Karnataka - Mysore   

Educating people about the art of terracotta

Staff Correspondent

Programme held by Indira Gandhi Rasthtriya Manav Sangrahlaya

EXPERT HANDS: Terracotta artiste Ramakrishnappa demonstrating his skills during the `do and learn' series. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: It is a traditional art that highlights the richness of Indian art and sculpture.

Terracotta highlights decorative patterns in various shapes and sizes.

To enable people to understand the uniqueness of the art, Indira Gandhi Rasthtriya Manav Sangrahlaya here has started a programme under the "do and learn" series on the Wellington Lodge premises.

Objective

The objective of the programme is to create an understanding, appreciation and insight into the diversity of Indian art and culture. Providing insight into terracotta art will be Ramakrishnappa from Betta Halasur in Narayanpura village. Ramakrishnappa learned the skills from elders in his family, which is dependent on terracotta works for living.

According to a press release, the decorative patterns in terracotta works depict objects such as horse, elephant, Ganesha, decorative pots, pen stand, agarbathi stand and bells in various shapes and sizes. Besides terracotta, the artists also make pots used for various purposes.

Raw material

The basic raw material for the art is clay removed from lakes, which is softened. Artistes take precautions before baking the prepared items, which is normally done in the night. Objects are removed from the furnace and given final touches the next morning resulting in unique terracotta pieces.

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