A closet artist

Dayananda, an extraordinary artist from Mangalore has beautifully composed several such pictures making an outstanding contribution to the art world.

Dayananda nicknamed Daya by his loved ones, studied at Shevgoor Art School under the guidance of Ramdas Shevgoor.

He loved painting since he was a child and desired to pursue a career in it. Although art was not encouraged as a profession in the olden times, he was determined to practice it.
Daya was asked by his father to take up a profession that would help him earn his bread. After completing his BCom, he was encouraged to write a bank exam, being promised a job at a bank. But he decided to follow his dream and enrolled at the art school.

Dayananda started painting in 1970 and has contributed to a great extent to the art world, with different forms of paintings, illustrations and clay models.

Out of these, charcoal and water colour being his favourite, are generally painted on cultural themes. He has also sketched many self- portraits.

He never felt the need of an art exhibition to display his paintings and in his 31 years of painting profession, he never had one.

“People call up and ask for the paintings,” he says.

Being a devout member of the Art of Living, Daya has composed numerous paintings of Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar. When asked about his favourite painting, he proudly admits, “Presently, Guru’s paintings are my favourite”.

 With the encouragement of a teacher at the Art of Living, he decided to begin a school to teach painting to interested students.

Beginning

Thus was started the Daya Art School 13 years ago.

One of his significant memories is the paintings he made for the silver jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living Foundation held in Bangalore in 2006.

He intended to complete 150 paintings of Guruji which would be exhibited at the silver jubilee celebration. However, with sheer effort and dedication, this exceptional artist was able to complete 152 paintings, with 20 sketches, 15 charcoal and 12 oil paintings in a short span of two and half months.

When Guruji visited Mangalore, Daya was able to get his painting autographed by him.
”Guruji does not usually sign such things, but I was able to get the painting autographed,” says the delighted artist.  He finds his inspiration from his brother, who valued and appreciated his work constantly.

He is also grateful to his teacher Ramdas Shevgoor who apart from teaching him art, not only supported him in his work, but also helped him grow spiritually.  

When asked about his opinion about the art world in Mangalore, he says that things have changed since the time he started off.  

“There is love for art among the people now. Although it was different years ago, the situation has changed over the years,” he admits.  

This left handed artist has distinctly contributed to the art world in Mangalore, while maintaining a low profile of himself.  Inspiring and tutoring many, he leads a simple life with his wife at Kottara.