Kollam: An artist from Kollam, who has carved out his masterpiece by sticking out pieces of straw, has bagged central textile ministry’s award for his craftsmanship and contribution to the development of straw picture.
B. Radhakrishnan of Mudiyil Padinjattathil, Ampazhavayal received the award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 75,000 and a certificate of merit for his work Sreerama Pattabhishekam created by sticking nearly 18 lakh straw pieces.
“To be a straw artist, it needs a little of art and more of patience. I work in Ashtamudi Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society under the Central government. We make straw paintings and artifacts and are sold in exhibitions funded by the Central government,” he told DC.
Mr Radhakrishnan took two months to complete this picture of size 24" x 36". The hay procured locally is dried to take out the inner straw, which is used for creating the image.
“The colour or shade of the straw will change accordingly with the dryness of the straw. Over time, the straw will become darker, even brown in colour. I select the shades accordingly from dry straws to complete the picture,” he added.
He mastered the art form which demands much patience over the past 35 years. He has bagged several awards including the Kalamani award at the Surajkund international handicrafts meet in 2005 and several state awards.
