Thiruvananthapuram | At 76, Jayamani Ganeshan continues to be an inspiring example of creativity and dedication through her remarkable handicraft skills tht have left many wondering at what heights she could have reached. My mother she is and was born in Kozhikode and has spent much of her adult life at Thiruvananthapuram. Another one of those senior citizens, not too lucky to get educated, had to drop out of school in Grade VIII.
She is a pillar around which my father and the three of us (boys) grew. Right from her early adulthood, she had shown amazing skills at cooking that included staple, snacks and desserts. During the late 70s and early 80s, she had started craft with wire, many of which adorn our house even now. Now with more materials available, she is even more motivated to weave magic.
With nimble fingers and a keen eye for detail, she lovingly handcrafts beautiful dolls, each one unique and infused with her passion. She selects only the finest fabrics, threads and embellishments, ensuring that every doll is created with exceptional quality and durability. Her artistry not only showcases a wealth of traditional techniques but also brings immense joy to our family and everyone who has the pleasure of seeing her creations.
Many of her handmade dolls are specially crafted for South Indian regional festivals such as Golu, where they are displayed with pride and reverence.
Beyond the festive season, these exquisite dolls serve as elegant home showpieces, celebrated for their cultural significance and beauty. Watching her work with such patience and meticulousness reminds us of the value of preserving our heritage, and her handmade dolls are treasured as symbols of love, perseverance and artistic excellence.
In addition to her doll-making, she is also passionate about painting, cooking and embroidery, and she even crafts traditional wire bags. The other art she excels is in the traditional “kolam” that are found in front of some households. She even has a whole hand-drawn book on these designs.
