Buddhist holy sites, called stupas, struck me while traveling in the Himalayas. These conical structures often incorporate relics of the Buddha or other holy persons. Buddhists believe that by circumambulating them three times, the wisdom of the person infuses into pilgrim’s spirit, transforming their hearts and minds. I imagine these three rings of tiny paper stupas might have the same spiritual power. Tiny stupas are paper cast from Himalayan molds to create an invitation to consider Mary Oliver’s question: “What is it you plan to do with your one, wild, and precious life?” Uzbek carded weavings become prayer flags.

Nepal Stupas

One Wild Precious Life

Cast paper, cane, carded weaving, Tibetan bell, linen thread. 70x20x20 in, 2024