CARVING MAGIC IN CHALK AND SOAP

Self-taught miniature artist Eswar Rao is highly respected in Odisha and Andhra and is an inspiration to many, says Shabiha Nur Khatoon.

- Shabiha Nur Khatoon

Not many people can turn a piece of chalk or a bar of soap into a work of art, but for L. Eswar Rao, that's been his way of life for more than two decades. A self-taught miniature artist from Odisha, Rao's work is as intricate as it is imaginative — tiny sculptures of gods, national symbols and iconic landmarks, all crafted by hand using tools he often makes himself. But what truly sets him apart is not just the art, but the story behind it.

Born and brought up in Vizianagaram village in the Golagam district of Andhra Pradesh, Eswar Rao's artistic journey began long before he knew what art truly was. The son of a railway worker, Rao was introduced to the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. However, it wasn't until he was in Class 2 that he began experimenting with chalk pieces. Back then there was no internet or access to advanced tools and his only resources were the humble materials available around him, like pencils and chalk.

It started with chalk. He would break off small pieces and try to shape them into rings, chains, and figures. His first big “project,” as he likes to call it, was a chain made of 11 interlinked rings, all carved from a single piece of chalk. No breaks. No glue. Just his hands and a tiny needle. He was in primary school then, with no access to the internet or fancy tools. All he had were HB pencils, chalk and a lot of patience. Looking back now, he says that was the first time he truly felt joy in creating something with his hands.