Varanasi 2 Print

I am a BFA drop out ; couldn't afford art materials instead I got into a medical school on scholarship. In the beginning I painted because I loved colors which went on to being a route to vent out my feeling. I learned whatever I know of art through teachers, reading books or listening to artists and then I copied in any form I could before I began on my own. It helped me vent out my feelings as my medical practice mostly put me on an edge but the year 2020 changed a lot. I lost my only brother and mother to Covid and went bankrupt and things changed...my art became a meditation. it kept me sane and gave me peace of mind. Today my home is littered with art materials and just looking at them makes me happy. Though I have been painting for the last 20 years, I have only now understood what art really gives. I am inspired by the world around me and what I perceive of the life and the million things that make it beautiful yet confusing, lively yet challenging, the turmoil and the strength, the pain and the pleasure, the instability and faith, the financial and moral poverty and yet the humanity, all the contradiction and the distortions...I have been inspired from the strength of the people I meet in my daily life to the people I read about Other than that I love reading. I write too. and I love humor which I believe is not just a way to escape reality but also a great way to speak the truth . I have been working with children and women in the field of health and empowerment in remote corners of India especially Kutch for the last 10 years which has helped me understand and enjoy the folk art which is so immensely vibrant and so full of life that I can barely describe it . I just hope to be a good student. People often ask me 'Why do you paint?' 'It's the best form of meditation.' is my answer.