Chhipadohar (Jharkhand), Nov. 18: Perhaps not all master craftsmen or artists find their due place in life. Despite having a huge potential to astonish art lovers at national galleries, Jeetu Mistri of Jharkhand’s Palamu District is living nobody’s life.

Despite being an impressive woodwork artist of animals and idols that have won him countless accolades and a gold medal at the national level exhibition, the sexagenarian is leading a pitiable life at his Chhipadohar Village near Betla National Park.

A wood sculptor of extraordinary excellence, Jeetu has mastered the art of sculpting animals and idols. But for lacking the quintessential patronage for his artworks, the sculptor finding it hard to even survive with the dignity of an artist of his perfection.

Earlier, he used to do the work of patching and decorating the bones of snakes in the Nature's Museum of Betla National Park. This art of sculpting with bones motivated him to try the same on wood.

"I got this inspiration from Betla National Park where I, along with my father, used to join the snake bones for display in the museum. We always thought of making it from wood and we finally started this work, " said Jeetu Mistri.

With wood, Jeetu has made several attractive sculptures of animals like snakes, buffaloes, deer and idols of God.

He claims to have been once invited to display his work abroad, but refused while contending that he didn’t wish to barter country's art for money with foreigners. But little did this artist thought, that he was refusing a lifetime offer.

Today, Jeetu eagerly awaits support from the State government or District administration to survive his special art in woodwork.

"I make it with so much of labour but we don't earn even half of the amount we spend on its material. So we have slowed down the speed of our work because we have to educate children too. If the Government provides us some support, we can create a better work, " he added.

Neighbours and friends are also disappointed to see such an artist of great potential living such a miserable life.

"He crafts the sculptures of wild animals like snakes, elephants but he doesn't get the enough money for his art. He is doing this work for many years just to save his art, " said Kamta Prasad, a neighbour. (ANI)