A Conversation with Crystal Singing Bowl Alchemist Alex Young
Alex Young.
With Tibetan origins, singing bowls are used in meditation to invoke a deep state of relaxation. They can be found in temples, monasteries and meditation halls throughout the world, and continue to grow in popularity, making their way into yoga studios, hotels, and other wellness-themed places that have added singing bowl workshops and meditations to their list of offerings.
Alex Young is a master bowl alchemist who travels the globe hosting workshops and sharing this healing art form. He is also known for creating some of the most beautiful, high-quality singing bowls in the world. His designs are works of art that incorporate special materials and innovative techniques, and he works alongside Crystal Tones, which sells alchemy crystal bowls and other related products.
We spoke with Young, who shared the process that goes into making the bowls, their numerous benefits, and much more.
Young makes beautiful crystal singing bowls that are remarkable pieces of art.
How long have you been making singing bowls?
I’ve been working alongside Crystal Tones for last five years sharing the alchemy crystal singing bowls. In the more recent years, I have been able to co-create some amazing designs of gemstone and precious metal infusions for some remarkable pieces of art.
What are they made from and what’s the creation process?
The bowls are made from 99.99% pure grade quartz crystal. Each bowl is handmade with temperatures reaching up to 4,000 degrees—this is quartz’s melting point, which is double the heat of lava that flows from a volcano. These bowls are not made by just anyone; they are embodied from a very high intelligence and channeled through the makers themselves. Paul Utz and his partner William are the creators of Crystal Tones. They have been setting the tone for these creations since 1997, when the first alchemical bowl was created by infusing moldavite into quartz magma.
What are singing bowls used for?
Sound bowls have ancient traditions in Tibetan culture and religion. The art and sound current of these sacred instruments helps people become empty—to become broad or void. The sound of the bowls is such a pleasing sound, and just about anyone can agree that these tones are pure and relaxing. Studies have shown that the frequencies coming from the sound bowls entrain our brain waves to move into a theta brainwave state. Theta brainwaves have many benefits, including deep relaxation and meditative states of consciousness.
The sound bowls that come from Crystal Tones are masterpieces of art. I have had many clients use them as decorative pieces in their homes. The hand craftsmanship is done with precision and visually, they are emotionally moving and draw conversation as you gaze into the physical beauty and energy of the bowl.
Singing bowls have ancient traditions in Tibetan culture and religion, and help invoke a deep state of relaxation.
How much does one of your bowls cost?
The alchemy singing bowls are priced from $649 to $20,000.
Where are they available for purchase?
My Crystal Temple where the bowls are available for purchase is in my hometown of San Diego, California.
What’s next for you?
As far as other evolving creations outside of the bowls, I have just released the first alchemical crystal glasses and tea sets that are great in combination with the bowls and your ceremonial needs. In the future to come, I will be releasing alchemical quartz Native American flutes for the community of sounds enthusiasts. Until then, stay tuned to the light inside of you and listen deeply to the universe and what it has in store for you.
To commission a custom singing bowl, contact Young at: alexyoung@me.com or 760-450-4890. For more information and to purchase a Crystal Tones singing bowl, visit crystalsingingbowls.com and follow Young on Instagram: @alexredfordyoung
[Images courtesy of Alex Young]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk