Ceramics – A Gateway to Global Learning

On Friday, September 6, a classroom in coastal New England was transported to Nepal. In support of Tabor Academy’s priority to create “A World for Learning,” the visual arts program hosted Gopal Shrestha, leading ceramic artist in Nepal and father of Shushank Shrestha—Tabor’s Ceramics Teaching Fellow during the 2023-2024 academic year.

According to the Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA), Gopal “has great experience as a lecturer and instructor in fine art as well as ceramics,” and has founded several ceramics studios to train the next generation of artists. While visiting Tabor, Gopal gave students in Braitmayer a presentation on his life and art in Kathmandu.

“I never believe I’m an artist,” he told the students, sitting amongst potters’ wheels in the ceramics studio. “I believe I am a teacher. My duty, or my aim, is to teach in a different way. Which means I have to learn different techniques.”

Following Gopal’s presentation, students struck their chairs and Shushank brought out his own artwork to showcase atop the table in the center of the room. As students and faculty appreciated his collection, Shushank answered their questions about his creative process, techniques, and experience exhibiting around the world, like his current work on display at the Rubin Museum in New York.

As the class block came to a close, more students trickled in once they had heard the news that Shushank was back on campus. Eager to wish him safe travels before heading back to Nepal, they spent their common time saying farewell to the former art fellow. The bittersweet goodbyes reflected their deep respect and admiration for Shushank and emphasized the lasting impact a dedicated teacher can have on students' lives.

Through an artistic lens, this academically enriching experience deepened students’ global understanding and underscored the value of learning from diverse perspectives.