In the year 2018, Ikram Hussain was honoured with the prestigious National Award for his outstanding brass carving craftsmanship. He has also been recognized with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Award.
Moradabad: The traditional craft of engraving has been passed down through generations in Ikram Hussain’s community. His father, Haji Abdul Hameed, also practiced the same craft. Being born into a family of artists, Ikram was drawn to art from a young age. Instead of pursuing higher education, he found his interest in honing his skills at engraving brass. Engraving brass is a traditional skill of making intricate designs on brass or metal. Ikram diligently learned the craft from his father and carried forward the family’s legacy.
Early life
Ikram Hussain reflects on his journey as an artist. In the 1970s, he fondly remembers saving the coins in a piggy bank that his parents gave him. With the collected amount of Rs 3, he went to the market and bought some wood to work on. Over time, he perfected his skills, drawing inspiration from images of birds, animals, and humans. He gradually began working on metal. One afternoon, in his father’s absence, he tried a new project on metalwork, and received praise and encouragement for his talent for the craft.
Struggles of an artist
During the time, Ikram Hussain found it difficult to get decent compensation for his work. However, his passion for this craft remained unwavering, driving him to consistently innovate. He worked in metal carving workshops to earn a living, and often received inadequate payments. Determined to change the circumstances, he took his creations to the market himself and began selling them at affordable prices. Fortunately, he was able to receive a fair amount for his art, prompting him to embark on his entrepreneurial journey.
National Award
Remarkably, Ikram Hussain’s intricate carving work not only gained national admiration but also received immense appreciation from foreign countries. He was so dedicated to his craft that he chose not to marry. In the year 2018, Ikram was honoured with the prestigious National Award for his outstanding brass carving craftsmanship. He has also been recognized with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Award. His latest creation of the Ram Darbar on a Kalash (pitcher) is earning him widespread appreciation from the public.
Conducting workshops
It is truly incredible to see how when one does not give up in the pursuit of their dreams, recognition organically comes their way. Today, Ikram Hussain is invited by prestigious institutions to impart his knowledge and skills to aspiring artists. In March 2018, he conducted training sessions for 50 students at the National Institute of Fashion Technology on metal carving. In November 2017, he gave training to 200 students at Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan, Patna. He has also received recognition from the Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar and the Governor.
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