Bhubaneswar, July 16: Papier-mâché is easily a fantastic material to shape fantasies and dreams.

At least for Arun Kumar Ojha, an economics lecturer from Keonjhar, it has done wonders. Ojha’s exclusive exhibition of papier-mâché sculptures at Orissa Modern Art Gallery here shows how well the medium and the artist work together.

A self-taught sculptor, Ojha, was so inspired by the eco-friendly, light and durable stuff that it took him no time to try it. “Floors with sticky stuff lying around and sticky hands might be a tad upsetting at the beginning. However, imagine the pleasure of working with papier-mâché. The piece in each phase of its creation looks so different, the process is really rewarding,” said Ojha.

Today, the lecturer confidently experiments with the material to design impressive models and decorative pieces for home furnishing.

And it seems that gone are the days when papier-mâché was meant as a cheap substitute for better stuff — say Plaster of Paris?

Today pen cases, lamp shades, kettles and cups, boxes for jewellery, food, condiments, dry fruits and such stuff, bowls, vases, pendants, bracelets, wall decorations and ceiling panels made of papier-mâché are in huge demand.

Ojha’s affair with paper started with his visit to Vandipallayam in Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu a few years back.

“Every family there worked on papier-mâché. But each family was entrusted with a particular model that would not be repeated by any other.

“If a family was entrusted to make the Ganesha, they were not supposed to make lamps or boxes. This was a business understanding and it of course hones the quality of the products,” he said.

After his return there was no looking back for Ojaha, who sought help from uncle Harihar Sutar — fortunately for him a national-award winner. Sutar, a master craftsman in papier-mâché, has been working on traditional products for quite some time. Carving out idols of the Holy Trio gave him enough business in the market.

But, not to be saddled with merely a singular form, Ojha wanted to experiment and after learning the basics of the craft, tried his hands on the material to create a variety of products.

And he tried it all — vases, mythological fusions, wall decors and busts.

His latest creation however is not a pen and paper creation but a real hardcore society —Samskrutiki — for cultural development. It is supported by the lecturer-turned-artist and hosts exhibitions to promote new artists.