Devotion, Eternalism, Conservation

Ann Shaftel, Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation, Fellow of International Institute for Conservation, and a member of Canadian Association of Professional Conservators, ICOM and ICOMOS.

This richly illustrated presentation shares 55 years of Buddhist sacred art conservation in museums, monasteries, and their communities. Advised by Buddhist teachers, Ann Shaftel’s on-site work combines devotion and meditation practice, evolving science, digital technology and AI, with respect for tradition.

The Buddhist tenet of impermanence is profoundly relevant in conservation, with a middle way approach between eternalism or nihilism.

Shaftel’s on-site work in Nepal, Bhutan, India and China on the Tibetan plateau will be featured, followed by time for lively discussion.