Daijiworld Media Network – Ankola (MS)

Ankola, Oct 23: Ganapaiah Bhat (85), is preparing artwork from cane since 75 years. He has done dais, cradle, decorations, models of agricultural equipment, hand fan etc using cane.

Ganapaiah resides at Kalmane of Achave village of Ankola in the district. He uses the natural cane that grow in the forest and turns it into mesmerizing work of art.

So far, he has manufactured more than 1000 art work using cane. He has kept around 250 selected ones at home to show the same to visitors. The centre of attraction is a cane cradle. This cradle that is completely built in cane if the first-of-its-kind. The cream coloured cradle is the proof for the skill of Ganapaiah. He has huge fan following for this piece of art work.

Ganapaiah has prepared baskets of cane, plates, equipment used by Yakshagana actors, bed lamp, dais for Lord Ganesha, huge hand fans, water containers, Kalasha, utensils etc.

Usually, it takes a week for Ganapaiah to prepare one piece of art work. His house is a good training centre for students who are interested in craft. There is so much to learn from Ganapaiah. Patience is the greatest one of them.

Ganapaiah never sells any art work. He gifts them to his loved ones. The ones he loves get into the huge showcase at his home. They are there for display.

Ganapaiah’s house is four kilometres from Achave. There is bus facility from Ankola. Those who are interested in arts and crafts must visit his house once and relish the art work of Ganapaiah.