Some are born artists, some have the talent but never get a chance, and some like Nanku Siya Syam, our Gond artist, are chosen by the destiny to come forward and show the world their talent and set an example how a family tradition is carried on even in adverse situations of life. We talked to Nanku when she was here last month in New Delhi’s Crafts Museum to exhibit her exotic works of art. Her life story comes as an inspiration to all those who get easily defeated by the adversities of life. Nanku took the decision to become a full-fledged artist at the toughest moment of her life. Her husband Jangan Siya Syam was one of the most remarkable gond artist of the region. He was chosen as the Artist for Bharat Bhawan, a government house in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. From there he was sent this year to Japan to participate in one of the competitions held for the tribal artist. But as time had decided for him, instead of winning a prize, he breathed his last in Japan on July 3rd 2001. When the news was broken to Nanku, she was shaken up completely. But with three children to be looked after and brought up, Nanku composed herself soon and admirably. With three growing children of 14, 13 and 8 years of age, Nanku in her late 30s, took this decision almost immediately to carry forward the family tradition by becoming an artist herself. She herself had the talent of an artist and had always helped her husband in his work. So gradually, in the course of time she had learnt the techniques of the art that made Jangan one of the best Gond artist. And above all else she had the confidence in herself that made her an accomplished artist before long.

Nanku’s painting techniques are exactly the ones used by her husband. She uses plain ivory sheet or thick canvas cloth for expressing her free hand art. She uses acrylic and water-colours. Her paint brushes are generally very fine that give maximum intricacy to her works of art. Her themes are drawn from the nature. She deals mainly with birds, animals, trees and insects. It takes her one to two days to complete one painting of a size that are featured on our site. She seldom sketches with a pencil before painting and most of her paintings are free hand expressions of her ideas.

Presently for her expenses she is drawing Jangan’s pension from the government and providing her three children with proper education. She also has applied for her appointment as the Artist at Bharat Bhawan where her husband worked. But the government is still considering this matter. Her two elder children help her with painting in their free time. Apart from painting for her living and to continue her husband’s beloved profession, Nanku also teaches the Gond style to the professional art students of some Delhi’s renowned Art Institutes. We are sure that with her confidence and talent she will not only be able to take up the job of her husband but also keep on enthralling the art lovers with her artwork. ShalinCraft wishes her all the very best in her life!!!