Bhutan Collection, 2025, Sally Reichmuth

This collection of 16”x20” gouache paintings, and one 24”x48” oil painting, is based on memories of a trip to Bhutan in 2017.

"Offering" Rock cairns are often built at mountain passes and crossroads at places believed to be inhabited by guardian spirits. Adding a stone symbolizes an offering of respect to these beings, ensuring safe passage and protection from misfortune.

"Offering" Rock cairns are often built at mountain passes and crossroads at places believed to be inhabited by guardian spirits. Adding a stone symbolizes an offering of respect to these beings, ensuring safe passage and protection from misfortune.

"The Path" Tall, vertical prayer flags (called Lungta) are often seen in great forests of tall poles. They are commonly raised in memory of someone who has died – to help carry prayers upward for the deceased’s journey and merit.

"The Path" Tall, vertical prayer flags (called Lungta) are often seen in great forests of tall poles. They are commonly raised in memory of someone who has died – to help carry prayers upward for the deceased’s journey and merit.

"Sanctuary" The Bhutanese consider nature a living, sacred partner in life. “Mountains are the seats of gods and rivers the veins of the land” (Bhutanese saying). This sanctuary houses the source of a sacred spring, itself alive with divine presen

"Sanctuary" The Bhutanese consider nature a living, sacred partner in life. “Mountains are the seats of gods and rivers the veins of the land” (Bhutanese saying). This sanctuary houses the source of a sacred spring, itself alive with divine presence.

"Tigers Nest" Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery) clings to a sheer cliff at 10,200 ft elevation. Built in 1692, it is reached only by foot along a very steep narrow 4-mile trail, and all the materials for its construction were taken up thi

"Tigers Nest" Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery) clings to a sheer cliff at 10,200 ft elevation. Built in 1692, it is reached only by foot along a very steep narrow 4-mile trail, and all the materials for its construction were taken up this path. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. It is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas.

"Threshold" A boundary between realms, the threshold is often painted red as a reminder to be mindful as one steps from worldly distractions into a sacred space, and to ward off negative influences at the entry. Bhutanese still proudly wear tradit

"Threshold" A boundary between realms, the threshold is often painted red as a reminder to be mindful as one steps from worldly distractions into a sacred space, and to ward off negative influences at the entry. Bhutanese still proudly wear traditional dress – the women wear handwoven long skirts (Kira).

"Wind is the Messenger of Prayers" Oil, 24 x 48 Chele La Pass (13,084 ft) is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan with sweeping views of the Himalayas and is covered with prayer flags. Mountain passes are believed to be places where earth and sky m

"Wind is the Messenger of Prayers" Oil, 24 x 48 Chele La Pass (13,084 ft) is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan with sweeping views of the Himalayas and is covered with prayer flags. Mountain passes are believed to be places where earth and sky meet, making them especially potent for spiritual offerings. The wind carries the prayers and blessings across the land for the benefit of all beings.

"Butter Lamps" Ignorance and lack of wisdom is considered the root of all our problems in Buddhism. The offering of lighting a butter lamp is the offering of wisdom and knowledge to eradicate ignorance or darkness in the world.

"Butter Lamps" Ignorance and lack of wisdom is considered the root of all our problems in Buddhism. The offering of lighting a butter lamp is the offering of wisdom and knowledge to eradicate ignorance or darkness in the world.