Multi-faceted talent in art – The Hindu, November 2011

Published in The Hindu, Sunday, November 20, 2011 – Downtown Section

Full of passion and devotion for ancient forms of painting, Kanimozhi Santhanam has not only mastered them but also teaches them.

Kanimozhi Santhanam, a resident of Vadapalani, is full of passion and devotion for Thanjavur painting. She has also mastered the ancient forms of painting such as Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Meenakari, Bommi, Nirmal, Thanga and Gond.

"I fell in love with it in my childhood. My father, a retired headmaster of a Government school in Mayiladuthurai, taught me the basics of this art such as how to hold a brush or a pencil and about shades of colours. My mother, who is proficient in tailoring and embroidery, also inspired me. I can draw kolams effortlessly. And all these enhanced my interest and skill in painting," says Kanimozhi.

She was desperate to learn Thanjavur painting in a professional way and so joined Kumara Rajah Muthiah School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, Nandigram, in 2003. Now, she holds a diploma in Thanjavur painting.

She conducts painting classes for children and women on all days except Sundays at 26, Second Street, Kumaran Colony, Vadapalani. Fees, inclusive of materials, range from Rs.1,000 to 10,000. Thanjavur painting is a one-month programme and other forms of paintings are covered in a 10-day course.

By L. Kanthimathi | Photo: K. Venkatesh