Handmade Crochet Doll
The artistic lady in the house created this cute bundle for the grand daughter. My contribution is very minimal like stuffing, color choice, or removing the knots from yarn bundles. I think some artistic current (streak) still runs in the family. It is very difficult to preserve any sense of art in this modern crass world. Even the famed Dr. Balamuralikrishna (the composer, vocalist) expressed that sentiment in some forum, I think. What is very difficult in this crowded world is this: Just to live for the sake of “austere living”. Everybody else puts demands on our time, interest, and energies.
Our uncle and cousin sister learned and loved music. But sadly towards later life they could not hold to it due to the vagaries of life and health complications. Our dear mother had the talent but she was too busy with us; all her energies were spent on the family. Occasionally she would sing one or two songs at functions, puja, or Savitri Nomu, etc. I try to keep her memory and brilliant musical skills alive through exploring the meanings of Telugu songs. And once in a while I try to compose but I can never match mother’s creativity.
Our cousin sister used to build little stands and castles for the Kanaka Durga Devi at home during the Navaratri Festival (Dussehra). She would collect umpteen discarded injection bottles from hospitals and patiently wash them and glue them into fancy tall structures with pillars.
In our native place (Narasapuram) we have a great tradition of embroidery (lace), crochet, and needle work. They used to export to Japan and many merchants from North India routinely buy large consignments of lace articles from the district. Yet the needlework puts strain on the artists’ eyes and you have to make hundred knitted bed sheets to make any sensible profit. The whole gamut of marketing is there – the middleman, exhibitions, etc. There are cooperatives and the state government is trying to promote through Lepakshi. As some one quipped in Hyderabad, “साब्, अब तो सब् चिनी का माल!"
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