The Making of a Traditional Buddhist Temple Bell

Ryumonji Zen Monastery in NE Iowa, USA

Remember that time I had the audacity to make a traditional Buddhist Bell for a monastery in NE Iowa?

Bell making is usually a process handed down through generations of bell makers. It's rarely, if ever, done anywhere in the Western world, but when I was approached by the monk to make them a bell, I told them I would.

This is still one of my proudest moments as an artist, sculptor & creative problem solver.

This film was created by Paul Creager who has done extensive research & filming of traditional Buddhist bells. In particular, he has documented the return of bells stolen during WWII (to be melted down for munitions) as they were returned to their homeland. He is the one who pronounced my "audacity" in not only undertaking this project, but accomplishing it. So much gratitude for his work & support of this project, which took place in 2019.