Paignton art exhibition has an amazing story to tell

This weekend (July 6 and 7), Paigton’s Redcliffe Hotel will host an exquisite collection of fine art with a story to tell. 

The exhibition is organised by Kelsang Pawo, a Buddhist monk and author with a fascinating life story. Growing up in London’s East End during some of Britain’s most challenging times, Kelsang was often exposed to the darker side of society. With two uncles running with the infamous Kray Twins, Kelsang’s father sent him far away from trouble, to work in the Merchant Navy. 

It was during his adventures overseas that Kelsang met Buddhist monks, whose life captivated him. 

“When I was in Taiwan, I met a Tibetan Lama. There was a peace around him that I couldn’t quite understand, so I decided to find out what it was.”

Kelsang’s pursuit of finding this peace and becoming a Buddhist monk led him on an epic journey across the Himalayas, where he visited and practised at scores of monasteries, made life-long friends and met people such as the Dali Lama and Princess Dianna. 

After many years away, Kelsang returned to England and moved to Paignton after his teacher and mentor in Butan died. 

“I’ve lived here ever since, I’m not immersed in life here, just a witness to what goes on so I can retain my peace,” Kelsang said. 

Kelsang has since written about his experiences in ‘A Perfect Harvest: An East End Boy’s Journey from Post-War London to Bhutan’.

Now, Kelsang hopes to do good with his art collection, the works coming from a variety of talented friends. 

One artist on display is Raymond Munroe, an oil painter. 

Kelsang said: “He has an ability to develop a light behind everything, so there is in fact no darkness. Even in the darkest paintings, light is present. He produces the most extraordinary work.”

Another artist on display is long-time friend Richard Potter, who Kelsang commissioned to do a trio of paintings for Princess Dianna. 

Kelsang explained: “He painted the strawberry finch, which was Dianna’s favourite bird from India. He also painted a purple parrot, which she saved from extinction in Madagascar, and a black lotus, which Kew Gardens developed and named after her.”

The pieces will be on display on July 6 and 7. Kesang hopes that with the exhibition, he can share his life-long love of art. 

He added: “There’s an art to our happiness. I’ve spent many years in Japan, living amongst the artisans, and the gentle nature they put into their silent working day, there’s no room for mental anxiety at all. 

“If one can find the right picture or the right piece, just to sit down in front of and contemplate, then all life’s fears and anxieties can dissolve and go away.”