INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day Special…

Bound by family and a shared love for Mysore and Thanjavur painting styles, Vasantha Kumari and Surekha Tholasi have turned their home into a space where tradition thrives.

The deep artistic connection of Mysuru’s Tholasi Jewels, a reputed jeweller with a legacy spanning generations, with the traditional Mysore and Thanjavur painting styles is reflected in the work of T.A. Vasantha Kumari and Surekha Tholasi of the Tholasi family.

Vasantha Kumari has devoted decades to preserving the beauty of these art forms. From holding her first exhibition at Suchitra Art Gallery in Kalamandira to showcasing her works internationally in Sri Lanka and the United States, her journey reflects passion and a strong commitment. Her works were also featured at the Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery in 1996, organised in honour of her mentor, the renowned Mysore-style artist M. Ramanarasaiah.

Apart from her artistic pursuits, Vasantha Kumari currently serves as President of WISE (Women In Small Enterprises), the women’s wing of the Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), where she encourages women to explore entrepreneurship and creative careers. Supporting her in this endeavour is her daughter-in-law Surekha Tholasi, herself an accomplished artist in Thanjavur and Mysore painting styles as well as charcoal art.

Together, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law represent a unique creative partnership rooted in tradition and shared passion, working to keep these classical art forms alive.

By Sujata Rajpal

Star of Mysore (SOM): Tell us about your journey into art.

Vasantha Kumari: As a child, I was always drawn to drawing and painting. But coming from a conservative family, I was not allowed to pursue formal art education. It was only after college that I joined Government-run art classes in Bengaluru, where I learnt wax art, leather painting, ceramics and other crafts.

After marriage, my opportunities became limited again as I was largely confined to the home. Later, on a doctor’s advice to stay active, I joined the Vani Vilas Ladies Club, which gave me some independence and exposure outside the home. My introduction to Thanjavur art came through a short course in Bengaluru and I later trained under M. Ramanarasaiah in Mysore-style painting.

Four decades ago, there was little encouragement for girls to pursue art seriously. But when I exhibited my Thanjavur paintings at a temple and received an overwhelming response, my family began to recognize their value.

Surekha Tholasi: My journey began through my mother-in-law. Watching her dedication and perseverance inspired me to take up Thanjavur painting seriously. Over time, I learnt not just the techniques but also the patience and discipline the art demands.

SOM: When did you begin pursuing art professionally?

Vasantha Kumari: Initially, I was more interested in landscape and nib painting. Compared to them, Thanjavur art is extremely labour-intensive. Preparing the canvas alone takes about 10 days and completing a painting can take a couple of months. In the early days, even sourcing materials in Mysuru was difficult. I had to procure them from Chennai.

What drew me deeper into Thanjavur art was the encouragement from friends who wanted to learn from me. I began teaching them from home. At a time when women’s opinions were often overlooked, I felt the need to prove myself. I started by taking small orders, including glass paintings and gradually expanded my work. My first Thanjavur painting was sold in 1993, which gave me great confidence. Through word of mouth, it slowly grew into a meaningful and sustained artistic journey.

Surekha Tholasi: Before marriage, I used to do charcoal paintings, but as a Home Science student, I had little time to pursue art seriously. At a relative’s home, I once saw a Thanjavur painting of a queen decorated with sparkling crystals. The way the light reflected on it fascinated me and I dreamt of creating something similar.

After marriage, I joined the first batch of students my mother-in-law taught. Initially, I mostly observed while she handled a class of nearly twenty students. It was challenging for her to manage alone, so I gradually began assisting and explaining the painting process to the students. In the process, I learnt the art myself. Over time, teaching and practising together became an important part of my journey in Thanjavur painting.

Every woman should strive to be financially independent and also pursue something for herself. Lack of time is often just an excuse. Start small and nurture a hobby according to your interests and routine. It need not always be for income. It can also help relieve stress.

SOM: How would you describe the association between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in your case?

Vasantha Kumari & Surekha Tholasi (both press the buzzer first): Working together has strengthened our bond. It blends experience with fresh perspectives while staying true to tradition. We share an easy understanding.

When a painting is in progress, we usually keep it on a cot, covered with a cloth and return to it whenever time permits. Over the years, we have completed many paintings together, discussing colour themes and techniques. It has always been collaborative, never                                                                            an argument.

Other family members also offer suggestions, which adds to the fun. It is teamwork in the truest sense. We also don’t sign our names on the paintings, because Thanjavur art is about devotion — the artist is not above the deity.

SOM: Thanjavur art is known to be labour-intensive. What do you see as the future of this art form?

Vasantha Kumari & Surekha Tholasi: Compared to Mysore-style painting, Thanjavur art has fewer teachers today. With the semester system in colleges, students have shorter breaks and less time to pursue hobbies or traditional arts, which has reduced the number of young learners. Most of our students are now housewives and working professionals.

The rising price of gold has also made Thanjavur paintings more expensive to create. Even so, the art form is far from fading. In South India, there is still a strong cultural connection to it and many homes proudly display at least one Thanjavur painting.

We continue to contribute by teaching and undertaking commissioned work. So far, we have trained over 200 students and encouraged them to carry the tradition forward, though only a few have pursued it professionally.

SOM: What is your message to women on International Women’s Day?

Vasantha Kumari & Surekha Tholasi: Every woman should strive to be financially independent and also pursue something for herself. Lack of time is often just an excuse. Start small and nurture a hobby according to your interests and routine. It need not always be for income. It can also help relieve stress.

Vasantha Kumari: Apart from painting, cooking is my other passion. I have written down many of my recipes and hope to compile them into a book someday. And in that venture, too, I know that I will have the support of my daughter-in-law.

SOM: Tell us about your association with WISE (Women In Small Enterprises).

Vasantha Kumari: Through WISE, I organise workshops on topics such as product packaging and access to bank loans for both rural and urban women. I also visit colleges to encourage young women to take up entrepreneurship.

My message to them is simple. Don’t just aim to be job seekers; strive to become entrepreneurs who can create opportunities for others. I myself stepped into entrepreneurship nearly twenty years after my marriage, which shows that it is never too late to start.