Rubin Museum Educator since 2013
My goal has always been to illuminate this material in the most authentic way possible. Many people have mystified Himalayan art and culture, putting their own hopes and desires on what this artwork means and represents. I try to present this artwork in the most accurate way that I can to show the beauty and the humanity present within it, even when it doesn’t exactly meet people’s expectations.
I first was exposed to Himalayan art and culture when I visited Bhutan at age 18. Ever since then, it’s been the focus of both my academic and professional career. The first time I came to the Rubin I instantly felt like this was the place for me to be.
I’m always impressed with what kids can understand on my school tours. I’ll explain something quite advanced like the process of tantric visualization practice and they completely get it. It is also incredibly rewarding when I can get somebody interested in this artwork who previously had never been exposed to it.
Typically leads tours?
Wednesday afternoons following Mindfulness Meditation, school groups on Thursday morning, special tours.
Favorite tour themes?
I enjoy taking on challenging themes that people may not at first think have any connection to Himalayan art and culture. For instance, I’ve led tours on gender roles, entheogens and how they relate (or don’t) to the artwork, as well as corporate team building tours.