Field Research in Mahabalipuram
Two Weeks Mentorship in Traditional Stone Carving
For two weeks this summer, I traded brushes for chisels in Mahabalipuram — a coastal town where stone carries both history and sound. Every morning began with the clang of iron against granite, echoing through lanes lined with sculptors whose families have carved for generations.
My teacher, Vijay Sekar, spoke more through silence than instruction — his hand steadying, reminding me to listen to the stone, not fight it. I learned to hold the hammer with rhythm, not force; to understand that every mark carries its own permanence.
By the end of two weeks, my hands were blistered but stronger — and the piece I made felt like it carried the weight of a thousand unseen hands before me.
Watch the short video → Traditional Stone Carving
What stayed with me most wasn’t the sculpture, but the people — their patience, humor, and quiet resilience. These are the hands that build temples but rarely sign their names.
I came back to Brooklyn still hearing the echo of the hammer — each strike a small act of devotion.