Art that Speaks a Different Language
Age is just a number – how often
have we heard the adage. When it comes to art and creativity, the number of
years spent on the planet does not matter, provided one is creative enough.
Despite lack of a teacher, they develop their own language and style which
earns them acclaim and admiration.
There is no age to follow one’s
passion and 86-year-old Banambar Nayak of Pateli village, near Raghurajpur, is
a living example. He was around 50 years old when his imagination on woods took
a firm shape in the form of masks, idols among others works. A self-taught
artist, Banambar's wooden works are unique in appearance and speaks a different
language that sets him apart from other artists.
Residing in a thatched roof and
mud wall house, Banambar’s creativity turned the front side of the house into
an open-air gallery with his works on display. "Like a child loves to play
with mud and friends, I love to play with wood and sharp chisel. Art is a
passion that I follow," said Banambar.
Hailing from a warrior family,
weaponry of different styles and design, which was, later, converted into tools
for carpentry works, always existed around him. Most of the family members
worked as either carpenters or farmers. Before following his artistic passion,
Banambar used to work in fields and engage in carpentry.
"I was 50 years old, I took
a wood and made two masks and displayed it in front of our house. A few
tourists saw my work and took pictures of it. I got motivated and started
making more such masks and wooden idols," he said.
The journey, which began as a wood artist some 36 years ago, continues.
"Initially when I started
making wooden idols, my family members were unhappy and thought I was crazy.
But the moment they saw foreigners purchasing my work, they encouraged me to make
more idols," Banambar shared, quite amused at the change.
A self-taught artist, he never
took any formal training in art. Art comes naturally to Banambar. "I don't
plan. Whatever impression comes to my mind I make it," he shared. Most of his art works are based on the popular Hindu mythological characters which look amazing in his creations.
To pour out his imagination, he
uses materials easily available near his house or from coconut farm. "I
don't use expensive woods. Rather I practice my artwork on any wood I
find," he shared.
In 2015, an art admirer from
Rajasthan purchased all his works that were around two mini trucks. Within a
few months, he again made numerous works and displayed in front of his house.
"When people appreciate my works, it gives me immense satisfaction. I few
years back a woman from Rajasthan came and bought all my works. Many foreigners
who visit me appreciate my work and buy smaller artefacts," he said.
His wife Sundari Nayak is happy
about her husband’s vocation. "Earlier I used to consider this as waste of
time. But, with time, my thinking and perception has changed. Now I support him
and often show people his creations," said Sundari.
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| Banambar with his wife Sundari |
