given to the monastery. On its completion, three others were requested.
The two artists, Terris and Leslie Nguyen Temple and a team of Tibetan Women completed three images, the last is in the process of completion. 1992-97 they were residents of Tibet.

  • Terris Temple
    Director
  • Leslie Nguyen Temple
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 9 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 13, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Terris Temple

Born 1944 in California, at 15 years old moved to on my own to San Francisco, 18 years old, lived in Mexico, At age 20 arrived in India. Next Nepal (10 years) studied thangka painting with various painting masters. Spent a year in Afganistan and Japan. age 30 moved to Maui Hawaii, age 40 Thailand and met and taught Leslie Nguyen thangka painting, 50 years old Tibet (5 years) working for Tsurphu Monastery with Leslie Nguyen. Our son Sonam was born. Then more years in Maui and Thailand. I just kept traveling, addicted to long waits in airports and jet lag. 50 years of thangka painting, 40 years of bird and flower painting.
Leslie Nguyen Temple and I do art projects together. I am very lucky!

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Director Statement

Working in Tibet was the most exciting time. 1992-97 completed the 2 giant appliques in Tibet. Because of being given the use of a video "C" camera in 1992, this film became possible. But the appliques manifested, that was the most important. We made a small film in 1994 to successfully raise funds for the second applique. Never envisioned a film, but years later this happened. No script other than as it happened. Magic time always!