N Pooja Pakkala
Second year MCJ, SDM College, Ujire

Mangaluru, Nov 27: His subjects for art are drawn from real life. Artist Girish believes that art should not only capture reality, but also be attractive enough to capture people's attention.

27-year-old Girish from Byndoor is one of the artists at the ongoing Alva's Nudisiri. What makes him special is the fact that despite suffering a huge tragedy that took away his right hand with which he began his passion for art, he did not let it detract him.

His mother Sita has been his inspiration all through. What began as a game of lines in his childhood turned into a passion, and before long, he blossomed into an artist.

But fate dealt a severe blow when an explosive kept by someone to kill wild animals snatched away his right hand. He could not continue drawing anymore, but he refused to give up. Soon, he once again took to the world of art, now with his left hand becoming the medium of his artistic expression. Soon, his hobby became his profession.

Born to Ganesh Ganiga and Seetha, Girish has a degree in bachelor of visual arts and is currently serving in Sharada English Medium School, Basrur in Kundapur. He feels that he should pass on his knowledge of art to the next generation.

His artworks on paper, drawn with a pen are a major attraction in this year’s Alvas Nudisiri art gallery.

He had earlier been using water colours, but then shifted to acrylic. "Financial constraint has been a setback in pursuing my passion. Though art is wonderful, artists have limited career prospects. In the last 10 years, no art teacher has been appointed in government schools, and this alone speaks volumes of the apathy shown by government towards artists," he laments.

Girish has exhibited his artworks in several exhibitions. Forty of his works are available on exhibition and sale at Alva's Nudisiri, and they have received appreciation by visitors.