Lakshmamma Biography 
Lakshmamma is a renowned Kalamkari artist of today. She played a magnificent role in promoting this dying art of south India in the recent times. She is a native of Srihalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, the place known for this fabric art. Now aged 65 plus, she started learning Kalamkari only after she reached 50 from her son-in-law and in the past 15 years she earned a name of her own. Her son-in-law Murali was a national award winner.
Lakshmamma is a native of Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. She began learning the art at the relatively late age of 50, from her son-in-law K. Murali who was a national award winner. He was the sole breadwinner of the family, and following his death at a comparatively young age of 42, there was no option best but to get into the same field of crafts. When a heart ailment took away Murali’s life, the devastated family was left behind a house, a small savings, and a considerable debt incurred for his medical expenses. Lakshmamma was also left behind the huge responsibility of looking after the family and support her grandchildren’s education. Kalamkari was the only skill she knew.
Lakshmamma travelled to Delhi, where she stayed for a month in the chilling cold condition fighting with health issues. She regularly met officials at the Udyog Bhavan and the Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, fought for and finally won the right to exhibit at two prestigious events. Her exhibitions held at Suraj Kund Mela and ‘Master Creations’ National Handicrafts Fair at Dilli Haat became instant hits, after which she received several exhibition offers and workshop invitations.
Fabrics were supplied by weavers from Indore and Bangalore whom she had met at craft fairs, and she gave them credits as well. Her daughter Vani is a skilled colourist, who oversees production. Her two grandchildren are now well educated, and her grandson has won state awards too.
Published: January 22, 2019
Updated: January 22, 2019
