Talented artist uses local raw materials
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Creeper baskets |
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B. Tilakaratna |
The creation of different types
of household utensils and decorative items by using locally available.
Low cost raw materials is regarded as a praiseworthy task creators who
use such raw materials should be encouraged.
Fifty two-year-old B. Tilakaratna of Paleegala about four kilometres off Eheliyagoda town has
set an example in this field by using two new raw material varieties
that can be found easily.
Tilakaratna being a courageous and dedicated farmer, never spends his
time idling. He has an in born artistic talent and has already made use
of several neglected varieties of locally available raw materials. One
is ‘Pamba’ creepers found in villages. These creepers are very strong,
shining and dark-brown in colour.
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A natural ruk-kala
ornament |
Tilakaratna makes very useful and attractive household utensils such
as betel trays, vases, baskets lamp shades, table stands etc with
tempered ‘pamba’ creepers.
“There is no need to paint them as their natural colour can be
increased by polishing only” he says.
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Palm-nut rings and
pendants |
Apart from the ‘Pamba’ creeper creations, Tilakaratna uses ‘Palm nut’
shells, popularly known as ‘Katupol’ shells as a new raw material in
making rings, Buttons, pendants, ear rings etc.“This is very difficult
task which needs dedication and persevance” he explains.Tilakaratna is
also a ‘Ruk Kala’ artiste and he has already created a number of
ornamental items with the roots of trees, branches twigs etc. At present
Tilakaratna is getting ready to hold his solo handicraft exhibition
soon.
Eheliyagoda Special Correspondent - Nimal Wijayatunga
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