Four decades ago, Kannada was a language hardly used in this region. An incident involving the nameplate of a new hotel helped people here discover a Kannada artist in Kolar Gold Fields: Vedamurthy.
Gopala Rao, a Kannadiga, had started a hotel in Robertsonpet in the 1970s. He wished his hotel to have a nameplate in Kannada, but found no artist in or around the area, who could write in Kannada.
Lone painter
One patriotic Kannadiga, newly employed at the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) factory came forward and painted the nameplate of Gopal Rao’s hotel.
Members of the older generation- especially those who had fought for Kannada language- still remember the incident that helped them discover a Kannadiga in Kolar Gold Fields.
Vedamurthy began his career in painting with no formal training, but mostly relied on his own talent and imagination.
He now is, however, skilled in oil colour, water colour, acrylic paint and several other kinds of painting.
New life After his retirement from BEML, Vedamurthy spends his time indulging in his colourful hobby.
Equally often, he goes on rounds nearby, taking along his camera and returns with hundreds of photographs. The pictures prove to be inspirations for his handiwork, as Vedamurthy brings them out totally different on a canvas using his own style and creativity.
Nature-based themes are his most favourite. His pictures of the Avani hills in Kolar and Mount Abu in Rajastan, especially, have been appreciated by both critics and experts.
Gujarati encouragement
When at BEML, Vedamurthy was transferred to Gujarat. The change proved providential for him as the interest and encouragement he got from the residents of Gujarat was especially inspirational.
Vedamurthy organised three art exhibitions during the three years he spent in Ahmedabad. Mrinalini Sarabhai, famed danseuse and wife of renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai inaugurated a couple of the exhibitions and expressed appreciation of Vedamurthy’s work.
Later, in Kolar Gold Fields, the residents learnt of the artist through the Chalukya Art Centre, which was started by local art enthusiasts. Writer She Na Kulkarni’s critiques aided in popularising Vedamurthy.
Inner force
“Success in painting can be achieved not just with effort but also with a personal interest and enthusiasm. Attempting it out of force by others will only lead to disappointment,” is Vedamurthy’s opinion.
He rues, however, that there is lack of enough books in Kannada that introduce an enthusiast who is a novice to art itself as well as to newer venues in art.
Other interests
Sculpting in wood is another hobby of Vedamurthy. Several little idols in wood adorn his house. The nameplate of his house is also carved in a piece of wood.
A backdrop with a painting of the architectural wonders of Hampi that Vedamurthy gave recently for the Rajyotsava cultural programme organised by the Kannada-lovers’ association of BEML was especially appreciated.