Searching For Buddha: Heather Hapeta

Searching For Buddha: Heather Hapeta.

Heather Hapeta has studied Buddhism in Thailand and although she has been involved in a monk-making ceremony - by helping to cut the hair of 79 new monks - and has a certificate to show she meditated for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej when he was unwell, this photographic exhibition is about how Buddha images are made.

She had not realised it was an almost secret occupation and had searched many places before giving up the hunt. Two days later a Swedish backpacker told her 'my sister had found a place like that when she was cycling through Thailand six months ago'.

Heather immediately caught the next train to the town where she spent a week watching the whole process - these black and white photos are the record of that week.

She is new to Wellington (from Christchurch) and is an author, travel writer and photographer.

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