I found an artist

I was once travelling by an auto and it stopped at a traffic signal. I had some time to look around and there on the road side I saw a man almost in tatters busy weaving. I got off the auto and approached him. I was stunned to see his work. He had worked on bamboo and created fine strips to weave into several shapes. I had to speak in sign language as he did not understand my language. Obvious he had arrived there from another State.  Here was an artist unknown to the world. This reminded me of those lines from ‘Elegy in the Country Church Yard’  by Thomas Gray.  “Full many a gem of the purest ray serene, the dark unfathomed caves of the ocean bear”

There were many items big and small so artistically woven.

Here was a man who I am sure had not entered the portal of a school and yet had this rare talent of weaving and creating such amazing objects.

I looked at this goblet which you see in the picture. It was the largest piece around there. So neatly designed with a brown and beige contrast. No. He did not use any paint but used both sides of the bamboo strip which had a brown on one side and beige on the other.

The auto driver was enamored too. He said he would help me take the items safely to my residence.

I asked for the price and did not bargain. Artists should be given what they ask for. After all it was creativity and creativity is priceless.

The goblet as I call it adorns my hall which is pretty big in size and it goes with my hall decor perfectly.

It is almost 10 years since I brought it home and it looks as good as new. I need to give it a clear varnish as moisture would go into it and destroy it.