KATHMANDU: For many foreigners Nepal has become more than just a retreat; it’s their second home.

Acclimatising to the Nepali culture and the typical livelihood, there are numerous expat faces who have become more than just a foreigner living in Nepal. They have actually been contributing to society here with their inspirational works

Versatile personality

Among these familiar foreign faces is Jan Salter from UK, who is known for her works through KAT (Kathmandu Animal Treatment) Centre, that shelters stray dogs.

“It was the spectacular impression of a naturally beautiful Nepal that inspired my first visit here in 1968. All these years of work has left an indomitable intimacy in me towards this place. I see it as my home now,” said Salter. Her introduction can also be that of an acclaimed artist whose life took another significant turn after she established KAT in 2004.

Travelling and painting

For Salter painting, which she learned herself, was confined only as a hobby. Embracing her hobby full time wasn’t easy for her as her father always persuaded her to take up a profession that pays besides just playing with colours.

Heeding her father’s advice, she trained herself as a hairdresser. “This profession took me to various parts of the world like Asia, Africa and Australia in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Somehow I have never regretted my father’s suggestion,” she added.

Before coming to Nepal, in order to escape her hairdressing profession, she was working in a school for hearing impaired in New Zealand. While working there she came to realise her passion for painting and how she could not just let it go. “I was intrigued after seeing all the Maori children in the school and I couldn’t stop myself from painting,” said Salter.

She recalls how working with the famous Indonesian artist Affandi in 1973 encouraged her to pursue her passion. This was the turning point in her life.

With a new-found inspiration and a determination towards her artistic hobby, Salter returned to Nepal. Her first drawing was of a small Newar boy, Premlal, whom she adopted as a son. “The distinctive faces I encountered while travelling through the hills, plains and mountains of this country made me want to sketch. A new avenue of painting opened up for me,” she expressed.

The faces she sketched are visible in her ‘Faces of Nepal’ series.

She narrated a memorable event that occurred during her visit to Tarai region. “Having full knowledge of their shyness I entered a Tharu village in search of a motivation to paint. When I arrived, everyone disappeared leaving me alone. So I just sat down to draw. A little girl, unable to control her curiosity, came forward and looked over my shoulder to see what I was doing. Later everyone relaxed and gave up their shyness to let me sketch them,” she said.

Encountered honours

“I feel really honoured to have been acquainted with renowned intellectuals and writers of that time like Dr Harka Gurung, Bal Krishna Sama and Bhupi Sherchan. Moreover the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu award which I received in 1997 was the most euphoric moment for me,” she added.

Her ‘Faces of Nepal’ is not the only series that gained popularity as her series on girl trafficking ‘All our Daughters’ garnered much respect for her. Her years of work with Maiti Nepal had helped her portray those faces of the unfortunate females of Nepal.

Another responsibility

Salter has a strong belief that art should come from the heart. “Everyone can be taught to solve a mathematics problem, but to learn painting, it should come from somewhere within the heart,” she said.

She regrets that ever since she got completely busy with KAT, she has not had time for painting. “I never knew I would be so engrossed with KAT when I first started it with my own savings. I had to bear a lot of challenges in the beginning because no one was willing to help,” she recalled.

Today with its message to share love and shelter with stray dogs, KAT has become one of the prominent social organisations of Nepal.

“Being single was never a problem, for it offered me space to do what I wanted in life. Now

I am in my mid-seventies and I feel more energetic to do more and more,” she added with a radiant smile.