Nepal Buying Trip 2024

In the Heart of Artistry

Walking the streets of Nepal is like taking a step back in time with its narrow streets and temples at every corner.  I spend each day walking around, refreshing old relationships, and looking for new artisans to work with.  

I’ve been sharing these special moments on our Instagram page. If you haven’t already, make sure to follow us @LotusSculpture for a daily dose of inspiration and a closer look at the wonders of Nepal.




Click the video below to watch the process of transforming plain copper statues into golden wonders.


Discovering this extraordinary Vajradharara statue was certainly a highlight of my trip. Crafted by not one, but five incredible master artisans whose talents know no bounds. Adorned with sapphire, coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and ruby stones, the statue is a kaleidoscope of meaning and beauty. Showcasing six months of dedication, the intricate detailing, hand-painting, and gold plating are a testament to the skill that thrives in Nepal. 

Watch the video below to get an up-close look at this Nepalese Vajradhara statue and learn more about the process of creating such a masterpiece.



2024 Buying Trip – North India

Every January, I embark on my journey to curate the stunning statues you’ll see on Lotus Sculpture throughout the year. This year’s journey takes me through the heart of India and Nepal, and yes, those are the majestic Himalayas I’m glimpsing from my window. The sight of these towering mountains is incredibly humbling!

I invite you to stay connected for weekly updates on my journey! I’ll be sending out newsletters, to sum up my adventures, and you can also follow along daily on Instagram for a more up-close and personal experience of my travels.

My trip began in Delhi, with my good friend Piyush, and I’ve already picked out some amazing new designs, like this Nandi, to add to our collection soon.

You have spoken and I have listened!
I’m very excited to share something new with you all! After hearing your requests for smaller murtis for home altars, I’ve found a fantastic range of brass and copper murtis, all 6 inches or smaller. It’s great to know I can bring exactly what you’ve been looking for to your sacred spaces. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m thrilled to respond to your needs! 



I had the chance to learn extensively about the coloring process of our brass murtis. Vijay, who manages the coloring, guided me through the entire procedure, giving me an insightful look into this intricate art form.

Check out the video below for a closer look at the process:


My visit to the showroom had a charming local twist when a mongoose curiously sniffed me, revealing that a mongoose family calls this place home. I was told by Carol on Instagram that “At least you’ll be safe from cobras!” 
Thank you Carol but I am more worried about Delhi Belly than cobras at this point.

Check out the Instagram post below to meet my new mongoose friend:


Next, my journey took me to Jaipur, the heartland of India’s white marble craftsmanship. Here, I had the pleasure of meeting Ajaysharma and his brother, Vijay, in their quaint studio. Ajay is a master at carving intricate white marble statues, while Vijay brings them to life with his skillful painting. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and brotherly collaboration, truly capturing the essence of Jaipur’s artistic spirit.


I have managed to visit quite a few temples since I arrived. I just can’t get enough of the unique sights and sounds each one has to offer. It’s so cool to soak up all that energy – It really makes you feel part of something bigger.


I have just arrived in Nepal and am looking forward to exploring the narrow streets of Patan in search of more statues!

March 3rd, 2023

I’ve just returned from my buying trip, which included my final stop in Indonesia where I found myself captivated by the rows of moss-covered stone statues amidst the thick air left behind by the previous night’s rain. I couldn’t help but fall in love with these beautiful sculptures every time I laid eyes on them, and my weakness for their allure led me to purchase not one but two 40-foot containers full of them. These exquisite stone statues are set to arrive just in time for the spring gardening season in April-May.


Nyoman and I have been collaborating since 2004. His exceptional talent is immediately apparent in the delicate and fluid lines he carves into his Buddha statues, as exemplified by the plump and content Buddha he’s currently holding. The expression on the statue’s face is unlike anything else you’ll find in the Indonesian market, and to top it off, the Buddha is even holding a cup of coffee!

As an art enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for artists who possess the ability to create something truly distinctive with a style that’s unmistakably their own.


For 19 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Wayan Sabur and his son. Whenever I step into their workshop, I’m always greeted by Wayan’s warm and welcoming smile, which reflects his joyous outlook on life. He takes each day as it comes and truly enjoys every moment.

Despite the different perception of time in Indonesia, I’ve often commissioned custom orders with Wayan, only to return the next year to find them partially completed.

One of his remarkable creations is a stunning Buddha standing on a blooming lotus. The intricate carving of the Buddha’s robes is exceptional, resembling the undulating waves of the ocean more than traditional cloth. This design is so unique that I always purchase every statue he creates in this style.

Artists like Wayan used to be more common in Indonesia, but their time is dwindling. Thankfully, his son is ready to continue his father’s legacy by carrying on his designs and artistry into the next generation.


What do you think of these doors?  Teak wood doors.  Should Lotus Sculpture start importing them?
What do you think of this teak wood root decorative piece?  It will be polished and cleaned up.  It is unique in that it is just fine outdoors as well as indoors. It is monstrous too with a size of 8 feet by 8 feet. It is one of those unique pieces that you just do not see anymore.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Echo for around 15 years. He works at a stone workshop and is a true character, as evidenced by his mischievous grin and playful demeanor, as seen in the photo of him holding his dentures.

Echo is like a large feline in his approach to work – he only works when he needs money and takes days off to rest and relax when his pockets are full. His lifestyle has earned him the nickname “Sultan Echo” since he lives like a sultan, sleeping when he’s satisfied and only working when he has to.

Personally, I love his approach to life. What a fantastic way to live – enjoying the fruits of your labor and only working when necessary!

Vietnam Buying Trip 2023

January 11th, 2023

I finally made it back!

Vietnam is great! Everyone just lives their lives and enjoys it. There isn’t any pretense or anger between individuals. Driving, everyone is cutting people off and doing 3-point turns in the middle of busy roads. No one cares. It’s refreshing. Some people dance in the park at 7 am while others line up for group massages. I love it.  It is the way life should be. 

I always have such an incredible time here visiting the country’s local artisans in search of new, unique, and simply stunning wooden Buddhist sculptures.

As I make my way throughout Vietnam’s quaint coastal towns, jungles, and bustling cities – prepare yourself to be amazed by our artisans showcasing their incredible craftsmanship.

I’ve already discovered an abundance of new, one-of-a-kind, hand-carved wooden figures that radiated love, peace, and harmony. From wooden Buddha statues to Guanyin, Bodhidharma, and Hotei Buddhas, there are so many fantastic sculptures to admire here in this wonderful country.

Follow along as I share my encounters with the talented artists of Lotus Sculpture and give you a sneak peek into which statues may be coming with me!

I took a half day and went to Tam Doa which is a mountain town outside of Hanoi.  It is perched up on the side of a mountain surrounded by pristine untouched forest with clouds swirling through the trees.  I went to a temple near the top of the mountain.  Above the main temple was another smaller temple that I had to climb a ton of steps to get to.  When I reached the top, no one was there.  I went into the small temple and walked around the main shrine of Lord Buddha.  There was a nun reading out loud in a chanting cadence, I assume a prayer.  The Buddha had an electric chakra behind his head that was flashing different colors.  I sat down in front of the psychedelic Buddha to just absorb the scene.

I have rarely felt the true meaning of a word like I did in those 10 minutes in that temple. I felt the true essence of the word, PEACE.  Listening to the nun chanting while looking at the lights moving behind the mesmerizing Buddha, I felt like I was whole and happy like I could feel the earth spinning beneath me while sitting. That one moment was worth the 24 hours stuck on a plane to get there.
It was wonderful!
Kyle with female wood artistsan in Vietnam
3 years ago I met the artist Houng and his wife.  When I saw her again her face lit up! She was so happy that I came back to their village.  Her joy was infectious!  The whole time I was laughing and playing with her and thinking to myself, “is this really my job?  I am a lucky man!”
Kyle with wood artisan in Vietnam
I met this 24-year-old artist for the first time. His name is Mike.  He had great energy.  He brought me in to sit for tea.  He first poured Vietnamese tea, then immediately poured it out and changed it to Chinese tea.  I am not a tea drinker at all but this tea was delicious!  We mimed simple questions and answers for a while, all the time with a huge smile on his face.  When I was leaving he gave me a bag of the Chinese tea because he saw how much I loved it.   He carves statues of Rams and frogs which is not exactly what I buy.  He knew I had no interest in his statues but could not have cared less. He is a precious soul.  I look forward to seeing him on my next trip.  
I took half a day to visit the limestone cliffs of Ninh Binh.  OMG, what a beautiful surprise this was!  I felt like I was in one of those Old Chinese rice paper paintings, surrounded by huge, lush limestone cliffs jutting out of the water as we paddled around in our canoe.  What a beautiful surprise! 

Below are the faces of the artists Lotus Sculpture buys our wood statues from. I visited in the week before their Lunar New Year; Tet. It could not have been a better time for them to sell some of their statues. They were overjoyed to have some extra money right before they go on a month’s vacation for the New Year.  On behalf of the artists, I will also say thank you to our wonderful customers. None of this would be possible without you!

Collage of wood artists in Vietnam.
Collage of wood artists in Vietnam.

Greetings From India!

Balan and I in front of the Meditating Shiva on the Ganga in Rishikesh

On my first night in Delhi, I was not able to sleep. I lay in bed thinking “Why am I 8,000 miles away from home, away from my wife and 2 daughters. Why am I doing this?”

I quickly remembered all of the reasons I am here, and I would like to share my experiences with you.


Please click here to follow my journey throughout Asia on our Instagram page. I will be traveling in North and South India, Nepal, Cambodia, and Vietnam. I will be sending videos daily of my travels.


Brass Artisans of Aligarh

I have never before visited where our brass statues are made in Aligarh. The experience was eye-opening and amazing! The saying, “it takes a village” truly applies to making one statue. Each statue passes through 6 separate stages with a different person responsible for each stage. It was fantastic to finally meet the artists who have been making these beautiful statues for Lotus Sculpture!

Young apprentices in Aligarh practicing their carving skills on smaller brass statues.

Watching the artists cast these pieces was incredible. Packing each mold in sand leaving an exact duplicate of the statue inside the mold, then pouring molten brass into the cavity. It truly made me appreciate how much work goes into each piece.


Jaipur!

Text block about Jaipur.

Sanjay applies gold leaf to a statue that his brother carved. Sanjay has been painting statues for 35 years.

“The freedom and sense of discovery I feel while walking the streets of India is like no other ”

~Kyle Tortora, Founder, Lotus Sculpture


Rishikesh!

My friend, Raj, standing on one of the 84 mediation caves of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. It was made famous by the Beatles and one of our clients, Mike Love of the Beach Boys who learned transcendental meditation under the guru. It was amazing to walk around the abandoned ashram and go back in time to envision what life was like there in the 60s and 70s.

I found a new Mala supplier! Stunning seven chakra malas made from precious and semi-precious stones.

Meenakshi stringing a Mala