HS Arts Inspiration- The Honest Journey of an Artist

     My artistic journey began in childhood, where the world itself seemed like an infinite canvas. Crayons and finger paints ignited my fascination with color, enabling me to translate emotions into tangible creations. Art became my voice when words failed me, offering solace and healing during life's ups and downs.

As I grew, so did my passion, inspired by great artists of the past. I explored diverse mediums, from water colours to oil paints each revealing facets of my evolving identity. Today, I cherish the lifelong path art has carved, teaching me persistence, creativity, and self-expression. It's a testament to the magic of discovering one's passion early, a reminder that our passions define who we are. The seeds of creativity were sown deep within my soul, and they sprouted naturally, like the first colorful blooms of spring.

Art was my sanctuary, a safe space where I could process life's complexities and find healing. 

In every stroke of the brush, in every line on the canvas, I find not only art but also a piece of my soul. It is a reminder that our passions are not just hobbies; they are the very essence of who we are. My artistic journey is an enduring testament to the magic of discovering one's passion at a tender age, which I wish to share. 

  It was an ordinary day in Kendriya Vidhyalya, Sector 31, Chandigarh, where my journey as an artist began. I was just a third-grader a young boy of about 9 years , a curious and wide-eyed child navigating the wonders of the world. The sun's rays streamed into the classroom, casting a warm glow on our desks, as the teacher announced an upcoming art competition that would forever change the course of my life. 

The competition wasn't just a school event; it was a competition with a twist - selected artwork would be sent to the erstwhile USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) for judging. 

My chosen subject was a rainy street scene of Chandigarh. I meticulously painted the wet streets, the reflections of streetlights, and the pedestrians hurrying along the sidewalk. Yet, the centerpiece of my painting was a magnificent Ambassador car, an iconic vehicle of its time. With its curved, symmetrical lines and distinct character, it was much more than just an automobile.

Little did I know that this simple act, this participation in a national competition, would set the wheels in motion for my artistic journey.

Weeks later, the news arrived - I had won a prize! My painting had been selected from among entries from all over India and was deemed worthy of recognition. It was a moment of pure elation, a validation of my creative spirit that would stay with me for a lifetime.

Looking back, I realize that this seemingly small achievement ignited a fire within; shaping me into the artist and human being I am today. It was not just about winning a prize; it was about discovering the boundless possibilities of self-expression through art. 

As an Army officer's child, my life was marked by the nomadic rhythm of postings and relocations. With each transfer, my family and I embarked on new adventures, leaving behind familiar landscapes and acquainting ourselves with new ones. In the sixth standard, I found myself moving from the familiar halls of KV Chandigarh to the enchanting hills of Dalhousie, a picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Dalhousie, with its mist-shrouded mountains and verdant landscapes, offered a canvas of inspiration. The tranquil beauty of this hill station stirred my artistic soul, and I found solace in the midst of nature's grandeur. Here, amidst the whispers of the pines and the melody of mountain streams, my journey as an artist continued.

Through these interactions, I discovered the transformative power of art not only as a means of self-expression but also as a vehicle for fostering creativity and resilience in others. The sparkle in a child's eye as they unveiled their creation mirrored the joy that art had brought into my life.

 This lesson took root in my artistic journey, propelling me to practice proportions tirelessly, particularly in outdoor settings. As I honed this skill, I extended it to human anatomy, dissecting not only the human form but also individual body parts.  

Regrettably, our art teacher's presence was ephemeral, spanning just a few months before he departed from the school. However, the profound lesson he imparted on that luck day served as the cornerstone of my artistic foundation. It propelled me along the path of improvement, shaping me into the artist I am today, and for that, I remain profoundly grateful.

During the 10th board exams at Dalhousie Public School, external invigilators brought a pleasant surprise. Their amazement was palpable as they leafed through my practical files. They marveled at the intricacy of the drawings, wondering aloud how someone could wield a pen or pencil so beautifully. "These are even better than the real specimens," they exclaimed.

Amongst all my files, the Biology practical book garnered the most praise, offering ample opportunities for shading and detail. The external examiners couldn't contain their astonishment and eagerly showcased my work to fellow students, teachers, and even the school principal.

Their admiration didn't stop there. They sought permission from both me and our esteemed Principal to carry my files back as exemplary samples. The overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment from this recognition was immeasurable. It was a pivotal moment in my journey of developing into an artist, reaffirming my passion and propelling me toward greater artistic heights.

I was deeply passionate and engrossed in art, to the extent that I aspired to enroll in an Arts college in Chandigarh. However, my entire family, particularly my father, strongly opposed this decision. He tried to convince me by presenting the harsh reality of life, stating, "There is no career in art, and you will end up wandering aimlessly with a cotton bag and burden on your shoulders." Despite his efforts, I remained unconvinced. In an attempt to dissuade me further, he called upon his cousin, Mr. Dharam, whom, I had proclaimed as my mentor or "Guru" on my own. Mr. Dharam shared his own experience of pursuing Fine Arts from one of the top colleges in India, only to find himself and his friends compelled to take up teaching positions in schools with limited prospects for growth. He advised me to prioritize securing a good job and, if I truly had a passion for art, to continue pursuing it alongside my career. Taking his advice to heart, I enrolled in Pre-University at Shri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College in Chandigarh, opting for non-medical science subjects. Unfortunately, the college offered limited opportunities for artistic expression, so I had to practice on my own and focused on other subjects, particularly English, as our professor, Mrs. Rita, was exceptionally skilled in teaching it. 

Once I registered for the competition, I was left with just 3-4 days to choose a subject and medium. Oil painting was uncharted territory for me, and I had no prior experience with it. I ventured to an art supply store and purchased a limited set of oil painting materials. The challenge ahead loomed large, and I grappled with the fundamental question that often plagues beginners: "How do I begin?" Seeking guidance, I turned to the library, where I pored over books about oil painting techniques and selected a landscape from a Walter Foster book as my subject.

As I started working on the painting, it quickly became apparent that my initial attempts fell short of my expectations; the result was flat and far from resembling reality. Frustrated, I sought the counsel of my mentor, Mr. Dhram. I asked him, "What's wrong with it?" His response left an indelible mark on my artistic journey: "There is no right or wrong in art; do what you enjoy. It's a journey to be embraced, and as long as you don't give up, you'll witness growth and improvement." I've carried this valuable lesson with me ever since.

 The following day, brimming with energy and confidence, I resumed work on the landscape that I had left unfinished. This landscape, created in 1986 as my first oil painting, remains my favorite to this day. I believe I can never replicate the effect, particularly that of the tree, and thus, I've never mustered the courage to attempt it again. 

 Following my graduation, I relocated to Jaipur and enrolled in the MA English literature program at Rajasthan University. My artistic voyage persisted, and I forged new, enduring friendships, primarily among my classmates, some seniors, and an occasional junior. 

I extend heartfelt thanks to each of them, including Dabloo (may he rest in peace), Manan, Patni, Sanjeeva, Jai, Bully, Hada, Subhash, and Bhawani, for not only shaping my life but also becoming an integral part of it.

I participated in the Inter-Univ Youth festval and even won prizes in many disciplines. The best part was when I used to draw this sketch with coloured chalk on the black board and everyone used to admire without knowing who drew it.

Over the years, I produced thousands of artworks and generously gifted them to friends and colleagues. My reasoning was simple: I needed to keep honing my skills, but I couldn't possibly manage such a vast collection of art. By presenting one work to someone I knew, I not only made them immensely happy but also ensured the preservation of that single piece of art.

During the challenging times of the Covid pandemic, I ventured into the world of Acrylic colors and found myself falling in love with this medium.  For now, you can explore my artwork, but stay tuned for more stories to come.

The chapter of my life dedicated to full-time art - "Why Now" - represents a transformative phase in my journey as an artist. To be continued...