R KumaraGaru

Epitome of Sheer Will and Creativity

From the City of World Famous Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur Mr. R Kumaraguru brings us one of the most unique art forms, made out of Coconut Shells. But then it’s hard to imagine that something such a strikingly beautiful and ornate piece of art can be conceptualized and brought to life out of humble coconut shells. But Kumaraguru Ji’s sheer love for creativity and an innate desire to remain connected to the natural materials has given birth to this exceptional art form.

He recalls his early childhood when his Grandfather a professional carpenter, used to create small kitchen utility items out of coconut shells, during the Pongal festival. This was his first source of inspiration, which he nurtured, first into a hobby and later into a serious art form. Working as a Government staff at the Land Registration Dept. he could hardly give enough time to cultivate it into a commercially viable option. Its only after 2014 that he took VRS from his job and devoted himself full time into experimenting and expanding the scope of this art.

Today he is a name to reckon with in Coconut shell art, raising it from being just a utility material like cups, spoons and boxes to an actual art form. Today he is working hard to establish it as an authentic creative art, and has brought some serious buzz around it. He has received Kalainanmani State award which is the highest civilian award of Tamil Nadu given by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram (literature, music and theatre), a unit of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu, to recognise artists in the state for their achievements.

We at HasthCraft are glad to be a part of this illustrious journey of an extremely distinguished art and its artist Mr. Kumaraguru .