Summer is here and thunderstorms are just around the corner. With thunder storms come uprooting of trees both old and new. Some can be restored while others can't, or so I thought. This walk taught me a few lessons about life. Even the most gnarled trunk of a tree can be turned into a work of art. If one has the mind and motivation even dead trees can be resurrected.
This morning as usual I went for a walk and took some pictures of trees, flowers and vines to write this post however my heart wasn't in it. My mind kept going back to an incomplete draft which I had written a few weeks ago. I decided to rewrite that draft from a different angle and post it here in the #Wednesdaywalk community. The aim is to showcase some of the work of this local artist named John Devaraj whose work inspires everyone who sees them.
This man an architect and a civil engineer by profession now gives free reign to his passion for art and his work speaks for itself. He restores dead tree trunks in the city, builds pieces of art from clay and other material considered otherwise useless. He runs an art school called 'Bornfree art school' for street children (read abandoned or run away children) through which he gives them a new purpose in life. His carvings can be found in the Lalbagh botanical garden, Bangalore and Cubbon park. I go to Lalbagh each time I get an opportunity because I love long walks in the lap of nature and to buy plants for my garden.
It was during one such walk that I took these photographs. Huge trees which have fallen due to age or during the thunderstorms are converted into master pieces. These logs may have no real value in the market as most of them are ornamental trees. What amazes me is that the artist retains the basic features of the natural wood while restoring them to life. His artistic eyes see the life inside the dead trunk and brings them to life.
Animals and birds of every kind (even mythical) can be found placed in strategic spots around the park. Crocodiles, pythons, lions, eagles, peacocks and elephants are some of the commonly seen carvings in the parks.
The park by itself is filled with interesting flora and fauna and makes for a great experience. For most of us who visit this place often these carvings serve as special attractions. These dead tree trunks which would otherwise be burnt as fire wood or just left around the park like an eyesore is now so innovatively used to decorate the park.
These carvings are an inspiration and motivation to those walk these parks every day. Nature never dies is the message I get. It speaks to our very soul even when it has completed it cycle on this Earth. It continues to live and bring good cheer if put to good use.
Passion speaks louder than words. The changed lives of hundreds of children are a testimony to this passion which we see displayed in the walkways of the park. Art is everywhere, and beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. A dead tree trunk is generally viewed as a nuisance, hogging space, a waste of time, energy and money but to turn it into an art material and then into a piece of superlative art takes it to another level.
To make an impact what one needs is not expensive raw material even discarded tree trunks and rotting pieces of wood are enough. This artist's art school comes to where the material is found, yes its a school which is sometimes right in the middle of the park. Teacher and students alike are found working in these public places. As I walked through the park gazing at these pieces of art so many thoughts that came to my mind. At first you are stunned by the idea, then when you take time to look at the simplicity of design, the usage of material, the employment of tools and the final product you get a new understanding of life.
It isn't just a walk in the park, it is a special experience. It is the product of the hard work of one man who sees beauty in everything and talent in every child. The sweat and blood poured into each piece does touch you in someway even if you are casually walking by these tree trunks without paying them much attention.
For me these aren't just a bunch of photographs to be shared, these are life lessons that each piece of wood teaches as you walk past them.
Thanks for taking the time to read and support my work. I appreciate your time and interest. Have an awesome day!