Above: market in Siem Reap, various paper crafts made in Cambodia
Folders made with Cambodian Kozo
CAMBODIA IN THE PICTURE
I met philanthropist Bernie Krishner about 3 years ago, prior to my leaving for California. He had been referred to me by David Aldera, paperman extraordinaire atNew York Central Art Supply. He had been working with villagers in Robib, which is a nine hour trek from Phnom Pen, the capital. Bernie showed me copies of a newspaper he started, a school and an orphanage. He was also bringing papermaking to the area as a means of self-sustenance. He had given me some samples of the work, most of it made with Cambodian Kozo, resembling very much some the Thai papers we had seen on the market.
Fast forward to today: Bernie and I are working together again, and trying to promote the papers of Cambodia. So far, it seems the paper products are doing better than the sheets themselves. I have many photos, and the one on the left is representative of the texture of the paper. I have samples of folders, shopping bags, wine bags, and wonderfully whimsical greeting cards that are made of a combination of woven cloth and paper.
Your feedback is terribly important to us. Would you take a moment and let us know what you think about these products, and if you'd be interested in procuring them for either yourself or your customers. Email link is at bottom of the page. Thank you.
TRADE FOR EDUCATION
Thmei Village in Kompong Cham Province of Cambodia is blessed with a nearby forest of mulberry and banana trees. It is a remote five hours from Phnom Penh through some of the worst roads in the country. There is no electricity, running water, TV, phone link or regular transport. All the working population were farmers... until a few years ago when Bernie Krisher built a computer-equipped primary school there and an NGO trained a dozen villagers in making beautiful handmade paper products--folders, shopping and wine bags, envelopes, picture frames, albums, and greeting cards that combine the beauty of the woven cloth and paper. These now provide self sustenance to many villagers while the profits from sales go back to provide medical care to the needy in the village.
The greeting cards to the right can be made with any combination fabric/paper. The folded cards are blank so that you can custom print your message, and at the same time, delight the person on the receiving end with such an innovative and fun design. Envelopes are made to match.
Bernie Krisher has been commended by Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk for his work in building schools for children where there were none. The King has also paid a visit to the villages to view the excellent quality of the silk products being made there. Let's let the goods do the good
SILK WEAVING PROJECT
The village of Robib is located in a remote, practically desolate and isolated region of Cambodia. Much like some areas in Viet Nam, the population relied heavily on agricultural products to survive, however, the lack of infrastructure makes it impossible to get the crops to market.
Some of the villagers got involved with the weaving of silk, and the craft practically disappeared with the brutal occupation of the Khmer Rouge. Every attempt is now being made to revitalize this expertise, as the Khmer were renowned for producing some of the highest quality silk in the world.
This project not only aims to restore a lost traditional art, but also serves to bring prosperity to the villagers by exposing the world to their art. It is with this purpose in mind that we invite you to join us for an anticipated visit Cambodia. Our journey will take us not only to the village, but to magnificent sights, such as the extraordinary Angkor Wat.
Traditional Silk Weaving
METTA-KARUNA**
Tun Channareth is a husband and father of six children, with a rugged, handsome face and a body builder torso. Born in Cambodia and currently living in Siem Reap, Tun distinguishes himself in an incredible manner: he is a landmine survivor, and amputee ambassador who was in Oslo in 1997 to accept the Nobel Peace Prize which was awarded to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. After his legs were blown off by a landmine, he thought about killing himself. His sense of duty and love for his family changed his mind. A recent program on LINK TV told his story; it's called the Road to Kampuchea (Cambodia's former name).
Tun began turning out wheel chairs for the amputees and personally visited with them to teach them how to operate them. In viewing the interactions, one feels the deep respect which exists between these war torn people. Everyone is addressed as "uncle", "auntie", "brother" or "sister". When Tun makes the rounds at the Siem Reap Military Hospital, he is earnest in impressing upon the youngest of the victims that they learn to read, and most of all, learn a trade.
Tun maintains a blog to which you can post comments and/or ask questions. Please follow this link.
