Bhubaneswar: Utilising the lockdown period fruitfully, Bhubaneswar-based artist Lingaraj Mahasuar has explored a new talent in him. He is giving life to small items like medicine cover, almond, matches, bay leaf, cashew, raisin and ice cream sticks etc by drawing miniature paintings and Pattachitra.
A Sevayat in Lingaraj Temple here, he is also doing Abhada business. But his passion remains with painting which has earned him a new identity.
“I have been doing painting since childhood and have not gone through any formal training. When temple was closed for the lockdown, I got more time to devote to painting. During Rath Yatra, I had done painting of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on three almonds. I posted the picture of my creation on the social media and drew lot of appreciation. That encouraged me to do paintings on unique items,” said Lingaraj.
“Now I am getting orders from my friends and relatives. I am thinking of going commercial,” he added.
Lingaraj is also doing Pattachitra on coins, Roti and small rocks.
“It takes me nearly an hour to do a miniature painting. I use acrylic colour for the purpose. My aim is to promote my work at national level,” said the 28-year-old artist.
Besides, he is doing oil paintings and acrylic on canvas. “Earlier I did not have enough time to create anything new and explore more. When I got time in the lockdown period, I grew fond of this drawing technique. Now miniature paintings are my passion,” he said.
