Uma Shankar Dash is a name to reckon with in the world of sculpture in the state. He has been noted for his modern, innovative ideas but has an even more inspiring facet of life: He has lost a foot to an accident but has not allowed the handicap to tie him down. Excerpts from an interview:
# What goes into your work? How do you produce your sculptures?
- I do extensive research on my subject and plan the kind of sculpture I intend to create and gather necessary materials before starting work on a sculpture. I use welding, stone carving, casting techniques to create those sculptures.I gather the materials I need, often, from steel and iron factories. I also gather material from scrap dealers. For leather works I shop from Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi.
# How has the loss of limb affected your work? How do you cope with it?
- At times, it is quite difficult to stand and work and I do need some help. I prefer to sit and work. I dislike sympathy and as an artist like to converse through my art.
# Who inspires you?
- Sculptor Anish Kapoor’s abstract biomorphic forms are mind boggling. He was also the first living artist to be given a solo show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
# What is your upcoming Project?
- I intend to produce a sculpture from steel and am planning to unveil a big sculpture soon. I am constantly working on it.
# What are your plans for the future?
- I plan to open a school for sculpture. Many come to me wanting to learn sculpture; but I personally wish to build a school where sculpture of both national and international standards is taught.
AWARDS RECEIVED
# Best Sculptor Award (State) from SC Jamir (then governor) in 2018
# Debaraj Sahoo Memorial Award-2017 from Artists’ Association of Odisha, Bhubaneswar
# Creative School of Art & Crafts-2014 award from the institute based in Baripada
# The Alice Boner Memorial Award 2013 from BK College of Art & Crafts
# Jajpur Chitrakala Mahotsav-2013 Award from Jajpur Chitrakala Academy, Jajpur
# The Konark Festival Award-2012, from department of tourism and culture
AWARD TARGETED
The International Sculpture Award
FROM DASH’S STUDIO
‘The Dying Black Bee’; ‘Basic Instinct’, ‘Glow Worm’, ‘The Prawn’ and ‘Fool’s Paradise’
Chaitali Shome, OP