Deekshith D V

Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri

Moodbidri, Nov 17: Tilak Kulal and Akshay Kotian were sure that they did not want their creative process to be mundane, ever since they joined Bachelor of Visual Arts course at Alva’s College here.

Both, Akshay and Tilak Kulal are gaining popularity for their distinctive style and use of leaves of peepal tree and jackfruit trees in creating portraits of famous personalities or celebrities. Their art is not only impressively hand-cut, but also incredibly imaginative.

Tilak Kulal (left) and Akshay M Kotian

Tilak Kulal's art

Akshay M Kotian's art

Akshay M Kotian's pencil art

Founder and chairman of Alva's College Dr Mohan Alva with Tilak Kulal's art

Tilak Kulal, resident of Vontekatte, is pursuing his fourth year in Bachelor of Visual Arts and has used the lockdown very effectively in learning leaf art by himself. He has already created the portrait images of famous personalities and politicians, including Swami Vivekananda, Sudhamurthy, MP Tejasvi Surya, minister C T Ravi, Chakravarthi Sulibele, BJP leader Vijayendra, Mohan Alva and editor-in-chief of Dajiworld Walter Nandalike. Tilak Kulal has also created several arts using charcoal and pencil.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, Tilak Kulal said, "As I was free during the time of lockdown, I was planning to do something innovative. Hence, I have started to learn leaf art. Nowadays, leaf art has good demand."

Tilak charges Rs 800 (without frame) per portrait of his leaf art.

Another artist, Akshay M Kotian who is studying in third year of Bachelor of Visual Arts, has also come to limelight through his leaf art. Initially, Akshay practiced leaf art using newspapers. Once he mastered the art, he used leaves to carve portraits of famous personalities including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister B S Yediyurappa, Dr Veerendra Heggade, Hemavathi Heggade, Janardhana Poojary, film actor Jaggesh, MLAs Umanath Kotian and Harish Poonja, businessman Vijay Sankeshwar, actor Yash and others.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, Akshay M Kotian said, "I started this leaf art seven months ago. At present, leaf art has an adequate demand, not only in the district but also outside the district."

Kotian charges Rs 1,500 (with frame) for a single art and receives orders even from the state's capital.

He is a resident of Kallabettu in Moodbidri and is also renowned for carving miniature sculptures in pencil lead and transforming graphite into something or a personality. Kotian expressed that he is also interested in charcoal and soap arts and has created several pieces.

Both the artists expressed that it was their big fan moment when great personalities lauded their work.