“I still remember the day that changed my life forever. I was born and raised in Chinadoddigallu village, Vishakapatnam, and had always been fascinated by the world around me. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment I stumbled upon the Etikoppaka artists’ workshop near my home. The explosion of colors and intricate designs on wood left me awestruck. I was like a sponge, soaking up every detail, and my curious mind was filled with questions.

The artists’ responses opened my eyes to a new world. They told me that in art, there are no rules, no boundaries, and no limitations. I was free to create whatever I wanted, however I wanted. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to spend my life creating beauty.

I come from a humble background – my father, Suribabu, is a farmer, and my mother, Satyavathi, is a homemaker. They always encouraged me to Pursue my passion, even when it meant taking an Unconventional path. I completed my schooling at Gowtham Model School and went on to graduate from the GITAM School of Architecture in 2019.

But art has always been my true calling. When I was just 14, I created a miniature of Lord Ganesha using glass bangles, which left my parents in awe. They recognized my talent and began to encourage me to hone my skills. My parents’ support was unwavering, and they pushed me to take my hobby seriously.

However, not everyone in my family shared the same enthusiasm. Some relatives criticized my decision to pursue art, saying it was a waste of time and effort. They believed that only traditional careers like medicine, engineering, or law were worthy of respect. But their bone-breaking comments only made me stronger and more determined to succeed.

As I continued to pursue my passion for art, I transformed into a mountain of triumph. My parents’ unwavering support and encouragement fueled my journey. I didn’t put my academics on the backburner, though – I graduated with a B.Arch from Gitam School Of Architecture, Masters in urban design from New York University and even secured a doctorate in Arts and Crafts from Peace University in Germany. During this time, I created over 500 masterpieces and received more than 100 awards and records.

My art has become an integral part of who I am. What started as a hobby has evolved into a way of life. I’ve developed a unique style, carving enchanting designs onto unconventional canvases like pencil leads, chalk pieces, matchsticks, and even toothpicks using just a surgical blade and a needle. My creations include intricate replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the National Emblem, the World Cup Trophy, chess boards, buildings, ships, and many more.

I’m proud to say that I’ve never looked back since that fateful day at the Etikoppaka workshop. My journey has been a testament to the power of passion, and love towards the craft. I hope my story inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.”

• Gattem Venkatesh, Artist & Architecture professional