Youth show interest to learn tooling copper, brass

 Quite a good number of youth are coming forward to learn this traditional craft of creating designs using thin sheet of soft metals which is being given a modern touch to make it attractive to the customers. 32-year-old KV Devaraj Achraya, a native of Kunigal, who creates artistic designs using sheets of copper, brass and silver is in city to teach this technique of craftsmanship to the interested artists.  

The workshop spanning ten days is being held at Geethanjali Center for Art in Kesare where interested artistes are being taught hands on how to create designs on brass sheets. Some of the objects taught by him other than creating faces of Gods and Goddesses include flower works, swan, dagger and spear and some modern designs.

The participants are taught the technique of creating designs on sheet metals first by embossing the drawings followed by denting, piercing, stamping and finally giving it a finishing touch by hammer and chisel.
 
Basavaraj Acharya who has come from Gadag to learn the art work said: 'The process of embossing the designs on a plain brass sheet and then bringing into a shape is really wonderful to learn. There is good demand for brass works in the market. Without giving up on the traditional methods being followed, I want to experiment with new designs which attracts today's youth.'

Housewife Divya Shree who has been learning this traditional craft says: 'Anyone with interest and dedication can learn the art works, from what ever education background they come from. There is a need to revive our ancient craft works as a result large number of youngsters have to be made aware about our traditional art and crafts works.'

Geethanjali says: 'This is a rare art form, popular in southern States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. There is a good demand for temple works and also for masks of Goddesses. They can be polished, given colours and can be kept in house as a antique show piece.'  

Devaraj Acharya says: 'There is a good demand for modern works of brass. Most of them who buy these works use them for decorative purposes while few buy for temples and to worship in puja rooms. The foil being thick it is quite strong  and after several process it will get the final shape. It requires  three to four days to finish one fine craft work depending on the size, curves'.

“Compare to copper, most of them prefer for bronze works as its less expensive, soft, colour and embossing works will be very soft. The drawing has to be done very perfectly and embossing the impressions is not a easy task. The metal has to be handled carefully, and a fine finishing has to be given,” he adds.
 
'We have a roof now'

Artiste Kala and Somesh have exhibited photographes and few paintings at the under construction house in Basaveshwara Layout. Through their art works they have narrated the story of 'Brick, Pillar, and Shadows', which speaks about process of a construction.

Somesh, a free lance photographer has exhibited about 60 photographs and his wife about 10 paintings. Starting from the foundation laying to placing bricks, pillars, the pics have been exhibited. Somesh says the concept is fresh, and photographes they have exhibited the process of construction works. Kala who has designed sketch for the house, has painted few of architect buildings.