ARTIST WHO USES RICE GRAINS TO MAKE FIGURES
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| Raghavan, Prayar, Vaikkam |
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Rice grain, literally, is the source of his livelihood. For artist Raghavan, his wife Omana and their 2 children, the main occupation is making handicrafts using - of all things - rice grain!
The 45-year-old initially got attracted to rice grains as a teenager when he saw them after harvesting. As his figures came to be appreciated by the more and more people, making them became turned into an occupation and later an exercise in self-fulfillment for him.
Although he works as a stage decorator for dramas, this artist from Prayar, Vaikkam is carrying on with the art of his choice for the past 17 years. He was able to present a ‘tamburu’ made of grains Yesudas when the latter visited Vaikkam. Similarly, actor Mammootty was the recipient of the traditional measuring vessel, ‘para’ made by him. Statue of Ganapathi, snake boats, traditional lamp, houses, ships… he can make any figure with grains provided he gets a model.
For making the mould of the figure, he uses a paste made of newspaper and fenugreek (uluva). The grains are not pasted onto this surface; rather they are sewn together. He dips the grains in a specially prepared mixture to make them last without damage for 90 years or more.
Any shining grain can be used for the work. Well-shaped grains are sewn together using polyester thread. The finished work is polished before selling.
His works have been displayed in many handicraft exhibitions. Although his works have been well appreciated by the public, he is waiting for the days when his products will have more willing buyers.
A rice grain artwork
Courtesy: Madhu Enadi, Karshakan, October 2002
Contributed by: Administrator
