GUWAHATI, Nov 22 - Craft artiste Maheswar Deka, who has been giving shape to his imagination on brass, was honoured with the Silpi Rishi Kapil Khaund Memorial Award 2016 on Tuesday at a function held at the auditorium of Vivekananda Kendra here.
The award carries Rs twenty five thousand, a citation and other gifts.
Deka, who hails from Sarthebari, has continued with his mission to promote the craft despite myriad odds. Though financial crunch is part of his life, Deka is hopeful that a time will come when artisans like him will see better days.
�I am optimistic that the condition of all artisans will improve as the demand for brass and bell metal items have been growing over the years. With changing times, we have adapted the trade to meet the taste of the new age buyers,� said Deka while talking to The Assam Tribune. Deka said that brass work is an art, and for an artisan working with brass, the trade is all about �love and labour�.
�A lot of labour is required in brass work. But this simply gives artisans like us a great satisfaction when we see our final product,� added Deka, observing that change in perception of the aesthetic has given a boost to the trade.
Deka pointed out that demand for brass items for house d�cor has also increased in recent times, which has motivated many artisans to continue with the trade. Bad days had compelled many artisans to look out for other livelihood options.
The function, organized by the Silpi Rishi Kapil Khaund Memorial Trust, was attended by many dignitaries, including Sonaram Sharma Bura Bhakat of Titabor Kamalabari Sattra.
