BENGALURU: The portrait of former President Abdul Kalam, knitted with threads with the art of hand embroidery in painting style, by city-based 65 year-old Sumithra Putty a resident of Alanahalli here did not fail to impress the late former President during his visit to Mysuru to attend a programme on March 31.
He left his remarks “Great Artist work” and his autograph on the framed portrait. The portrait of that rare art form figures among over 150 works of eight forms including painting, sculpture, graphics, applied art, traditional paintings, traditional sculptures, and handicraft works of artists from across the state including her yet another Kathakkali dance portrait now on display at eight day Dasara craft festival which commenced here on Wednesday.
Ms Sumithra, who has not learnt the art form in any school of art but from practice, and the guidance of her husband Yathindra Putty. Her husband, too, is also not a professional artist but was inspired by his mother who practiced the art. She has knit the portraits of almost all national leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others which are on display at her house. “Expo is indeed encouraging the artist to continue the traditional arts and crafts,” she added.
