Craftsmen turn market savvy

ONE IS transfixed by the harmony and grace of L. Radhakrishnan's bronze depicting Lord Shiva dancing upside down performing the Gangaavaharana, one of the 108 poses of the tandav nrittya. One also marvels at the power and grace of a 5-1/2 ft. tall Nataraja, the exquisite charm of Radha-Krishna in repose, the beauty of Rishabhadeva...

These are the creations of mastercraftsman, National and State award winner, L. Radhakrishnan, whose work can be seen at Srushti on TTK Road, Alwarpet. Also on display are some creations of 11 other craftspersons.

Srushti showcases quality Swamimalai bronzes, bell metal kuttuvilakkus, Tanjore art plates and much more. It is part of a new movement started by 12 craftsmen, who have got together to market their products themselves through an association.

The outlet is as much about marketing and cutting out middlemen as about interaction with the market and its demands as well as improving quality.

L. Radhakrishnan, the secretary of Srushti, speaks about the significance of the movement, and the bronzes and other artefacts which the outlet showcases.

What led to the craftsmen of Tamil Nadu venturing into organised marketing on their own?

We, Vishwakarmas, create beautiful things but do not know how to sell our products. How does one pay back loans and make new artefacts ? With education and more awareness, we began to realise that we must help ourselves by marketing our products ourselves. Thus, the idea of a movement was born and we formed a registered association.

Is there a common place where the members work?

The craftsmen work in their own set-ups and bring the finished products to us. We fix a price according to the complexity of the work involved and display it at Srushti. The price are reasonable since there are no middlemen involved.

Do you have a unit of your own?

I run a private unit, and the people there work on a contract basis. I specialise in temple 'vigrahas' and have supplied idols to many tmeples, both in India and abroad.

The 19 ft. Chakratalvar which took a year to make, is the biggest figure in any temple. I have crafted a 5-1/2 ft. tall Hanuman for the Chennimalai temple. I also stayed in Malaysia for two years, to make vigrahas of Murugan, Mariamman and Anjaneya for a local temple there.

Have you trained any students in bronze casting, iconography?

I conducted some apprenticeship training courses under a programme sponsored by the Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, Government of India. Many of the trainees are working independently now.

In your opinion, are movements such as Srushti a significant pointer to the future of craft development?

We craftspersons get tremendous help from both the Central and State Governments in terms of training, exhibitions, sponsoring visits, demonstration etc. But we have to learn how to organise and get into the nitty gritty of marketing and learn how to make our paramparic crafts economically viable. Only then will the future generations show interest in these crafts. We want to make this institution a success. Also we want to make it synonymous with quality artefacts.

Any immediate marketing plans?

We will be holding an exhibition at Sankara Hall in June or July where the best of South Indian bronzes crafted by us will be on display and sale.

PUSHPA CHARI

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