Moistness of deep brown clay and the smell of earth creeps into the milieu of a tiny classroom at the Government HSS, Elamakkara on a Saturday afternoon. It’s the work experience class in progress for students of class XI. While others are busy sketching or painting, there is a lone student thoughtfully flexing his fingers through clay. The world around disappears for Deepu Lal, as he carefully feels the clay, detailing every feature to transform its shapeless form into that sketched in his mind. What resulted was the model of a physically challenged man, begging for alms.
What makes Deepu stand out in the crowd is the way his fingers work magic with clay. The first prize winner of the state clay-modelling competition, in 2011, he has many such accolades to his name. Over the years, he has proved his talent in clay modelling, winning school level and district level competitions and always bagging an A grade at the state level competitions, if not a prize. His flair for the art was first spotted by Elsy, his work experience teacher at Government HSS, Panangad, where he studied till class X. As a fourth grade student, he bagged his first prize at a school-level competition. “I had created the model of a cat drinking milk for that competition,” says Deepu.
He has proved his talents in painting competitions, too. “We can only guide students. Art cannot be taught. Deepu has it within himself. If you give him a theme, you don’t have to explain anything else; he expresses it beautifully through his work,” says Elsy.
There’s something else that makes these laurels sweeter for this youngster. He has bagged himself a chance to visit Japan for a workshop on clay modelling. According to his teachers, the state has picked a couple of talented students for this visit, which is under process. With such talents and accolades to his name, Deepu was a sure choice.
But, the young lad has no airs about himself. A timid 16-year-old, he has no great things to say when asked about this passion of his. “He is very quiet and very down to earth. But, the models he make brim with life,” says Sreeranjini, his teacher and source of inspiration, who also adds that he often needs a push to come forward with his work.
Deepu has never been trained in clay modelling or painting. “As a child, he used to make models from mud at home. But we never really took notice those days,” says Divya, his elder sister.
While most students use coloured modelling clay available in shops, Deepu prefers the texture and quality of pottery clay that he buys from potters, exclusively for his work. One might wonder how it would match up to fancy coloured clay models, but Deepu has an answer. “This type of clay gives more grip to the model and adds a natural feel to it. The colour doesn’t matter,” he says.
Deepu is gearing for his next state level finals on October 29 and his teachers and friends have high hopes for him.
Deepu’s father Thilakan is an auto-driver and mother Jaya, a homemaker.
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