Today we’d like to introduce you to Santosh Bhanu Kumar Mande
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Journey: From Southern India to New Horizons
My name is Mande Santosh Bhanu Kumar, born and raised in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, southern India. As the eldest of three brothers, I grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a deep connection to my family. My father, Satyanarayana, worked as a civil employee in the Indian Navy, imparting the values of discipline and hard work. My mother, Maheswari, provided the loving foundation of our home.
A Spark of Inspiration: From Toymaker to Aspiring Engineer
Throughout life, certain moments leave a lasting impact. For me, that moment came At 14, my fascination with invention was ignited by the cartoon Dexter’s Laboratory. This early interest in science led me to pursue mechanical engineering. During my second year of college, a Tech fest challenge inspired me to transform a toy car into a robotic walking creature. Despite my initial nervousness, the positive feedback from my peers boosted my confidence and drove me to create more innovative designs.
Building on Success: From College Rejection to Recognition
Fueled by the success of my initial projects, I started designing more complex models, including a robotic arm and other innovative creations. You can find some of these early works in school at www.mechabots.blogspot.com.
As I approached my final year in college, I envisioned creating a “spy robot” for my final project. However, my college rejected the idea. Undeterred, I decided to pursue the project independently. A friend offered me the opportunity to work on it on his behalf, and together we developed the “Crawbot,” a robot dedicated to the Indian Army. The project gained significant attention, even earning a feature in the local newspapers.
This recognition opened doors for me. I was invited to numerous fests and workshops to showcase my work. Despite being a B.Tech graduate, I found myself handling M.Tech projects, with some of my work even being included in published journals on platforms like IEEE Xplore.
Exploring New Passions: The Birth of a Micro Artist
Parallel to my technical pursuits, an unexpected source of inspiration came from an unlikely place—a movie outing with friends. We went to see Makhe, and while everyone else was engrossed in the performances, I found myself captivated by the intricate art the actress was creating on a pencil. That moment sparked something in me, and I couldn’t shake the desire to create something similar.
Although my mind was filled with engineering concepts, I was determined to explore this new artistic passion. I decided to create micro art on pencil lead. Armed with a pencil and a blade, I began the delicate process of carving. After several failed attempts and broken pencils, I realized I needed a better approach. This led me to redesign a sharpener, modifying it so that the pencil lead could pass through while maintaining the desired diameter at the tip.
A Journey of Innovation and Artistry: From Micro Art to Micro-Robotics
My journey into art began unexpectedly during a movie outing with friends. While they were engrossed in the film Makhe, I was captivated by a scene where the actress created intricate art on a pencil. This moment ignited a spark within me, and I decided to pursue this newfound passion.
Initially, I struggled to carve even simple shapes. My first attempt was to carve the letter “S,” but despite my best efforts, my hand would shake, making it challenging to achieve the desired curve. After more than 80 attempts and breaking numerous pencils, I finally succeeded. This breakthrough was a significant moment, boosting my confidence and leading me to explore more artistic possibilities. My passion for micro art grew, and I began creating various pieces purely for personal satisfaction.
Unexpectedly, my art started gaining attention. Newspapers published articles about my work, and I launched a website called “SANART,” a blend of my name and art. The term “sanart” became synonymous with micro art, receiving positive reviews on Google. I combined my photography skills with my craft, which further enhanced the appeal of my creations.
As my art gained popularity, I began receiving requests from gift dealers across India. What started with five companies soon expanded to over ten. I supplied my micro art to renowned gift shops such as Gift Basket, Surprise Vizag, Gifts and Gallery, Plan It, Mera Gifts, Gifting Nation, and Darling Paradise. Balancing my job, M.Tech studies, and micro art commissions became a challenge, but I managed it with dedication, crafting each piece with love.
My efforts culminated in a TEDx talk where I shared my story, and I was honored to receive the India Book of Records for carving a miniature Charminar on pencil lead.
In 2019, I embarked on a new chapter by coming to the USA to pursue a master’s in Project Management. During my studies, I continued to receive special orders for my micro art from around the world, though I accepted only a select few to maintain quality and personal touch.
After graduation, I began working with IT companies as a project manager, managing several projects and honing my skills. Currently, I am with Indus Group Inc. as the Director of Sales and Project Manager, where I lead diverse projects and contribute to the company’s growth.
My passion for integrating technology and art has led me to an exciting new venture: combining robotics with micro art to develop a unique concept called micro-robotics. This innovative fusion is still in progress, and I am enthusiastic about the possibilities it holds.
Additionally, I am looking forward to exhibiting my art in the USA, sharing my work with a broader audience and continuing to inspire others through my art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While my journey has been rewarding, it has certainly not been without its challenges. One of the initial hurdles was the rejection of my final year project idea—a “spy robot”—by my college. This setback was disheartening, but I chose to persevere, eventually developing the “Crawbot” independently. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of pursuing my vision despite obstacles.
In addition, my early attempts at creating micro art were fraught with difficulties. Carving delicate designs on pencil leads required precision and patience, and I faced numerous failed attempts and broken pencils. Redesigning my tools to achieve the desired results was a significant challenge, but it was also a pivotal learning experience that fueled my determination.
Balancing my technical career with my passion for micro art presented another set of challenges. Managing my job responsibilities, M.Tech studies, and art commissions required meticulous time management and dedication. Despite the busy schedule, I remained committed to my craft and ensured that each piece was crafted with care.
Moving to the USA and pursuing a master’s degree while continuing to manage international art orders added another layer of complexity. Adapting to a new country and balancing academic and professional commitments with my artistic pursuits demanded significant effort and adaptability.
These struggles have shaped my journey, teaching me valuable lessons in perseverance, time management, and adaptability. Each challenge has ultimately contributed to my growth and success, reinforcing my belief in the importance of following one’s passion despite the hurdles along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
A Blend of Engineering and Art: My Specializations and Achievements
I specialize in a unique blend of mechanical engineering and micro art, combining my technical background with creative expression to produce innovative and intricate designs. My work spans several domains, including robotics, micro art, and the integration of these fields into groundbreaking concepts.
Robotics and Engineering:
In the realm of robotics, I am known for developing various models, including the “Crawbot,” a robot dedicated to the Indian Army. This project received significant recognition and media coverage, showcasing my ability to innovate and solve complex engineering problems. My technical expertise also extends to designing special-purpose machines (SPM) for various industries, which I currently manage as the Director of Sales and Project Manager at Indus Group Inc.
Micro Art:
On the artistic front, I am most renowned for my micro art, which involves carving intricate designs on pencil leads. What sets me apart in this field is my ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art through meticulous craftsmanship. My micro art project, “SANART,” has gained widespread attention and acclaim, with my work being featured in newspapers and receiving positive reviews online. I am particularly proud of my India Book of Records achievement for carving a miniature Charminar on a pencil lead, a testament to my skill and dedication.
Unique Aspects and Future Endeavors:
What sets me apart is the fusion of my engineering skills with my artistic vision. I am currently exploring an innovative concept called micro-robotics, which integrates robotics with micro art to create unique and interactive pieces. This novel approach reflects my passion for both technology and art, pushing the boundaries of traditional fields and offering new possibilities.
I am also looking forward to exhibiting my micro art in the USA, aiming to share my creations with a broader audience and continue inspiring others through my work. This endeavor represents the culmination of my journey and a new chapter in my artistic and professional life.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
1. Collaboration Opportunities:
If you’re interested in collaborating with me, there are several ways we can work together:
IT Consulting and Development: With extensive experience in IT consulting and development, I offer services that include project management, technology integration, and custom development solutions. If you need expert advice or development support for IT projects, we can explore how my services can meet your needs.
Project Collaboration: Whether it’s a robotics project, a new micro art creation, or a unique fusion of both, I’m open to collaborating with individuals, organizations, or institutions that share a passion for innovation and creativity. My background in both engineering and art provides a unique perspective that can add value to collaborative efforts.
Workshops and Events: I am available to participate in workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements where I can share my expertise in robotics, micro art, and the intersection of these fields. If you’re organizing an event or looking for a speaker who can provide insights into these areas, I would be delighted to contribute.
Exhibitions and Shows: I am also interested in showcasing my micro art and micro-robotics at exhibitions, galleries, and art shows. If you have opportunities for displaying artwork or integrating technology with art in your events, I would love to be involved.
2. Support and Engagement:
Support for my work can come in various forms:
Promoting My Work: Sharing my projects and achievements through social media, blogs, or other platforms helps increase visibility and reach. Your support in spreading the word about my micro art and innovative concepts would be greatly appreciated.
Commissioning Artwork: If you’re interested in acquiring custom micro art pieces or exploring the integration of robotics and art, feel free to reach out. Commissioning artwork or projects not only supports my work but also allows you to own a unique piece of art.
Feedback and Engagement: Providing feedback on my work or engaging in discussions about robotics, micro art, or related topics can be incredibly valuable. Your insights and perspectives can contribute to the growth and evolution of my projects.
Partnerships: If you represent a company, institution, or organization that aligns with my work, exploring partnership opportunities could be mutually beneficial. Collaborations in research, development, or creative projects can lead to exciting new ventures.
3. Contact Information:
To explore collaboration opportunities, support my work, or discuss potential projects, including IT consulting and development services, please contact me through the following channels:
Email: santhoshmech333@gmail.com
Website: www.sanart.in
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/santhoshstark/
www.instagram.com/artsfortheday/
I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about innovation, art, and technology. Together, we can create impactful and inspiring work.
Pricing:
- $100
- $500
- $800
- $1000
- $2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sanart.in
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santhoshstark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santosh.bhanu3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@santhoshbhanumande8914
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/artsfortheday/
