love sculpture

[This is a single sculpture; photo showcases two angles]"'No War' stands for the human right to love within a world of peace and friendship," says the artist, "While historically and socially constructed ethnic and cultural identities further divide the collective, each human retains the right to choose which face they show to the world; one of love, or one of hate. There will be war if there is a conflict, but there will be peace if there is love.

"This world's human race is diverse," the artist continues. "I want to show that ethnic and cultural differences can coexist peacefully. If humans have love and good friendship, they can create a beautiful world."

Depicted on this sculpture are polar opposite faces, one that seeks peace, and another that desires war. Thailand's Somyot Sawasdee wishes to advance global peace, and to create a beautiful world for future generations. He strives to help advance that goal through the power of art.

Sawasdee crafted this one-of-a-kind sculpture from local recycled paper mixed with cement for rigidity. In a process perfected through years of experimentation, the artist intentionally supports efforts to "divert waste from landfills, to further societal cooperation."The artist explains (translated from Thai), the sculpture "holds the word 'NO WAR,' in which N = human; O = love; W = world; A = peace; R = friendship."

Perfectly sculpted of stone centuries ago, Buddha's strength and serenity come through this color photograph by Brendan O'Connell. The sculpture is one of many Buddha heads and other relics rescued from various abandoned temples in nearby provinces. This unique collection was started by one of the temple's supporters and now when people run across such relics or have a broken Buddha they want to replace, they bring them to Wat Umong. Printed on matte paper, the inspiring photograph arrives in a pinewood frame with a protective glass pane.

Wat Umong temple and its tunnels were built in the late 14th century. Distributed like a maze, the tunnels were created to keep a much-loved monk from wandering off, for he was a little crazy and they feared he wouldn't find his way back.

A smiling image of Buddha represents the path in life that artist Thotsapon has taken. Sharing his faith through his art, he communicates sensations of peace in this beautiful painting. Quiet blue shadows caress the lovely statue.

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation, filled with breathtaking ancient temples, pagodas and other architectural wonders constructed to worship Buddha. In Thailand images of Buddha play an important role beyond mere decoration. They are traditionally placed within the home in special locations, such as shrines or pedestals, to help facilitate everyday religious worship.