Mysuru: Micro art of painting on rice grains, is an ancient art, which is very fascinating to see. However, equally challenging and eye-catching is the bottle art. There are many types of bottle art like painting and decorations on bottles. However, what one finds it very difficult and fascinating to see is the carvings made out of wood like Nanjangud’s Dodda Ratha (big chariot), farmer riding a bullock cart, Shivalinga installed inside a mantap.

One wonders how such exquisite craftsmanship can be crafted and bottled. These kinds of creations were on display at the Mysuru Dasara Exhibition Ground premises at a competition organised by the Dasara Arts and Crafts Sub-Committee.

The creator was amateur artist Venkatesh and the visitors were mesmerised to see the beautiful work of bottle art displayed. Each one who saw the works had only words of praise for the artist for his patience and commitment.

How does he manage to create such varieties of art? Venkatesh speaking to Star of Mysore, said: “It requires a lot of patience and perseverance. I create a design, break the wood into small parts, and push each one inside the narrow head of the bottle using spokes of two-wheelers and the design takes shape.”

“Whenever I find time I immerse myself in this art. Bottle art is one of my favourite arts. I have created a lot of work using bottles. A few of them have been broken and a few others I have preserved. I have also created wooden frames to hang on the wall. A lot of hard work and patience is required.” – Venkatesh, artist

It is really a mind-boggling task to create these attractive artefacts inside the bottle and definitely a rare achievement, said Pushpa, who was viewing the art with awe and respect for the artist Venkatesh.

The other designs in the bottle include wooden clock, Jawa motorbike, ship and swing. Venkatesh has also worked on coconut shells and fibre, which include Anjaneya’s picture, human face, coffee mugs, and  other designs.

Venkatesh, who is working in a private firm in Bengaluru, hails from Saligrama in K.R. Nagar taluk. As an amateur artist, he has been practising bottle art from a number of years.