Gombeyamane: Where Art, Heritage, and Innovation Meet

Overview: Nestled in Bengaluru, Gombeyamane stands as a testament to centuries of sculpting tradition, seamlessly blending time-honored artistry with modern innovation. Founded in 2017 by M Sridhar Murthy, a master sculptor with deep familial roots in the craft, this artistic space has become a hub for sculpting enthusiasts, artisans, and admirers alike. With a lineage that traces back over 200 years, Sridhar’s family has played a significant role in shaping India’s artistic heritage, contributing to the courts of Mysuru, Vijayanagara, and even Tipu Sultan.

A Legacy Carved in Stone

Sridhar Murthy hails from Shikaripur in Shivamogga district, where his great-grandfather, Thippaji, gained recognition for his artistic talent at a young age. Family tales suggest that Tipu Sultan himself commissioned a portrait from Thippaji, impressed by his ability to capture regal grandeur. Over the generations, this passion for sculpting continued, with Sridhar’s father, Shilpi Kashinath, earning accolades such as the Janakachari Award and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award for his exceptional work, including significant contributions to the towering Shiva statue at Murudeshwar.

Carrying Forward the Art

Despite earning a degree in civil engineering, Sridhar’s heart was always drawn to sculpting. Under his father’s mentorship, he honed his skills, working on large-scale projects before taking over the family’s artistic responsibilities after his father’s sudden passing in 2000. One of his earliest and most renowned works was completing the Shiva statue at Murudeshwar, which was installed in 2004 and has since become an iconic spiritual landmark.

His artistry gained widespread recognition, leading to prestigious commissions such as:

• The Basaveshwara statue in London, installed by the Government of India.

• The 85-ft Shiva statue at Solophok in Sikkim.

• The Basaveshwara statue in Gadag, prominently placed in the middle of a lake.

• The 85-ft Hanuman statue in Madhya Pradesh’s Chaitanya City.

The Birth of Gombe Mane

After relocating to Bengaluru in 2010, Sridhar searched for the perfect space to set up his sculpting factory. He found an ideal plot in Peenya, where he built both his home and a workshop. As the site gained popularity among locals, it came to be known as the Gombe (Doll) Factory. Recognizing the name’s familiarity, Sridhar officially established Gombe Mane in 2017, with the aim of expanding his reach and making sculpting more accessible to aspiring artists.

At Gombe Mane, Sridhar conducts apprenticeship programs, training over 1,000 artisans annually. These programs provide hands-on experience in traditional and contemporary sculpting techniques, empowering young artists to either join his team or establish their own independent ventures.

Innovation in Sculpting: The Fusion of Tradition and Technology

While Sridhar remains rooted in traditional sculpting methods, he constantly pushes boundaries with new materials and techniques. A visit to Madame Tussauds in Singapore in 2018 sparked his curiosity about wax statues, but he quickly realized that wax was high-maintenance and required controlled environments. This challenge led to an innovative breakthrough: the use of silicone and fiberglass to create lifelike yet durable sculptures.

His collaborative research with fellow sculptor Anand from Belagavi resulted in a unique technique where a fiberglass skeleton provides a sturdy foundation, while sculpted silicone adds intricate details. This process was first applied to a statue of Srinivas in Koppal, demonstrating the potential of modern materials in traditional artistry.

The Road Ahead: Sculpting the Future

Sridhar’s relentless pursuit of excellence has solidified his reputation as a perfectionist. His ability to adapt, innovate, and mentor the next generation ensures that India’s sculpting heritage remains not just preserved but also continually evolving. At Gombeyamane, every sculpture tells a story—of devotion, craftsmanship, and the timeless legacy of a family that has dedicated itself to the art of bringing stone, metal, and silicone to life.

For anyone passionate about art, heritage, or simply witnessing tradition meet innovation, Gombe Mane offers an experience like no other—a space where history is sculpted anew every day.