I am
Ajay Kumar Mattewada

Born in Warangal, Telangana, India on December 7, 1973, into a family of goldsmiths to freedom fighter Sri Mattewada Venkata Charyulu and Hymavathi, I learnt jewellery work and micro arts since I was 14 years of age from my father.

I developed interest in micro sculpture 25 years ago and ever since, I researched and toiled hard to know what tools and materials are to be used. I developed them on my own. It takes many hours of hard work, even months together, to create a micro sculpture. I work for many hours at a stretch before taking a break. The work demands holding of breath at times as finer details cannot be achieved even with small disturbance. It demands absolute attention and one has to forget the surroundings even as the eyes get strained so much.

"The tools I work with are so delicate and fragile that they need dexterous handling in creating these rare miniature art pieces."

I have achieved such dexterity that my art could only be seen through a microscope and I happily claim that I am the third person in the world to create such miniature art (certified by the National Institute of Technology, Warangal). I have earned acclaim both at the National and International levels for my expertise. My work has been appreciated by eminent personalities including Prime Ministers, Shri P V Narasimha Rao, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Ministers, and several other public figures.

My first critics are my wife Sravanthi, son Vaibhav Kumar and daughter Vaishali and other family members on whose feedback I depend much and improve upon my art and craft.

I prepare myself for about a month before conceiving and creating a micro sculpture. I contemplate on where to start and how to execute it, what material to be used, and how small it should be. I have to prepare tools and other materials needed for that and also visualize how it should be after its creation. After that, I sit over it. Sometimes, something goes wrong, and I need to start all over again. I need a congenial atmosphere for it a calm, serene room with light music, and often give up my diet for the day and completely immerse myself in it.

The work needs total dedication and concentration and I should not even blink my eyes. It gives immense irritation to the eyes and frequently causes headaches. I will just rest for a while sitting on a chair. And then the arduous task begins again. It will not give me enough satisfaction until I get it as per my visualization. If the art piece comes out well, my happiness knows no bounds and my eyes get wet with pleasure. Then my whole body relaxes. Each work of micro sculpture takes from one month to five months.

When I am engaged in work, it does not allow me even to breathe as the material I use gets damaged. Hence, I practice yoga and breathing exercises every day.

I Got inspired by micro sculptures made in the eye of the needle by world's famous micro sculptor Mr Willard Wigan of British (UK)

It is my desire to organise an exhibition of my micro sculpture works National/International levels for the art lovers. Those who are interested may contact at my email address