Phaniveni Hegade, a 70-year-old resident of Bakkala Anno village in Shirasi Taluk, North Karnataka district, stands out for his enthusiasm for life at an age when many others might be leading quieter lives. Known around Shirsi as “Phaniveni of Mutta Beeja Aartikatti,” he has spent the last decade creating intricate art pieces using seeds such as Hindley, Saute, Mage, Eggplant, and Millet. He also incorporates rare seeds from forest plants into his work, playing a vital role in preserving these unique species.
Creating Beeja Aarti Kattu is no simple task, it demands immense concentration and precision, as even the slightest mistake can ruin the entire piece. Designing these works according to one’s vision is a challenging process.
Phaniveni meticulously gathers seeds from the forest and his backyard to create these artworks by attaching them to sticks and other materials. Each piece takes a full day to complete and is often used in special events at grand homes.
His art has reached as far as Greece, Europe, the US and Dubai, and he collaborates closely with the Vanastri team to document these creations. While many artists rent out their works, Phaniveni is generous enough to allow people to keep his creations until their events are over.
If you’re interested in ordering custom designs, you can contact him at +91 94802 63449. Despite being a new venture for him, Phaniveni has embraced this form of art as a means of livelihood.
In another incident, Kiran, an amateur painter from Mangaluru, had his wish fulfilled during the Prime Miniter’s roadshow in the city. He was standing to the side of Mahatma Gandhi Road, carrying the oil painting artwork of the Prime Minister, among a crowd of thousands. When the PM’s vehicle came closer to the young painter’s side, he held up his artwork, in hopes of showing it to him. Fortunately, he was able to get the Prime Minister’s attention, who reportedly, even praised Kiran for his art. PM Modi then asked his SPG commando to bring the painting to him, as per reports.
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