Karnataka   

Transforming trash into art

Art out of waste: K. Sarasvati with her art work at the exhibition held in Chitradurga.

Chitradurga: K. Sarasvati is a woman who can see art inside any household waste material. She can transform waste plastic paper, packing materials or dry bread into an attractive piece of art.

Ms. Sarasvati, who has kept her work on display at Gayatri Kalyan Mantap of the city, is drawing wide attention and praises from art admirers.

In over 180 pieces of her artwork, which are on display, the artist has used these materials which are otherwise seen in a trashcan. Even with a close look, it is difficult to believe that the fascinating objects are actually made of waste plastic packing rope or dry peel of maize.

Ms. Sarasvati, who has mastery over this unique art, said that she never took any formal training about the art. She said that it was a friend who inspired her by making a flower out of wrapping paper. This work made Ms. Sarasvati to take the art seriously.

“Although I was creating some articles, but never thought of collecting them, it was only in the late 90’s I seriously began collecting as it was appreciated by many,” she said.

Since then she has held numerous exhibitions in many parts of the State to showcase her art. According to her, the most encouraging exhibition was one in Dharwad in 1996 when a relative advised her to display the work at their house itself. “I never expected that the tentative exhibition would become so popular as many people visited the house and admired the work a lot,” she said.

Even while doing her daily chores, she finds time for her passion. Her husband N.V. Krishnan, who owns a bookstall here, arranges for exhibition.

Ms. Sarasvati said that her husband not only arranged for events, he even helped her collect materials needed for her artwork.

Among her several artwork, the interesting ones were birds and nests made of dry leaves of maize and jowar, bouquets of seashells, clothes, plastic bags, roses made of bread and dry grass. To popularise the art, she conducted training classes.

The two day exhibition in Chitradurga will end on Saturday.

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