Chennai: Ever wondered about wall painting artists? The ones who draw on compound walls, giving life to bricks and stones are often overlooked. But for R Sivaraman, they were rolemodels.
The arts teacher now trains students to achieve world records, having got his name on many books himself. News Today caught up with him at Surapet to know more.
“During my school days, I used to observe wall painting artists. Upon returning home, I practiced the same drawings. People around me started encouraging and by the time I knew it, I was in Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai,” said the 33-year-old.
Sivaraman had first attempted a record after completing college. “To be honest, I was influenced by those surrounding me. I took up the record attempt for that purpose first. But later, I found its purpose after many attempts,” he said.
“I did not know how to go about it at first. After facing deceit and wrong guidance by people, I started to try things out myself. Now, I have many name in many a record book. Although, the Guinness Records are still elusive,” he said.
One of his famous records is having the entire script of the Bible in a Jesus portait. The arts teacher who works at a private school also has his own institute in the neighbourhood. He says he wants to help as many students as possible in his time.
“I do not want others to suffer. That is the reason why I am ready to show the way to as many students as possible,” he said. His students have achieved many records over time and Ambattur Talk has featured them in earlier editions.
But Sivaraman understands that records are not everything in life. “World records are just tools for encouragement. You get recognition and people start to back you up more. We must understand its purpose and not fall into the myth that it is everything.”
His affinity for helping children precedes his love for records nowadays. “I do not charge any fee for government school students. Also, I try to provide kits and bags for underprivileged children as well,” he says.
His next record attempt will be on 15 October, the birth anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. “Around 2,020 students will perform a painting using 2,020 metre cloth. It will be a mega event,” he said.
Contact him at 9941316216.