When I created this blog a fortnight ago, I originally thought I must not be writing anything concerning art in these pages. After rethinking, I found I am entirely devoid of knowledge in matters other than art. Also I have found some extra time since my art supplies are diminishing.
In India the leisure Corona episode has created, making people to think in devilish ways. The social networks have become vociferous mobs networks. Hindus are spreading hate messages against Islam. And Islamic fans are defending themselves. This dichotomy is more deadly than the corona virus itself. Self- restraint is the only tool which can work in these difficult times.
Let’s get down to business. “Art is not a pleasure-trip, it is a battle, a mill that grinds," remarked the painter Jean-François Millet. I deny this outright. For me it is neither a pleasure trip nor anything which causes me pain, physically or mentally. It is simple, natural and easy act for me that require no special effort, except a little concentration. Though at times, subconscious experiences could also contribute. The phrase “art from subconscious mind” is more audible from the circles of incompetent artists for the reasons such as self-promotion and as goodwill boosters. Hence beware friends!! Sincerity among artists is a rare commodity in India.
There were very few instances in which I have sold my paintings to total strangers .I first sold a Natraja, (oil on canvas) to a wealthy Punjabi lady who lives at Alwarpet in Chennai. It was not a good deal. I had to part a major portion of money to middle persons. Yet another instance of striking a deal with strangers is selling to Sulabh International museum of Toilets, New Delhi.
Almost ten years ago, I painted an elephant picture on a black sheet of paper. I used acrylic paints as medium but thickened the consistency with wall-paint grade acrylic emulsion. The thickened paint was later applied on the paper not with an artist’s brushes, but strangely with an unconventional potty cleaning brush.
I made a proposal to Padma Bhushan Dr Bindeshwar Pathak,(Founder, Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement)whether he would like to acquire my painting for their International Toilet Museum or if it could be used for their fund raising purposes. Dr Pathak through his e-mail sent me an affirmative reply. He had asked me whether I would like to give the artwork as gift to their collection. But I quoted the sum of five thousand rupees as quid pro quo. I know I am not selling to a trading firm but to a voluntary organisation .The deal was finalised .On likelihood of the painting getting damaged or developing folds in transit, if the shipment is couriered; Dr Pathak suggested me to handover the painting personally to their Chennai office at Besant Nagar. It was later flown to New Delhi along with an officer. I received the payment on delivery.
Dr Pathak also wanted to have the potty cleaning brush with which I have created the painting and also asked me an authenticating letter that the art was done with the unconventional tool. I had sent them as per his request. In turn I had asked Dr Pathak to send me a testimonial letter that my art work has been formally acquired to the prestigious collection, which he promptly did.
Some pictures of the painting and Dr Pathak’s testimonial can be seen below the write up.
Over the course of 25 years, I must have sold around 200 paintings mostly for paltry sums. I am not discouraged and disillusioned, for my art works are not meant for masses. Huge chunk of my art works’ collection is with me. The best suggested method of buying art from me is to visit my studio cum residence at Rajahmundry.
Thank you for reading the article patiently and plenty of people have read my earlier blogs…Thank you all..! Your feed-back is welcome.
Srinivas Krothapally
04-April’2020
Rajamahendri
