Sticking to a passion

SticksKF02apr2015

It’s not uncommon for people to pick up a stick and fiddle with it. But eventually they get bored of the ‘game’ and throw it aside. Bheemaiah KK, however, decided to earn a living from these discarded pieces of wood.

‘Bheemstyx’ is a unique start-up – most people don’t spend years curing and crafting sticks that are otherwise disregarded in an attempt to turn them into something beautiful and durable. Bheemaiah has, over time, progressed from crafting walking sticks to home decor sticks, gadget sticks, city walking sticks and more.

“About a year ago, I found inspiration in a friend’s collection of hand-carved walking sticks; I had a though ‘I could make those and I could make them even better!’,” he says. Since then, the coffee planter from Coorg, who shuttles between Bengaluru and Madikeri, has spent a lot of time scavenging for different kinds of sticks. He says he doesn’t go in search of a particular kind of a stick but rather, “When I see a stick on the ground, I think what I can do with it. I never cut a tree to make the sticks.”

Bheemaiah has an altogether thorough process of making the sticks. He says he prefers hunting for sticks in summer and spring because then they are relatively dry and free from insect infestation. “The process is very time consuming because far more sticks are rejected than harvested because they are either too crooked, thin, thick or straight…there are a million reasons! When I get home, I first strip off the bark and allow the branch to dry in the sun for up to two weeks, while sealing the ends up to prevent splitting. Then I let it dry for a few more months before I decide what to do with them.” The sticks are then sanded, shaped, painted, accessorised and glamourised.

The sticks are unique because not only are they hand-carved but they are multi-purpose. Made from hardwood, there are country and deep river walking sticks that come with a compass or catapult attached to the head of the sticks. They also have rubber soles to give the user a sturdy grip. According to Bheemaiah, decorative sticks are becoming popular these days. “They are intricately made and look fashionable. I also provide sticks that provide support to the plants in a garden. Anyone who needs any kind of a stick, I deliver it.” What are his favourite sticks? “I always have a stick made from Rattan vine in my jeep – it’s like bamboo and very flexible. You can bend it and it will straight up.”

How does one look after a stick? “Don’t leave it in the sun for long periods of time as it will crack; store it in cool, shady spots. Oil it often but don’t soak it, and wipe the residue as it will become sticky,” advices Bheemaiah.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Ananya Revanna, Bengaluru / DHNS – April 02nd, 2015

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