Irinjalakuda: The 1993 science fiction film 'Jurassic Park' left an enduring impression on movie watchers world over. The images of dinosaurs on screen influenced schoolboy Deepak here in Thrissur district so much that he took to making cardboard sculptures of the extinct animal. Today after more than a quarter century after watching the Spielberg film as a Class 7 student, he has created virtually a ‘Jurassic Park’ with cardboard.
Deepak remembers watching ‘Jurassic Park’ with his father Suresh. Later, when he began sculpture, the first creations were naturally dinosaurs.
Suresh, a tailor, also used to make handicraft items. His sister Deepthi is adept at turning waste materials into pretty flowers.
The raw materials for Deepak’s dinosaurs are discarded cardboard pieces and gum. At first glance, the works resemble wood. Deepak, incidentally, spends months to create each of his dinosaurs. Every detail is taken care of, including the long legs, sharp teeth and prominent horns.
While creating each sculpture, Deepak tries to bring more perfection than in his previous work. A curious aspect of Deepak’s dinosaurs is that all of them are in the standing position.
Some works proved to be a big challenge, especially the horns of a sea creature that he saw in a movie.
Apart from sculpting dinosaurs, the youth has another talent; creating beautiful paintings on canvas. Now Deepak is busy preparing to exhibit his creations at Sangeetha Nataka Akademy hall next month.
His workplace is a handicraft store run by his friend near the Town Hall.
