Artist L Eshwar Rao from Khurda, for his breathtaking creations, has been feted with several awards including World Records India, Indian Young Achiever, India Book of Records, Wonder Book of Records and Asia Book of Records
Biswajeet Nayak of Puri has created a new India Book of Records in 2023 that he himself had set a year ago by creating a chariot of Lord Jagannath which is eight inches tall and nine inches wide. He dedicated the piece to the followers of Jagannath
The world of creation knows no bounds, and true artists always push the limits of traditional mediums to present something fresh. However, making miniatures out of objects like ice cream sticks, pencil leads, and soaps is one of the most challenging tasks. But, some artists weave their magic by changing these little objects into intricate and awe-inspiring pieces of art. They bring these usually mundane objects to life with their deft manipulation, creating compelling depictions of cultural and spiritual value.
With their deft hands and boundless imagination, these artisans have created a dazzling celebration of culture, faith, and creativity that captures the hearts and imaginations of all who witness their remarkable creations.
This week, Sunday POST descended into the world of these skilled artists to delve into the enthralling world of miniatures.
L Eswar Rao, from Jatni in Khurda District, began his career as a miniature artist in 1999 when he gave his teacher a chalk-carved Taj Mahal.
“I’ve been doing miniature art since I was in Class II. When I was in Class XII, I presented one of my works to my teacher. There was no turning back after that,” recalls Rao while adding that “My teacher was so impressed with my work that he introduced me to the then-principal of BK College of Arts and Crafts of Bhubaneswar, who appreciated my creation.”
Rao studied stone carving for four years. He founded the Eswar Art and Craft Social Foundation in 2011, where he trains his students for free.
“I’ve made miniatures out of almost anything,” says Rao, “including stone, areca nut, bottles, battery lead, clay, colour crayons, chalk, coal, fibre, pencil lead, rice, rubber, soap, tablets, turmeric, tamarind seeds, thermocol, and several others.”
One of his creations on Jesus Christ had once left the art lovers awe-struck.
Speaking about the piece, he says, “I created a miniature sculpture of Jesus Christ inside a glass bottle that measures 4 inches in height and 2 inches in width inside a 750 ml bottle. A cross is also there, accompanied by two Christmas trees and bearing the message ‘Merry Christmas’.”
For the model, Rao utilised chalk, glass, and glitter paper and it took him seven days to complete.
Rao also carved a miniature hockey stick and a ball and placed them inside a 750 ml bottle during the FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar. He says it took him 10 days to complete the piece with a pencil nib, and that it has gained widespread acclaim.
Rao has recently made eco-friendly chariots of the Trinity- Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra- utilising papers and decorative stars for Ratha Jatra. He worked for 15 days to finish the job.
Unsurprisingly, Rao has been feted with several awards for his creations, which include World Records India, Indian Young Achiever, India Book of Records, Wonder Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and many more.
“During my childhood, I was inspired by art and craft shows such as Art Attack and Mad on television,” recalls Saswat Ranjan Sahoo, another miniature artist from Puri.
“This piqued my interest in art, and I began experimenting with other art styles and developing my own craft projects. However, as I entered high school, my hectic schedule prevented me from actively pursuing art,” he adds.
While continuing Saswat says that he decided to reignite his passion for art and craft during COVID pandemic.
“I struggled at first to come up with ideas and to find proper guidance for my artistic activities. During a power outage in our region one evening, I reached for a matchstick to light a candle. It was then that an idea struck me, and I recognised the possibilities in making something out of matchsticks. I began by making little sculptures and later progressed to more sophisticated pieces,” he shares.
“One of my first notable creations was the idol of Lord Shri Jagannath, meticulously crafted from 7,780 matchsticks,” Saswat further says, adding, “Buoyed by the excellent response, I continued to experiment with this media, creating a variety of sculpture pieces.”
Last year, Saswat created three small chariots using matchsticks.
“I made the sculptures in 18 days using 4,830 matchsticks. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot was 11.4 inches tall, Devi Subhadra’s was all of 11 inche, and Lord Jagannath’s was 11.5 inches in height. Sarathi, parrots, horses, and other sculptures from the Trinity’s chariots were added to the chariots,” he informs.
“On the auspicious occasion of the world-famous Ratha Jatra festival this year, I unveiled three exquisite miniature models chariots made from 2,025 matchsticks,” concludes Saswat.
“Being a student of an art institution, I thought of making a miniature art piece of Lord Jagannath,” says Biswajeet Nayak, a Puri native and a student of Sudarsan Sand Art Institute in Puri. My first piece of art was created in 2020, when I used ice cream sticks to make Lord Jagannath’s chariot. The chariot stood 27 inches tall and 22 inches long. It was made from 2,575 sticks. It gives me tremendous pleasure that the sculpture is now part of the India Book of Records,” say an content Biswajeet.
On Snana Purnima in 2021, Biswajeet also created a tiny idol of Gajanana Besha. He used 1475 ice cream sticks to create this 30-inch tall and 26-inch wide craft, which he dedicated to Lord Jagannath worshippers.
“The same year, I made Lord Jagannath’s chariot out of 975 ice cream sticks. I attempted to meet the same specification as the Lord’s original chariot. It is equipped with 16 wheels and four horses. I could finish the work in just five days,” he added.
Though Biswajeet creates a wide range of miniature art, he, like many Odias, is deeply connected to Lord Jagannath and his chariot, Nandighosha. It’s no surprise that his creations are mostly based on the Lord.
“Like in 2021, I made a small chariot of the Lord out of ice cream sticks this year too. It was 8 inches tall and 9 inches wide. I used 275 ice cream sticks in all, and it took me five days to complete the project. It is dedicated to His followers. Last year, I broke the India Book of Records by building the chariot, and this year, I broke my own record by downsizing it further. I’ve made other miniature art pieces like the Kedarnath Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Jagannath’s Nagarjuna Besha, and many more,” Nayak ends.
MADHUSMITA SAHU, OP