Bronze beckons

Poetry in motion: L. Rathakrishnan Sthapati working on a statue

Watching L. Rathakrishnan Sthapati chisel a bronze icon into life is like seeing poetry in motion. A national and State award winner, he has crafted awesome bronze icons, each a reflection of what Rodin’s description of South Indian bronzes as “the best representation of rhythmic movement in art...”

A three-metre tall Nataraja in cosmic pose, a rare 180-cm-tall Vishnu on Garuda, the beautiful three-eyed Mathangi, innumerable gods and goddesses and a magnificent five-metre tall horse form part of Rathakrishnan’s prolific body of work. Yet for this master craftsperson, every new bronze is a new beginning and a new expression of creativity. Literally so since every icon cast by the cire per due or lost wax method is unique.

Born into a Vishwakarma family, Rathakrishnan got his first lesson in bronze casting from his father, master craftsman and national awardee, the late Ramaswami Sthapathi. By age 15, he had mastered the shilpa Sastra, and had begun to work with his father. His dedication and mastery over the medium led to the creation of superb icons and recognition by both government and society. Today his icons are sought after by temple authorities and connoisseurs of art.

Excerpts from an interview:

Tell us about your craft, its history, process of creation and so on.

The art dates back to the Pallava period. The Chola bronze artisan perfected the art and the method is being followed till today.

Can you describe the process?

The finished product

First we make a wax model, which is covered with a mixture of soil and water. Over this coating a mixture of sand with clay water is applied reinforcing the mould with iron rods. The mould is dried and heated gradually from bottom to top. The wax melts away leaving a hollow image. The mould is then heated to a red hot stage and buried in the earth the bottom facing up. A mixture of molten Panchaloha consisting of copper, brass and lead is then poured into the mould which on cooling creates the bronze. Since every mould is uniquely different, each bronze icon special.

Are you involved in every process of iconography?

Yes, from creating the wax model to the final chiselling of the features, polishing, etc. it is all my creativity. If it is a huge piece, my assistant or trainees may work under guidance in executing minor details, etc.

What about the facial features?

Shilpa Sastra has laid down the exact proportions based on the hasta measurements. Although all this is incorporated even in the wax model chiselling and finishing are done by with tools crafted by us.

Is there scope for innovation?

I do innovate within the limits imposed by the Agama and Shilpa Sastra. I have cast bronze icons in the North Indian style such as Radha-Krishna in regional costumes. I study mythology to create rarely crafted pieces such as Vishnu with Garuda or even animal forms.

You think the art is divine…

Yes. In fact, every day begins with the (Swamimalai bronze) craftsman’s prayer from the Agni Purana:

O Lord of all gods

Teach me in dreams

The five-metre tall horse.

How to carry out all the work I have in my mind...

And how optimistic are you?

All crafts in India are more or less languishing with educated crafts persons leaving for more lucrative jobs. There is a demand for bronze icons both in the temples and as art objects, but the craft is on the decline. I trained 65 artists under a Central Government Training Scheme in the Eighties. Many of my trainees have become master crafts persons themselves with their own units. I am the founder and honorary secretary of “Srushti,” Tamil Nadu Artisans Welfare Association, which encourages artisans by giving them space at exhibitions, exposure and marketing opportunities.

Is anybody in your family continuing your hereditary calling?

My son Srinivasan is a talented bronze icon maker and he wants to pursue the art. He is also an MBA graduate.

Radhakrishnan’s work can be seen at the exhibition “Poetry in Bronze.” The icons on view range from tiny Ganesas to a three-metre tall Nataraja and so on. The exhibition is on till July 28 at Srusti Handicrafts Emporium, Sudarshan Building (GF), Opposite Hotel Park Sheraton, Chamiers Road.

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