അജേഷ്കുമാർ കണ്ടല്ലൂര്- കലാജീവിതം | Sculptor Ajesh Kandalloor Exclusive Interview
Introduction
Hello, my name is Ajesh Kandalloor. I am a sculptor and an artist — I also enjoy drawing and painting. This interview with OPTVLOGS is a journey through my art, my struggles, and my dreams.
Early Life in Kandalloor
I was born in a small village in Kandalloor, Kayamkulam. From childhood itself, I was deeply attracted to art. The rhythms of rural Kerala — temple festivals, traditional craftsmanship, the sight of sculptures in temples — shaped my imagination. Clay toys and sand castles soon turned into sketches and carvings on wood.
Growing up in Kandalloor, life was simple but full of inspiration. The backwaters reflected not only boats and sunsets but also the depth of stories and myths. I absorbed this atmosphere into my drawings and early clay models.
Educational Journey
I studied at Raja Ravi Varma College, one of Kerala’s most prestigious art institutions. Later, I completed my MFA at RLB College, Thrippunithura. These years exposed me to academic discipline, classic techniques, and the profound works of masters. Art has always been my passion, even though I worked in other fields for a time.
“Formal education gave me tools, but my roots gave me vision.”
Other Professions and Return to Art
I once served as a fireman, but my heart always pulled me back to art and sculpture. While fire service was noble, I realized I couldn’t live without chisels, brushes, and stones. That’s what I continued to pursue with renewed dedication.
Life in Ambaji, Gujarat
At present, I work at Ambaji in Gujarat, in the Stone Artisans Park, which also has a training institute. I am a faculty member here, teaching young students the art of sculpture. Being a mentor has been equally rewarding as creating art itself.
Mediums and Materials
I mainly work with granite and stone, but I also experiment with bronze casting and other metals. Durable materials give lasting form to creativity. Working with granite is like conversing with eternity — every strike of the chisel brings out hidden form.
Painting as Parallel Passion
Besides sculpture, I am passionate about plein-air painting — mostly landscapes in oil, often using impasto techniques. Painting outdoors in natural light has always given me inspiration. The movement of clouds, the reflection of water, and the ever-changing hues of Kerala landscapes find expression in my canvases.
Struggles in the Artistic Journey
My journey in art has not been easy. I faced many challenges — from financial struggles to balancing work and passion. Art materials are expensive, opportunities were limited, and recognition was hard-earned.
Yet, every struggle became part of my artistic growth. Art, for me, is not just about creating objects — it is about expressing life, emotions, and experiences.
The Philosophy of Sculpture
A sculpture or a painting is a story. It speaks beyond words. Every texture, curve, and shade has meaning. It can reflect sorrow, joy, or divinity. My works aim to create that silent dialogue between the viewer and the artwork.
Future Vision
I continue to learn, experiment, and explore. For the future, I want to create larger works — combining stone, bronze, and other materials. Monumental public sculptures that represent culture and humanity are my dream.
Mentorship and Legacy
I also want to share my knowledge with the next generation of artists. Art has given me an identity, a purpose, and a lifelong journey. Passing it forward is my duty.
Belief in Endless Creativity
I believe creativity is endless. As long as I live, I will keep carving, keep painting, and keep sharing my art with the world.
Closing Words
Thank you. To all aspiring artists: never let go of your passion. The world needs beauty, and beauty is born through courage.
Profile: Sculptor Ajesh Kandalloor
[👉Ajesh Kandalloor is a contemporary Indian sculptor and visual artist whose work reflects a deep connection with tradition, craftsmanship, and personal expression. Born in the quiet village of Kandalloor, Kayamkulam (Kerala), Ajesh’s journey into the world of art began early in his childhood. Fascinated by forms, textures, and the silent stories that stone could tell, he nurtured a passion that would later define his life’s path.]
[👉He completed his foundational studies in fine arts at Raja Ravi Varma College, followed by a Master of Fine Arts at RLB College, Thrippunithura. Despite a brief career as a fireman, his heart remained dedicated to creativity, eventually leading him back to sculpture and painting.]
[👉Currently, Ajesh works at the Stone Artisans Park in Ambaji, Gujarat, where he also serves as a faculty member, training aspiring sculptors in the traditional and modern techniques of stone carving. His preferred medium is granite and stone, though he also experiments with bronze casting, metal works, and plein-air painting — especially oil landscapes in impasto style.]
[👉His art is defined not only by technical mastery but also by a philosophical approach. For Ajesh, art is storytelling — every sculpture and painting carries a piece of life, emotion, and cultural identity. His works seek durability, permanence, and meaning, often blending Kerala’s cultural roots with broader Indian aesthetics.]
[👉Beyond his own creations, Ajesh is deeply committed to mentorship and knowledge-sharing, believing that art’s legacy grows when passed to the next generation. His vision for the future includes creating monumental works in mixed materials and expanding spaces for public art that inspire dialogue.]
[👉Ajesh Kandalloor’s artistic journey stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of creativity — a life carved, quite literally, from stone.]
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