Many artists use pencil shades and strokes for their art works but Kuttettan believes dots, straight lines and words add uniqueness. The tools he uses are a black ballpen, a black gel pen, colour pens, apart from watercolours and brushes.
Kuttettan’s technique is that of pointillism which relies on the ability of the eye and mind of the viewer to blend the colour spots into a fuller range of tones.
“I like creating black and white, rather than colour pictures,” says the artist.
“I was impressed by the Sholay film posters during the 1970’s, which was one reason why I started using dots in my works.”
His most famous images include that of Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, KJ Yesudas, P Jayachandran, ‘The Last Supper’, the ‘Pieta’ (by Michelangelo) and that of actors like Kavya Madhavan.
“The time taken to make them ranges from two minutes to a few days,” he says.
“It took me ten days to complete the ‘Pieta’ and ‘The Last Supper’, which are my favourites.” His wife Usha, a teacher, says, “For these two works, Kuttettan has put in his heart and soul.”
The artist’s dream is to gift singer Yesudas his portrait which is created by writing the name ‘Dasetta’ in Malayalam.
“I will definitely fulfill this dream one day,” he says. The full name of Kuttettan is K K Peethambaran. He developed a taste for art in his school days, at Palakkad, which was encouraged by his friends. He is a self-trained artist. Thanks to his hard work, he is a recognised artist.
“I could not go to an arts college, which I now consider as a huge loss because I could have gone a long way in art,” he says, with a disappointed look.
Kuttettan earns his living through the Sree Narayana Printers in Vadakencherry, which he owns.
