It is true, you can feel the fervour in the artist’s words – in the way they phrase statements when they talk about their art. You can almost hear the lessons they’re learned, the struggles they’ve overcome to reach where they stand today. You can see their eyes light up as you read the words they write when sharing bits and pieces of their artistic journey. Or at least I did, when I was reading Ankita’s interview.
Building the Base: Sketching and Colour Blocking
Growing up in a typical Indian middle-class family, Ankita’s childhood revolved around three things – “art, movies and picking up fights with my younger brother”. And we love that for her. She picked up art at a very young age. Doodling and sketching on notebooks, Ankita grew up to realize she would have to put her dreams on hold for some stability in life. Today, she is not only phenomenal with her paint and tools but she is well educated and successful
with a Master’s in International Business.
Trust The Process: Deepen the Colours
It was only during the lockdown last year that she got the chance to reconnect with her art. Before that, art was just a way she would ease the stress from her job. Now, it became a vital part of her personality.
When asked about her inspirations and motivations, Ankita mentions Nishikant Palande and his unique style of watercolour that she admires. She praises him as a teacher, explaining how he breaks the complex processes into really simple bits so that young and inexperienced artists can learn at their own pace. Ankita further mentions her family and close friends as her source of motivation, constantly showering her with love and support.
“Any creative process is like meditation; it requires, if not same then, more focus, discipline, dedication and imagination and just like meditation it does not provide instant gratification it’s only with time and much effort that you see the results in both these processes.
Ankita
If you have seen Ankita’s art portfolio, you will have noticed the theme of capturing humane expressions and emotions. Her Instagram feed is an absolute eye candy, as you scroll past beautifully illustrated portraits. The detailing in all the pieces is simply immaculate. You can literally see the shine in the peoples’ eyes! So we had to ask her, does it all have a meaning? Some subliminal messaging, perhaps? Quoting her response directly she said, “Everyone has their own perception of the same art piece. If we take Da Vinci’s Monalisa as an example, when you pay close attention to the emotions expressed through her lips, the question arises – Is she smirking or is it a pasted smile to hide the inner conflict?
You see, Da Vinci understood that the unspoken poetry of emotions when expressed by the face, the eyes and the mouth will always rhyme. Hence both these parts in the painting have been deliberately left indistinct by the artist. For me? I like to leave it to the viewers to decipher the artist’s perception and come to their own conclusions.”
The online artistic community and regular people have shown nothing but love towards my work.
Anikta
While talking about her struggles and hard work, she recalls one of the most courageous things she has ever done. It was posting her art online for the first time; Showcasing it to people who weren’t her friends and families. It was fighting the voices in her head that said her work wasn’t good enough and people will ridicule her. She fought hard; she put faith in her herself and she is here today.
And to be honest, it is truly baffling to see the talent this young woman possesses.
Final Finishing Touches: Highlights, Anyone?
Before parting, we asked her for some advice for young aspirants beginning their journey.
“To all upcoming artists I will say that art is a process; you only improve by making more and more of it and picking up artistic habits as time goes on. This is what will help you find your unique style. Finally, don’t be deterred by mistakes. All the failures, every piece of work that you were not content with, all of it are an integral part of the process and this will eventually lead you to find your distinct style, way of expression, your artistic voice.”
