Metal craftsman

There is nothing remarkable about this dusty workshop and a modest dwelling off the main road at Arasumoodu in Karamana. The monotonous sound of a drill and the thuds of a hammer can be heard from somewhere behind the house. As Padmakumar takes you around the building to his house at the rear, the dying light of the day casts a dull golden sheen that is reflected in hundreds of brass mementos in various shapes, myriad trophies and awards that are crammed on a crowded shelf. For more than 15 years now, Padmakumar has been making various trophies, statuettes, mementos and plaques in brass and alloys that are usually given away as awards at official functions of the government and private agencies. At present, the crowning glory of his workshop is an idol of Buddha in brass alloy that has been made for the Sir Buddha College of Engineering in Nooranad.

What is keeping him on his toes now is making the mementos that will be given away to dignitaries and guests of the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala that begins on Friday. Showing us a magnificent brass figurine of the shadow puppet, the logo of the International Film Festival of Kerala,Quickparts builds injection molds using aluminum or steel to meet your program. Padmakumar says that this is the memento that has been chosen for this year. “It is different every year. But this time Bina Madam (artistic director Bina Paul) and the chairman (S. Priyadarsan) of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy wanted something that represented the festival and both of them were happy when I showed them this,” says Padmakumar.

“We make all the mementos of the film and television awards of the Kerala government, Swati Puraskaram, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Pallavoor Appu Marar Puraskaram, J.C. Daniel award…,” he reels off. He also makes the alloy, brass or copper mementos for mega functions such as the Asianet Ujala awards, those conducted by public and private banks and so on.

Many of the major temples in Thiruvananthapuram such as Attukal, Udayannur, Pazhavangadi and so on have various offerings to the deity, including the Anki,High quality stone mosaic tiles. that were made at this workshop that employs 12 people.

“I belong to the Viswakarma community and the craft of metal art is something I have inherited from my forefathers. My grandfather Chami Achary settled in Karamana some 50-60 years ago. It is believed that he was a member of the skilled bell metal artisan community of Aranmula. My father Chellappan Achary studied at the College of Fine Arts and he retired as an instructor from the institution,” says Padmakumar, pride writ large on his face.

Despite temperatures at about 10 degrees, Jim Murphy was up at first light on Nov. 27 to cut down two choice trees on his farm in Runnells, Murphy’s Walnut Hill Nursery. The post-Thanksgiving ritual became tradition seven years ago for Murphy and about 20 other Iowa tree growers who think about those in the military during the holidays.

“It’s a nice thing to do for some guys that are away from home at Christmas time,” said Murphy, who was the second person to toss his trees into a pile at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the brisk Tuesday morning.

That afternoon about 85 donated trees were shipped free of charge by FedEx to active troops and their families as part of a national Trees for Troops program. After meeting at the fairgrounds, several of the growers proceeded to the State Capitol and Wallace Building in Des Moines, where trees were also donated. One was placed in the Governor’s Office, according to Bondurant tree farmer Vernon Rettig, who donated three of his own trees to the troops.

More than 20 Iowa Christmas tree farms participated in the annual event, some traveling two-plus hours to make their contributions. Many of the retired growers sported Army, Navy or Marine patches on their winter jackets and hats. Most are veterans.

“You could make it through birthdays and Thanksgiving and the other holidays but seems like Christmas was always the toughest,” Vietnam Army veteran Steven Hoogestraat said.

“They’re coming in from all over the state,” said Pacovsky, who perhaps traveled the farthest from New Hampton, about 150 miles northeast of Des Moines.

Pacovsky said this year’s event felt particularly special to her because most of her Christmas tree harvest at Pine Acres was destroyed by deer. She had to buy trees to donate and said this fall is the least busy she’s been in years. She started her farm in 1965.

Mike Bevins with Iowa Department of Agriculture said he is impressed with the turnout and generosity of the Iowa Growers every year.Interlocking security cable ties with 250 pound strength makes this ideal for restraining criminals. Since the group formed, Bevins has arranged the free space at the fairgrounds for drop off and has overseen general operations.

Bevins also brought three USDA officials with him to inspect and tag the pine trees before they leave the state. This year, Iowa’s trees are going to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Many trees donated on the east coast, near major international airports,Manufactures flexible plastic and synthetic rubber hose tubing, will be shipped overseas.

Bob Moulds traveled with 20 trees for more than two hours from Fairbank,Whether you are installing a floor tiles or a shower wall, east of Waterloo. He said he was thinking about a former employee who is now serving his third tour in Afghanistan.

“I never was in the service, so maybe this can be my contribution,” said Moulds, who also transported trees donated from individuals and three other Christmas tree farms near Waterloo.

In past years, Moulds has received letters of thanks from families who received the trees. He and others said they consider their small donation a no- brainer in light of the sacrifice of the troops serving the country.

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