Amritsar-based artist 'toothpicks' his way to raise poll awareness

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 24

It took 16 days for city-based artist and teacher Baljinder Singh Mann to finish a piece of art aimed at raising awareness under district SVEEP activities. Baljinder once again proved his nuance with art, as he created a model of a stamp with a message ‘Every Vote Matters’ using 18,400 toothpicks.

It has three layers of platform created using toothpicks, joined together by adhesives and a mount created on top. The stamp underneath has been made with toothpicks as well.

“I wanted to do my bit to encourage voters to exercise their right. We must be a part of the electoral process and not think that one vote would not make a difference. It took me 16 days, working 4-5 hours each day to complete the model,” he said.

Baljinder had earlier, in 2020, registered a record on his name by creating a 470-ft long strip of Tricolour using 71,000 toothpicks. His interesting and unique creation stands out for its shear detailing, as he painstakingly glued 71,000 toothpicks on a delicate strip of paper. The International Book of Records has registered his name for creating the longest painting on toothpicks for the particular feat. His other notable works include a shadow portrait of Shaheed Bhagat Singh made from toothpicks.

A teacher of social science at Government Senior Secondary School, Kot Baba Deep Singh, Baljinder has been working on creating unique pieces by using an unusual tool — toothpicks.

“I always wanted to explore different mediums as an artist and toothpicks are quite delicate to work with. It requires patience and extreme amount of caution. Sometimes I have to make several attempts to complete a piece. I have made several unique designs over the period of years, which now makes me confident to create anything I set my mind to with toothpicks,” he said.