"Wisdom Lines" series : a self-reflection

I am not in the right frame of mind to write an article on this series. There are some willing friends who would be glad to write a few words on this topic, but I prefer not to burden anyone. Machine writing 'cremates,' my natural language and dilutes my ideas, and it often uses clichéd language. The intent of this article is to cluster all works in the ongoing series into one place in order to reach potential collectors.

Wisdom Lines, as I call this series, is only a placeholder name. There are about 35 artworks presently. For each drawing, it did not take me more than 2 minutes to complete. I strongly believe that the purity of thought in the mind sparks inspiration in us and leaves us immediately; hence, the more time an artist takes to create art, the less pure and inferior it becomes. This is my personal observation.

My previous exposure to classical Indian sculptures, generic art forms like kalamkari and Tanjore school of paintings,miniatures from the Northern region, and a lot of kitsch that I have seen must have influenced my style or the selection of subjects in creating this original art series.

They are intended to be minimalist drawings. I have eschewed colour, form, shading, modeling, etc. As usual, I have distanced myself from realism, nor have I shown allegiance to decorative elements.

The art of Marc Chagall and Manjit Bawa may likely peek into your brain while you look at this insignificant body of work.

This series is the result of a profound inner urge to create radically original work. This artist knows that there is no pre-existing demand for such pieces. He also knows that the prices for original art pieces are abysmally low. The strategy is not to sell cheaply because I am considered less skillful, nor is it an attempt to implore customers. The real reason is that I want first-time art buyers to acquire my art. Think of me as a subsidized shop that the government provides rations to for the impoverished.

All artworks are miniatures, mostly A5 size, except for a few that are A4. Each artwork is available for sale for 1,500 INR.  You may share this article with like-minded people; comments are appreciated. You are free to download the images, print them, and display them in living spaces suitably framed. Reclaim art from AI atrocities. Thank you!

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My Guru - Ramachandra Reddy,

Mappeti Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Ramachandriah, was not just the most skilful artist of Kalamkari that I have come across, but also served as a preceptor for me in art. He gave me sound training and confidence to ground myself in the art field, and helped me explore a unique self-expression by exploring the symbiosis of eastern and western art ideologies.

A recent photo

A young man from Telangana by the name of Prabhakara Sastry (an art student and budding writer) introduced me to him first, possibly in the year 1996 at Kalakshetra, Chennai where Mr. Ramachandriah was working. I remember Prabhakara Sastri telling Mr. Ramachandriah (Mr “R”, hereafter) that I am an enterprising person and my association with him would be beneficial for him in many ways. But the reverse of what the young lad from Telangana has said has taken place. It is I who have immensely benefited, and not my "future" guru."

Me with Guru, 1996(?)

 

A few months prior to meeting "R" at Kalakshetra, I was as a student of fine art at the same institution. However, I became disengaged from the school and felt disheartened as I found it unstimulating and lacking in thought-provoking interactions with both the student body and the faculty. My relationship with Mr. “R “endured for almost thirty years until his passing a few years ago. Mr. “R” not only taught me the intricacies of Indian art, but he has also been a 'bridge' man between rural Andhra and me, a city bred art student. He has discussed with me not just the technique of art, but also the cultural and anthropological aspects related to local myths, folklore, and many other varied things which I lacked knowledge of due to my urban upbringing.

Receiving award from Hon. Minister

at art emporium

Mr. ‘R’ studied only up to middle school at Srikalahasti, where his father managed a small petty shop in the village. Not long ago, a government-run Kalamkari training cum production center was commenced at Srikalahasti by the initiative of late Mrs. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya and a modernist artist, Late Mr.Kora Ramamurti, who evinced great interest in the revival of fading arts of Andhra Desa. Young Ramachandriah joined this institute as a trainee and later started working in the production center. Kalamkari became a highly sought-after craft by urban men and women due to its use of natural pigments. Hundreds of workers started appearing in the town of Srikalahasti. This town is now the hub of Kalamkari crafts; however, the ancient methods have been given up.

 

In spite of the booming trade of Kalamkari, and being an exceptionally talented artist, Mr "R" wasn’t earning adequately. He remained poor and oppressed. He was considered the “king” of Kalamkari but remained the poorest among his colleagues and was accorded the lowest respect. Urban men and women bought his stuff with joy, but they habitually refused to pay him adequately.

He was an epitome of kindness, modesty, and was always willing to teach others his expertise, yet hardly anyone utilized his talent. His sense of humour is unparalleled and often entertains others by stomach bursting laughter through his innocent quips. Inspired by religious doctrines, he gave up his non-vegetarian diet since his teenage years. He was a teetotaller and did not chew or smoke. He always spoke the truth.

He suffered several long-time health setbacks such as hypertension and diabetes because of which his production was abysmally low. Also because of these reasons, his customers and very erudite employers abused him as he could not meet their deadlines or targets. During the latter part of his life, I had the privilege of acting as a commission–free liaison agent for him.

He had strained relationships with spouses.

His ‘Buddha Charitra’ panel (a narrative picture of Buddha's life) is among the most coveted possessions of the British queen. I don’t want to be more verbose, and it is literally beyond my capacity to comment on his artistic merits; hence, I wish to conclude this brief write-up. This naïve and innocent craftsman died a few years ago, leaving a huge void in the art field and an irreparable loss for our countrymen and also for people like me who are his true and genuine admirers.

Thank you for reading.

KSV

A Sanskrit guru par excellence

 

Vellanki Kamala Devi is a Sanskrit guru par excellence and was born in 1952. She grew up in the serene and picturesque village of Krishnampalem in the West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Her father, Mylavarapu Suryanarayanamurthy garu,was a renowned poet and scholar in Sanskrit, Telugu, and Hindi. He had translated the complete works of saint-poet Surdas and poet Tulsidas into classical Telugu verses and received encomiums from many giant figures in Telugu literature. Kamala Devi garu inherited her love for classical literature, the Sanskrit language, and her numerous cultural activities from her late father. Her brother, Mylavarapu Ramamurty garu, was also known for his literary brilliance, especially in his writings on contemporary issues through the columns of Telugu and English periodicals. He was also a social activist who spearheaded many socio-cultural-philanthropic activities in the community.

Kamala Devi guru's journey as a Sanskrit tutor began after completing a formal "Parina" degree, which is a penultimate course certificate issued by the prestigious Samskrita Prachara Sabha, Secunderabad. Since 1997, she has worked as a Sanskrit teacher in a couple of famous schools in Rajahmundry spanning two decades. While modern education has advanced with gadgets and technology-based learning, awareness of heritage, interest in native languages, adherence to one's culture, mother tongue learning, and moral education have sadly been found to be degenerating. Apart from the prescribed curriculum, Kamala Devi garu introduced simple slokas to school kids, wise Sanskrit sayings, and helped children remedy pronunciation errors. She also mentored children in participating in Sanskrit based cultural programs like making short speeches and enacting dramas from Sanskrit classics. She also prepares children to speak Sanskrit in day-to-day conversational methods. Kamala Devi garu has profound knowledge of Hindu mythology, various schools of Hindu philosophies, rituals, epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, and many Sanskrit hymns. Mellifluous singing of Sanskrit songs is another hallmark quality of this Guru. She regularly updates herself to teach the classical Sanskrit language and shares her valuable insights on Indian culture, with a special emphasis on the modern-day youth, children, and people in the corporate sector. She has students from all over the world.

After her retirement from school, and more so after the post-corona days, she adapted herself to teaching her students through online mode, mostly using WhatsApp. She has working knowledge of the English language. Sanskrit is a great cascade of knowledge, and the competent guru Kamala Devi Garu is always enthusiastic and ready to take you under her wings in the journey of Sanskrit learning. (Contact mobile: 9394060101)

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Smt.Vellanki Kamala Devi garu is my chinnamma. We live in the same neighborhood at Rajahmundry

Books from Srinivas Krothapally, on Kalamkari and other arts

 KALAMKARI- A formalistic Approach

Guide to Srikalhasti school of Kalamkari and use of natural dyes in this craft. Every major step in the craft is explained with relevant pictures. Book also provides the regional names of the dye stuffs used. A must-read book for hobbyists, students of design, heritage enthusiasts ,and to all Indian art lovers. Several natural dye experts, technicians and researchers world-wide have vouchsafed the contents in the book as dependable. A limited number of books are available as hard copies and we can ship them within India presently. This is one among the popular books on kalamkari sold extensively on the Kindle books.

Click to buy:

https://www.amazon.in/Kalamkari-Formalistic-Approach-techniques-nomenclature-ebook/dp/B08HM8BX64