Art in its pristine form

SOurce http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/03/06/stories/2009030651210300.htm

Art in its pristine form

PUSHPA CHARI

An exhibition of creatively designed brass items are on display till March 11.

Photo: M. Karunakaran

Exquisite: Ramesh holds up one of the favourite brass items designed by him.

The brass products brought out by Ramesh reflect the many faces of and trends in Indian metal craft today. Many of his handcrafted pieces are marked by a touch of innovation and creative imagination, the use of traditional motifs and even a mix of regional styles. Coming from a non-paramparik family, Ramesh learnt metal craft from a friend in Swamimalai nearly 20 years ago. Today, he not only makes brass icons for temples but creates a range of products marked by his ‘unique’ touch.

Intricate creations

His lovely ‘agal’ lamps or brass ‘diyas’ range from modern, uncluttered curve forms to minimal carving of peacocks. He has used the ‘yaali’ face in the ‘tiruvasan’ of Vishnu to adorn compelling door handles, wall hangings and so on. The ‘Garuda’ in the Akhilandeswari temple, Tiruchi, is a favoured motif and his brass icon of Vishnu with Garuda in the foreground is a beautiful piece. Ganesha is another recurring theme, dancing on the edge of an elephant’s raised trunk, crawling or in a pristine form. Ramesh has crafted a four feet Vinayaka idol for the Malaikkotai temple. Another speciality is his intricately carved door locks and keys. From minute etching and carving to finishing, he does everything himself.

“I get ideas from observing, visiting temples, looking at motifs and formats,” says Ramesh, who is based at Woraiyur in Tiruchi. “I also look at craft books and pictures.” His Radha Krishna under a tree full of chirping birds is reminiscent of Oriya stone sculptures while his Venugopal is inspired by the Hoysala idiom with a lot of ornamentation and intricate carving.

“First I cut a brass piece to the required thickness,” continues Ramesh. “Then we take a metal stick or ‘ulir’ and do the minute carving, facial expressions, etc.” Holding up a tiny Kamadhenu, he explains how its wings are separate pieces which, along with the base have been ‘joined’ to the main figure. His Radha Krishna and the luxuriant tree too are separately carved pieces.

Ramesh’s works can be seen at Expo 2009 organised by the Artisan’s Welfare Trust at the Corporation Community Hall, 21/30 C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet. A collection of craft works from other States is also on view at the exhibition which ends on March 11.

Printer friendly page