Common Man
Siddhesh was an impassioned observer of nature, of events, personalities, human interactions et al. His pivotal character however was a common man, who was otherwise so uncommon (disparate) if observed intently, be it a villager, a city dweller, a nurse or, say, an old lady.
Humble Courtier (1976-06-02/1976-06-10) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Humble Courtier
The contours of this stone offered to the eyes of Siddhesh, the profile of a courtier. His brush however moved on the natural lines of the stone to highlight the humility in the eyes of the character – a signature of the artist in this art work.
By this gentleman's headgear one can identify authority, but his eyes have a very humble expression. Siddhesh never chiselled his stones to get the correct proportions but he highlighted the best possible figure made by nature on his stones.
Bird Watcher (1973-03-16/1973-03-22) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Bird Watcher
The person seems to be a keen bird watcher. People who showed interest in birds and animals had a keen eye to locate a unique bird or an animal. Here, he seems to be looking for his lost pigeon.
Hill Belle (1965-05/1995-12) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Hill Belle
Siddhesh highlights the curve lines of this stone to illustrate a young doe-eyed hill woman, venturing out to collect wood and grass for cattle at home, in bright coloured dress. These colourful scarves help in locating women, who may at times get lost due to the engulfing fog or low clouds.
Tabla Player (1975-01-15/1975-01-20) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Tabla Player
This stone had dense contours. The keen eyes of the artist worked around the background space (in blue) of the tabla, to perceive the entire art work of a tabla player. He seems to be a learner, as evident from his dress, and his curious look at his hands.
Wish I Could See the World (1980-09-12/1980-09-17) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Wish I Could See
Siddhesh sighted a face on the stone and sensed that the contour lines did not offer the eyes. He picked his brush and made visible a blind person. He intensified the artwork further by the grey of stone, the blue of sky and the green earth – which the blind can't see.
Audience (1980-06-17/1980-06-25) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Couple Enjoying a Concert
Siddhesh ingeniously draws out the profile of a couple in sync with the waves. The couple has a characteristic upward tilt in their face as if immersed in a music which is blowing in the wind.
Soldier (1978-04-22/1978-04-29) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Soldier
Siddhesh draws out from his childhood recollections, a British soldier's profile, and in this instance, the red cap, stiffness and a bit of a haughty look, perhaps from pride.
Here the soldier is wearing an old heavy British cap from Royal Army. Soldiers are given uniforms to keep them under discipline, recognition and authority, and as safety measures for the head. Here you can see the headgear has a distinctly different design, and he has the preparedness that a soldier is seen with.
Chain Smoker (1965-05/1995-12) by SiddheshSiddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art
Chain Smoker
This character is addicted to cigarette smoking. The addict, despite losing health, is unable to leave the bête noire. His lowered gaze tells that story.
