Jatni-based L Eswar Rao shot to fame for his miniature works of the Lord on materials like soap, candle and stone. Now he works only during special occasions and teaches students for free, finds Monalisa Patsani
post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 24: He is 32 years old. He is a sculptor, but has come to be known in the art circle as a miniature artist, specialising on Ganesha. “I came to the limelight for my creations on Lord Ganesha. I have made around 200 miniature art on Ganesha on soaps, stone and other materials.”
He, however, has made miniature art on many deities, but doesn’t know why he “loves to make Ganesha”. Historical monuments, important festivals, events like the Republic Day, the Independence Day, the Women’s Day, natural calamities, accidents are some of the topics on which the Jatni-based L Eswar Rao works on.
At first sight Rao will resemble any other ordinary sculptor. However, his innovative experiments with designs have made him a person that people in his locality feel proud of.
The sculptor who has been making miniature designs for the last 20 years is known for his experiments with designs. Rao has till now beautifully carved intricate designs on several objects, be it with soft or hard surfaces. However, people living in close vicinity of his house know him for his work on soaps, candles and stones.
“I am a sculpture artist, but I have been making miniature designs for the past 20 years. I don’t know exactly when I developed this interest, but, I used to love carving out anything from any material, be it chalk, soap, or a stone.
The first work of art that I made was on a soap and I have retained it. I was keen to carve out things and when I didn’t get (new) material, I started carving on rice and even on vegetables,” said Rao.
During auspicious events, Rao often makes special designs to commemorate the special days. This time, on the occasion of the Nabakalebara, he has carved out three deities of stone and placed it inside a 2ml bottle.
“My first tool was a needle; then I used a cycle spoke to make my creations. I hardly had any proper knowledge about the tools that are used for carving, but after joining an art school I got the knowledge on the popular tools”, he said.
Eswar now trains around 120 students in his house every day, without taking any fees from them. And this, in spite of the financial problems faced by him for some years now.
The money crunch has made him stop making miniatures or sculptures on a regular basis, since 2011. Now, he creates only on special occasions, such as the Nabakalebara.
He has also made a miniature museum inside his house, where around 500 works of art, all made by him during the last 20 years, are exhibited. And all these, irrespective of the financial difficulties faced by him, are for his love for the art.
“I want to popularise the art form and that is why I am imparting training to young students, who have an interest in this art.
I have also made a museum in my house and named it ‘Rana’s Museum’ and have kept all my works there. Anyone can visit my museum and it is for free,” he said.