JOIN USEver have trouble getting your children to finish the greens on the plate? Fret not and just take a leaf out of Akhila Madhusudan’s book (pun intended). Akhila is an expert at edible art where grains, peels, stalks and other such usually gastronomically unappealing items are presented in the most delightful of ways, covering a variety of themes and ideas.
“I was a professional singer but for the past few years, my voice has not been in a good condition,” says Akhila. “That is when I decided to pursue my second passion, which is fine arts. Along with painting and sketching, I started creating small things out of whatever I could lay my hands on in the kitchen. It began as a pastime but for the past two years, I have been making something or the other every single day.”
And what does she do with these intricate works of art? “I take a picture and post it on my Facebook page. There are many followers for this kind of art as it is unique and different. People say that they wait for my posts; it soothes their eyes and their soul. I was overwhelmed with the kind of response I got and this is pushing me to come up with newer and better ideas everyday.”
While gods and goddesses are her speciality, Akhila also loves landscapes and portraits. And her productions are occasion-specific; she bases her everyday kitchen art on any festival or event happening that day. So if it’s Maha Shivaratri, her followers can expect a Lord Shiva portrait, a Krishna artwork on Janmashtami and so on. “Now, if I don’t make something corresponding to a particular celebration, people voice their opinion, both on my page and in person. They tell me they were expecting so and so from me,” she says with a laugh.
While friends, relatives and the online kin make her audience, her husband is her biggest support while her two daughters are her critics. “They give honest feedback and critical suggestions. I post pictures only after showing it to them,” says Akhila fondly.
The process requires time, patience and a lot of concentration, even after which there is no guarantee of success. “I use only edible items, no chemicals or glues. So that makes the process all the more laborious. And I have failed many times. If it doesn’t come out properly or doesn’t meet my expectations, I feel upset the entire day. But I make sure to correct myself the next day or whenever I try my hand at the same theme again,” she says.
But small setbacks are no deterrents and Akhila has no plans to give up her hobby. “I have taken up music once again and my spare time is divided between practising that and making my edible artworks. In the long run, I plan to set up an institution which will teach children the importance of art and food.”
(Akhila can be contacted at raomadhu300968@gmail.com)