Scrap metal magic, it's all in his hands

creative space

For 37-year-old Narayan Chandra Sinha, a Kolkata-based sculptor, painter and artist, beauty is the most natural phenomenon. Whether he seeks it out or encounters it by chance, his whole life is about immersing himself in inspiration.

“Since I’ve been a kid, I’ve seen things in a special way and felt blessed with creativity,” recalls Narayan.

When Narayan came first in class, his grandfather, a doctor, dreamt of  Narayan too becoming one. From eighth grade onwards, the art supplies were put away and he tried to immerse himself in his books. But he knew he wouldn’t be a good doctor and chose the path he was meant to tread.

“I’m a small town boy from Nalhati and it was a very hard decision to take. I started studying art history and taking lessons in painting in water colour, charcoal and acrylic from Shantiniketan. So my early exhibitions were of paintings and then I moved to sculpture and jewellery. I believe technical knowledge is as important as style.”

Of course, it was his work with waste metal that he recycles and reuses in the most innovative ways that really helped him make a mark for himself. Metal scraps were always lying around in his family’s factory as they were in the automobile and transport business. Whether it was temple bells, scissors or even typewriters, Narayan could visualise varied ways of using them.

Describing his relationship with metal, he says, “Metal’s very arrogant. It has its own attitude, character and identity, and it’s tough to demolish that identity and create something else out of it. Initially, it was difficult, but I went back to it because when you love something, you can’t think of anything else. When I’m sculpting, there’s a conversation going between me and the metal  scrap I’m working with. Plus, I’m always picking up things wherever I go. So it’s not a part-time job, but a lifetime job.”

He adds that he never thought that he’d become a famous sculptor and that people would actually want to buy his creations. “It’s humbling when you know that somebody else understands and appreciates your vision.”

One of his most unique moves in his career has been to open up his Kolkata studio to the public. He reasons that his aim is to break the facade of an artist. “Art isn’t just to fill up walls or be displayed in galleries. I want to spread art in everyone’s life. Most people say that they don’t understand art. But to be able to comb your hair properly or choose a matching lipstick is also art,” he points out.

What’s next for the Nalhati boy? “I’m roaming around the world to get an essence of art. In 2016, I’m going to present a huge travelling solo show. There are some jewellery projects, site-specific installations and art shows also coming up.”