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MASTER CRAFTSMAN Wood seems to melt like butter in his hands

You will amazed to see all these and many more intriguing things in this deemed museum of a model artist.

N. Laxman Acharya, born in a family of artists at Parkala, is the man behind this venture. He could not complete his schooling because his family couldn’t afford it. Carving being his passion, he joined Baikadi Shivacharya to learn this art form. Realising that nourishing his passion would not be easy while working full time, he decided to quit the job. This ensured him all the time and dedication needed for the art form he craved for.

A camp for the skilled workers in the field of handicraft, wooden craft, and construction organised by Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal in 1989 was a boon to him, as it enabled him to interact with techies. This interaction inspired this school dropout to prepare scientific models and other teaching aids. He developed model-making purely as a hobby and not as a profession.

Each and every corner of Vishwakarma Nilaya speaks of Acharya’s vast talent. Wood seems to melt like butter in his hands. The model of the famous Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikranth won him an award during the 10th anniversary celebration of Udayavani. He has constructed this model on the lines of traditional ship-building. The puzzle of 132 wooden pieces acts as a brain gym!

The car of a temple chariot (ratha), its chain and bell carved in a single wooden piece, a sofa, beautiful designs on pillars , a hanging bridge, an arch bridge, and many other models have bloomed in his hand. The highlight of Laxman’s art is that he does not use machines at any stage of his work. The puja mantaps he has carved decorate thousands of homes across the state.

Laxman has stuck to the nitty-gritty of scientific principles while working on these models like the hand pump, lift irrigation system, hanging bridge — so much so that these models make the learning of science easy.

Laxman Acharya has exhibited his works in many national and state-level cultural events. He has also held solo exhibitions in different parts of the State.

His main concern is to inculcate art, skills, and a scientific awareness into children by organising vacation camps. While computers today can create anything on their screens, handicraft still remains the work of the soul, mind and body. At the age of 78, Laxman is keen to teach youngsters this form of art, which is gradually diminishing in a world lost to machinery.

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