Art & Craft
Illustrator Sanjana Goenka: Her Journey of Art and How it Saved her.
The story of Illustrator and Artist Sanjana Goenka and how she uses art and illustrations to raise awareness around mental health issues.
Sanjana’s journey with art is beautiful with all elements of ups and downs. Truly, we live for art. It is like a fresh breath of air and livening to the heart. For Sanjana, art was not just a splash of colours and mandala, but a door for a new chapter in her life. Struggling with her mental health, art became one of her mediums to understand and express herself. Born in Mumbai, and with an undergraduate degree in business management from London, Sanjana dropped all conventions and norms to follow the beat of her heart. It is sheer love and passion for art which is sustaining her. She is now an illustrator and an artist.
The Beginning
A 3-year-old Sanjana was already fascinated by art and colours. Like every memorable precious memory that gets stuck in our head and heart so vividly, Sanjana too had her moment with art. It was that very moment that made her realise how vibrant she feels with art around her.
The memory goes, as narrated by Sanjana, “Art has always been something I loved, but I remember the day I knew I loved it. I was 5 years old when I had to make a poster for school. My mum drew a picture of a chef for my poster, and I was convinced that my mum was superhuman and surely the finest artist in the world! Since then, I had an insatiable urge to draw everything and on everything.” To be a 5-year-old child and remember this surely tells the gravity of how dear art has meant to Sanjana since the very beginning.
Initially Sanjana wanted to do Architecture, but realised that she wasn’t capable of much for it, therefore she willingly dropped it and moved to pursue business management in London. This was a turning point in Sanjana’s life. Halfway through her job, Sanjana was going through mental health issues. She got diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety. During that time, art anchored her towards calmness and serenity. Sanjana did Zentangle art, an art form similar to Mandala drawings. The consistent lines and mark making produced immaculate and structured pieces of art, which helped her to cope. It was natural for her then to drop her job and make a career out of art.
The Journey
Over the years, Sanjana has been in a much better place mentally. Moving on from Zentangle Art, she is in a constant pursuit of finding the art which resonates with her. Changing her art style completely was one of the courageous steps in life that she took.
Abstract concepts, colours, themes, and anomalous pieces of art intrigue her. She believes in producing art fit for the walls rather than conventional drawings for Social Media, which are forgotten. Sanjana told us that producing specific kinds of artwork, which were ‘social media worthy’, amassed her a lot of followers.
However, the main purpose of art for her is to feel something. Struggling with mental health, art has been healing and therapeutic for her. To not be able to connect with art in the same way frustrated her. Art reeled her in and became a reflection of her mental health. Sticking to one art style betrayed that honesty. Changing her art style led to a lower reach on her social media, but led to more enquiries on buying her art. On changing her art style completely, Sanjana says that, “It definitely felt like a moment when I had to take a huge leap of faith because I had to bet solely on myself.”
The main theme that Sanjana explores with her artworks is Identity. All of her illustrations and art pieces attempt to encapsulate the differences in each person’s identity. The distortions and unconventionality in her pieces celebrates the uniqueness of every individual.
Sanjana’s favourite artists are F.N. Souza and Egon Schiele. Their work on figures and faces are incredible to her. She also finds Jean-Michel Basquiat’s use of colour and expression interesting. On unmotivated and tired days, Sanjana watches videos and reads topics and concepts she finds gripping. The videos and readings of course result in new thoughts, opinions, themes and ideas which she uses to go back to manifest it in her drawing and art.
Message for Aspiring Artists
Sanjana believes everybody has talent within them. For art, however, that’s not entirely the case. Art is in all of us, but hard work and persistence refines that element in us. As a message to all aspiring artists, Sanjana puts it in a few intelligible and honest words, “Passion is impossible to fake, and impossible to ignore.” She believes that if you find a path you want to follow, even if you’re pushed beyond your boundaries to follow it, don’t take it for granted. She asks all artists to have unwavering conviction in them because there can be days when the choices we make can fail us, but we should not undervalue ourselves, our work or our time. Learn, read and study, to unravel more about yourself and your art. Lastly, imitation of art could be flattery for some, but give the world your own true version.
Art & Craft
Exploring The Symphony Of Water-Colour Artists
Dive into a kaleidoscope of Watercolour artists—where every stroke and shade tells a story of boundless imagination.
In the vast landscape of artistic expression, creativity knows no bounds. From photography to the art world, a myriad of voices and visions intertwine to form a rich tapestry of human experience. This article embarks on a journey through the diverse realms of artistic creation through watercolour artists, celebrating the unique talents and perspectives that shape our world.
Dhirendra Mandge : @mandgedhirendra
Dhirendra Mandge has a portfolio featuring around 36 group exhibitions and 5 solo showcases. His artistic endeavours encompass figurative and abstract forms, with a current focus on exploring Indian heritage architecture. Mandge draws inspiration from the majestic historical forts, their unparalleled architectural marvels intriguing him. To him, heritage serves as a bridge linking the past with the present, embodying a timeless connection.
Rashmi Soni: @artist_rashmisoni
Rashmi Soni’s painting exudes the ethereal beauty of simplistic things, capturing moments of serenity and introspection. With delicate brushstrokes, she infuses her work with a beautiful mixture of colours that evoke a sense of wonder and tranquillity. Her eye for detail and mastery of colour invites viewers into a world of quiet contemplation.
Gulshan Achari: @gulshanachari
Gulshan Achari’s bold and dynamic compositions command attention, drawing viewers into a whirlwind of vibrant colours and swirling forms. His paintings pulsate with energy and movement, reflecting his passionate exploration of shape and architecture. Achari’s work challenges traditional notions of art, pushing boundaries and inviting viewers to engage with simplistic beauty.
Dhruba Mazumder : @dhrubafinearts
Dhruba Mazumder’s evocative portraits capture the complexity of human emotion with remarkable sensitivity and depth. Through subtle nuances of expression and meticulous attention to detail, he breathes life into her subjects, inviting viewers to glimpse the inner workings of natural beauty. Mazumder’s paintings resonate with authenticity and vulnerability, powerful reflections of the human experience.
Harshwaradhan Devtale: @harshwardhan_devtale
Harshwaradhan Devtale’s intricate layers of colour and texture create a sense of depth and dimensionality, inviting viewers to explore the interplay between light and shadow. This watercolour artist blurs the line between painting and reality, resulting in works that are extraordinary to witness.
Abhijit Jadhav: @abhijadhav_artist_official
Abhijit Jadhav’s cityscapes evoke a sense of wonder and awe, transporting viewers to otherworldly realms of imagination. Through watercolours he creates cityscapes that have paused their busy day just for him, capturing the moment through his imagination, memory and creativity.
Chetan C Sadashivan: @chetan.c.s
Chetan C Sadashivan, through meticulous attention to detail in his watercolour paintings and a keen understanding of form, captures the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Chetan’s paintings invite the viewers to pause and reflect on the inherent beauty of the world around them, reminding us to enjoy the beauty in simple moments.
Rahul Vishwakarma: @rahulvishwakarma.12
Rahul Viswakarma’s painting is poetic, this watercolour artist paints vivid portraits of emotion and experience, weaving them into tapestries of beauty and longing. His evocative paintings depict visuals of cities that are ethereal and immersive clubbed with his eye for meticulous detail, giving one solace and inspiration.
Conclusion:
One thing is abundantly clear: art knows no boundaries. Across cultures, genres and mediums creators continue to push the boundaries of expression, inspiring and challenging us to see the world in new ways. Let us celebrate the richness of diversity and the transformative power of creativity through these beautiful watercolour paintings.
Art & Craft
Instagram Portrait Artists: Just Looking Like A Wow!
Presenting Instagram portrait artists who are bound to blow you away with their harmonious blend of reality and creative whimsy.
Art as a creative form is difficult to master. But it’s even more difficult to decipher. Understanding a piece of art can never happen linearly as it is bound to branch out to various interpretations. Though it’s rather tempting to decipher each artist’s work, it’s only right that we give you the choice to go do it yourself at your convenience. Hence, we present to you Instagram portrait artists who are bound to blow you away with their skills.
Debojyoti Boruah
Breathing life into canvases, Debojyoti’s artworks capture life at its true essence. From the shiny gleam on your cheek to the slight wrinkle that forms around your eyes when you smile, each facial contort is meticulously captured by him. An Instagram portrait artist who believes in bringing realism out with his acrylics, you should check out his page if you are a realistic lover.
Sri Priyatham
Sketches that capture reality with a bit of creative flair, Priyatham’s works are a sight to behold. Each stroke and tension carry with them a lot of thought and emotion. Emphasizing and hiding just the right amount, he is one such Instagram portrait artist whose portraits are bound to make you stop and ponder.
Amit Naik
Balancing reality with an artistic sheen, Amit’s paintings remind you of the beauty in this lost world. From sketching to painting, his page is heaven for anyone looking for the lost sparkle in this world. An Instagram portrait artist specialising in portraits and cityscapes, check out his page to see the world through his gleaming creative lens.
Himani Jhawar Shah
Many consider sketching one of the easiest art forms, but the kind of sketching that looks exactly like a painting in greyscale requires much more effort than an average artist will put in. Adding layers and textures to her artwork, Himani’s sketches will bewitch you for a long time. The definition that each of her sketches holds is a testament to the expertise of this Instagram portrait artist.
Parag Borse
An international award-winning Indian artist, Parag’s works carry a tale within themselves. Playing with different colour palettes it’s the background in each piece that tells more about the portrait than the foreground. An Instagram portrait artist whose works with soft pastels are bound to leave you in awe.
Bansuri Mahendru
Taking the art of creating portraits to another level, Bansuri’s works carry with them a vintage whimsical charm. The soft strokes of her brush and serene background are bound to calm any turbulent mind. Bearing a resemblance to Baroque paintings, this Instagram portrait artist is here to soothe your soul with each brush stroke at a time.
Nilisha
Capturing figures in an overlapping manner, Nilisha’s works carry with them several intertwining tales. Each of these tales reveals different aspects of the painting making one stop and stare for hours trying to figure out the creative marvel they just witnessed. The layering technique used by this Instagram portrait artist is a testament to the artist’s expertise as a storyteller.
Anoop anu
A portrait artist whose pencil captures reality better than a DSLR camera. Anoop’s work is gonna stun you into silence. The way he captures each strand of hair with such precision is a feat that many artists dream of achieving. From pop culture to real life, Anoop tries to capture whatever catches his eye. He is an Instagram portrait artist for those looking for hyperrealistic portraits.
Harsha Kaveripura
Capturing portraits with his flair, Harsha’s works capture a sentiment like no other. From capturing beauty to the harsh reality, this Instagram portrait artist expertly uses art as his medium of expression as he doesn’t shy away from expressing his views through his works. A must-visit page for those looking for beauty with wokeness.
Do check out these Instagram artists!
Art & Craft
Palette Knife Technique : A Unique Genre of Art
Palette knife art technique is a phenomenal genre to explore. Here are five artists wielding the palette knife with finesse.
Art is magic, it is mystic and it is unfathomable. It encompasses a whole wide range of styles, techniques and mediums. Amongst the techniques of painting, one is the palette knife art technique. It employs a palette knife i.e. a blunt tool used for mixing or applying paint with a flexible steel blade. This technique is generally used on canvas and is now being used to create decorative handmade artworks. Here we present five phenomenal artists who are using their palette knives with precision and craftsmanship.
Ritu Kumar
Ritu Kumar is a modern artist or an abstract artist. Her strokes of colour have carved some of the most spectacular paintings in the art world. Her page is truly a visual pleasure of vibrance and texture. She uses palette knives with such precision that landscapes, abstracts and florals, all come to life. Her works are a pure reflection of precision and spontaneity. Not only palette knife art, Ritu has a niche in resin art as well as gold leaf art. By adding abstraction to ethnic art, she has been pleasing clients all over the world.
Ganesh Panda
Ganesh Panda, a Mumbai-based professional artist bestows the viewers with a joyous carnival of bold brush strokes and zestful compositions. His works majorly consist of sceneries, landscapes, riversides and everything in the world that is enough to narrate stories of humans. Light and shadow – the two aspects and their interplay creating a mesmerising effect form a major theme of his works. Blue, yellow and green along with a myriad of shades of these colours, Ganesh brings stories to life. He chooses diverse subjects and boldly experiments with the palette knife technique. To find out more about him, check out his website.
Neeraj Shirvaikar
Neeraj Shirvaikar who calls himself Bard of Bombay is a storyteller and miniature maker who blends narratives into the palette knife art world. His human portraits and natural landscapes speak volumes. His strokes tell stories and the vibrance in them carries a sense of movement and emotion. None of his pieces are silent, all of them tell tales; of cities, of people, of skies. The cityscapes tell certain compelling narratives and give the viewers something to explore the depth of imagination.
Salona Singh
Salona Singh is an art professional from the cultural capital of India – Kolkata. His oil paintings are realistic and surreal at the same time. His palette knife art is a combination of grace and intensity. He uses the palette knife to craft minute details in his works. His pieces are intense and refined with a harmony between bold pigments and delicate shades of vibrant hues. Indeed his artworks showcase his magic; a mastery of the palette knife technique. Know more about him here.
These artists are exemplifying the versatile and dynamic nature of the poignant palette knife art. The rare art form being one of the most difficult ones is being paid due reverence by the artists. Their choice of styles, subjects, themes, strokes and colours bring forth a mesmerising tapestry of the art form.
Art & Craft
Clay Artists For That Perfect Insta Glam or Kawaii Charm
In recent years clay art has gone beyond pots and mugs and has entered the world of fashion, check out our picks of some talented clay artists on Instagram!
Going beyond the realm of just being a decoration, clay art has reached the heights of practicality with the creation of clay incense stick holders, earrings, etc. And if you are new to this form of art we understand how overwhelming it must be as the amount of products that it can create is truly limitless. Hence, we bring to you our picks of the clay artists you must check out on Instagram!
Cry (@clayberry.in)
Looking for some cute charms to add an extra layer of Kawaii to your everyday things such as pencil pouches to mobile phones? Then this Instagram page is just for you. From Sanrio to Ghibli characters to cute bunnies and ice cream they cover it all. The best part, they do take custom orders!
Made of Clay (@madeofclay.in)
Looking for some sustainable yet chic earrings that capture each season and theme perfectly? Then this Instagram page is just for you. Dedicated solely to clay earrings, the craftsmanship of each piece of work is bound to leave you awestruck. The design and quality of work are clearly worth the hype. The amount of detail the clay artist has given to each piece is truly out of the world. Splurging on their work is totally an investment as their pieces are timeless!
Polymer Clay by Leah (@pupletcharms.in)
If you think you have seen all things Kawaii wait till you explore this Instagram page. They take their Kawaii(ness) very seriously! The colourful work coupled with a glossy finish is bound to make you scream UwU. The precise execution of these cute charms highlights the fine craftsmanship the clay artist holds and has probably honed with practice. You are bound to splurge more than you planned!
Craft Castle Store (@the.craftcastle.store)
Looking for some cute funky Y2K style clay charms and accessories, then this is your page! From detailed gothic charms to pixelated character charms, there is no limit to this clay artist’s ability to bring our imagination to life. From anime to dogs to keychains they can make it all with an extra dose of Kawaii!
Clay Confetti India (@clayconfetti.in)
Looking for trendy jewellery that is a good blend of Y2K and minimalism? Then this Instagram page is for you! The ability of this clay artist to tone down the loudness of Y2K fashion just a bit to let the minimalism shine makes their pieces a perfect choice for any formal or informal occasion. From glossy finish to matte finish they have it all!
HandyBloom (@handybloomhb)
Looking for some clay work to gift someone? Or is it something crochet that you think will be more appropriate? Or perhaps it’s candles that will make the perfect gift! Whatever it is they have you covered. Specialising in customised handmade products for gifting, they are sure to come up with something great personal for your loved ones. And their clay work truly takes the cake. From incense stick holders to clay mugs they can do it all!
Do check out these pages for all your clay art needs!
Art & Craft
Clay Artists To Complete Your Pinterest Look
Sustainability to cuteness, clay art has it all. Adding a rustic Kawaii charm to life, check out a curated list of talented clay artists.
Gone are the days when all clay was used for was to make pots and tableware. This is the era of making clay jewellery and trinkets. A generation that wears their past on their sleeves from crochet to Y2K fashion, it’s no wonder that they have brought clay art back in the most Gen Z way possible. From trinkets to pet tags to fridge magnets to bookmarks you name it and there’s something Kawaii made out of clay waiting to be adopted by you. We bring to you a curated list of some of the talented clay artists on Instagram to help you add an extra dose of Kawaii to your living space!
Lil flap Rhea (@lil.flap_)
Want to recreate your favourite anime characters? Or is an incense holder what you need? Lil flap Rhea has got you covered. Their clay work ranges from practical to pure cuteness. From cute clay trinkets and charms to clay jewellery like earrings and necklaces, everything is made with a lot of dedication and love! Plus they take custom orders too!
Wallfleur (@wallfleurthings)
Want to make something unique for your pet? Or looking for some unique fridge magnets or bookmarks? How about clay pet tags, fridge magnets and bookmarks? Wallfleur’s work in this department is a masterpiece. Done with perfection with a beautiful shine on all of them they are a perfect addition to your everyday aesthetic. And yes, they do take custom orders as well!
LittleMudDoor (@littlemuddoor)
Owning a 5-star rated Etsy gift shop, and claiming that they can re-create almost anything you send them a picture of, LittleMudDoor will act like your fairy godmother when you’re in a pickle and are unable to decide what to gift. But among all their re-creations it’s their clay work that stands out the most. Done with absolute perfection mixed with a whole lot of cuteness, their work will leave you in awe!
Lilac Boat (@lilacboatshop)
Spreading smiles around the world with one cute clay trinket at a time, Lilac Boat is your go-to page for days when you feel too sad to think that Ghibli characters are not present in real life. Their creations are bound to make your inner Ghibli-loving child dance with joy! From charms to desk pals to keychains let your inner Ghibli child out!
Moon Klin (@moonkiln)
Want a custom clay sculpture of your beloved pet? Then Moon Klin is your go-to place. Apart from having an adorable range of desk pals and clay jewellery pieces, their works are pieces of art that will elevate any home with warmth and love. Their aesthetic page is bound to brighten even the darkest of days.
Clay art by Subhi (@myclaystories_)
Sharing her clay journey with the world, Subhi’s page screams Kawaii! Watch as her big and bright-eyed clay sculptures capture you in a trance making you want to adopt all of them right then and there. With expert craftsmanship and shiny finish one look and you will know that these creations are made with love.
Soulful Clay (@soulful_clay777)
Looking for some clay crockery items to add a rustic charm to your living space? Then look no further than Soulful Clay! From beautiful clay tableware to vases and incense holders each of their pieces is unique and is a testament to the expert craftsmanship of the creator. Detailed and vibrant they are bound to add a zest of life to your home.
Do check out these pages for all your clay art needs!
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