P K Sadanandan

In an interview with Rose

It takes a lot for an artist to break the unwritten rules and paint his own sensibilities that enrichthe classical art form. PK Sadanandan is one of them. PK Sadanandan is an artist world renowned for creating, reviving and restoring mural paintings in Kerala. His world of mural paintings are peopled by Indian mythological characters based on literary grounds and is environment-friendly. He is also a well-known cartoonist.

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When did you start painting?

Since my childhood, I had a habit of drawing pictures even before I learned to write alphabets. My ancestral home provided space in its courtyard for me to draw with dry sticks. I must say that the competitions held at my school encouraged me to go further.

I should explain this to you with an example, rather than doing my math problem in my notebook, I used to spend time on drawing pictures in margins as it provided enough space for me to draw! The theme would be anything; maybe a dream I saw, the scenery which I saw that day. All I can say is, anything that captured my heart would be seen beside the margin.

My parents used to catch me red-handed when I tried to draw on the walls of my house with black carbon every time.

How did you develop your skills while you were still a student?

In high school, I was much interested in Drama and mono act. I couldn’t concentrate much on paintings those days and thus as a student in high school, I couldn’t do anything to develop my skills.

What are the peculiarities of Kerala paintings?

Kerala’s traditional painting is based on lines, unlike the European paintings. European paintings have a strong foundation in colors. But here the lines decide the painting’s perfection.

Any idol you adore?

I adore traditional mural paintings which are very wonderful. Murals are usually found in temples and are associated with the Hindu religion. It has some peculiarities which make it different from other forms of paintings. I challenge myself each time I get a new project.

Why did you choose to create murals?

Murals are long-lasting and learning murals is like watching the changing culture in front of you.

Your character seems much alive in pictures. The emotions are portrayed clearly! How do you do this?

Well, Observation is the key. I read a lot of books to understand my characters; mostly religious ones as I am interested in drawing deities. In this new century, Amish’s new books like Shiva’s trilogy and others help me to connect the old characters to new ones. There is a knowledge that comes from reading and I apply that to my paintings.

Once I was asked to do mural painting at a church. For doing the murals, I read the Bible for six months because I cannot jump into conclusions as I am a Hindu. So I spend time reading and understanding each character. My work in that church was the first in 400 years in the field of murals. While drawing the murals, we used to have discussions with the church people. But I had my perspective of connecting things to nature. For example, while drawing ‘path of crucification’ there is a situation when Jesus is undressed by evil people. What I did was, I drew a green young tree splitting apart and fire burning between those parts and green leaves behind Jesus.

How do you prepare yourself for making an important painting?

Well, first of all, I will draw the picture in my mind, where it is born first, then to the canvas. As humans we always want our work to be the best. Thus I believe that the mind is the first step in the preparation process.

What influenced your style?

The Flora and Ajanta painting, the Kathakali performances, and other mythological themes influence me every day.

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You said that you always try new experiments in paintings. Well, when you try something new in paintings, have you felt any kind of fear or were scared about the response from others? And how do you overcome this?

When I try some new experiments, I use and apply two things and that is uniqueness and new. I challenge myself but no other people. I am competing with my old works and learning to be a good painter.

How do you feel when you get a new mural to work on?

I must say, anxiety and curiosity rule my mind. 75% curiosity and 25% satisfaction is what I feel when results come. I become a student then, I will learn about the theme and create the image on my mind as I mentioned and then paint, rest is done by God.

Besides painting, what hobbies do you have?

Reading, as I told you, it develops my mind and helps me in paintings too. Again some selected films also attract my attention. While I work I listen to devotional mantras to stay concentrated.

Do you feel successful?

According to me, I am only halfway to success. Getting a national award is not being successful. My success is when someone from some other corner of this world come looking for my painting. I want my works to be recognized that is when I become successful. I give that to God. I am only a tool of God, how can I be proud of myself?

Why do you think some painters become popular and rich while other painters don’t?

Each painter becomes popular in certain areas like some focuses on nature, others on myths, etc., they should be hardworking. One of the main reason for unpopularity is that they are aimless. One should have an aim and a will to work hard to reach the point you deserve.

Can you share with us the negative sides of your painting life?

I have felt struggling when I was new in this field. Some of the reputed people criticized my paintings and my hard work. But I didn’t give up. I tried again and again to reach this present situation. All of this was possible because of God and my hard work.

The first challenge I gave myself was to become a painter but, not just a painter. I wanted to be someone who has an aim and his works being recognized. When negativity approaches, you have to deal it with positivity.