Chitralekha Vanamalai
Kanimozhi Santhanam’s interest in arts was triggered after watching a TV programme on Tanjore painting. The interest turned to passion and she obtained a diploma in Tanjore painting. There was no looking back after that.
In a chat with News Today, Kanimozhi of Kumaran Colony narrates her story.
“I’m a native of Mayiladuthurai (Mayavaram). After marriage, I came to Chennai. At the time, I watched a programme on a local TV channel about an artist proficient in Tanjore painting and was interested to learn it,” she says.
Kanimozhi enrolled herself in Meena Muthiah College of Traditional Arts to learn the art form professionally and she soon got her diploma in Tanjore painting. “I did not stop with that. I have mastered an umpteen number of art skills such as fabric painting, bhoomi painting, stained glass painting, radium and Nirmal painting, to name a few. I also do flower arrangement for various events,” says Kanimozhi listing out her skills.
Having learnt various art forms, Kanimozhi wanted to share her beautiful paintings and artworks with the world. “So, I started the Kani Arts Gallery in 2002. Today the gallery is one of the most prominent manufacturers and suppliers of religious Tanjore paintings in the city,” she claims.
“I started teaching Tanjore art in my gallery to anyone who was interested in it. A cross-section of people, students, housewives and working professionals, are my students. I also have a few foreigners who come to me to learn Tanjore painting during their vacation,” says Kanimozhi.
She says, “More than 15 years have passed since Kani Arts Gallery was started. Although the clientele who appreciate this art form has decreased considerably, I still get a handful of students eager to learn the art and it keeps me motivated.”
Kanimozhi Santhanam can be reached at 93811 57831.