Art, in its purest form, is a reflection of life—capturing moments, emotions, and the essence of existence through colors, shapes, and textures. For those who choose to dedicate themselves to this craft, it becomes more than just a profession; it’s a way of seeing the world, of making sense of its complexities. Shashank Shukla is one such artist who has given himself completely to his art. Widely known as a watercolour artist and excelling in detailed figurative sketches, Shukla’s work is thoughtful, beautiful, and careful with each brushstroke. Like all of ours, his journey was marked with ups and downs, passion and perseverance, and most importantly, self-discovery. In this delightful conversation with him, we’ve unpacked everything that comes with following an unconventional career path like art.

Early Life: How Did Art Find Him?

Born and raised in Kanpur, Shashank Shukla completed his high school and intermediate studies by 2009 followed by admission to B.Sc. Shashank tried his hand at banking exams as well—reminding us of how there existed only this or that routes when it came to higher studies. Not that this ‘norm’ has completely vanished, it still penetrates our society. Having failed twice during the first year of his undergraduate studies, Shashank was upset and demotivated beyond words. Still grateful for his parents and brother’s unwavering support, Shashank tells us how his brother encouraged him to pursue what truly made him happy; And that happened to be art. In a fortunate turn of events, Kanpur University introduced a Bachelor of Fine Arts program the same year Shashank decided to switch his major.
“Sometimes, when a good thing awaits you, there are bound to be difficulties you will face before. It’s upon you to face that with a positive mindset or a negative mindset,” Shashank reflects.

Shashank Shukla: “Everyone draws. As kids, all of us have. The society doesn’t take it seriously.”

Entering the inaugural batch of the Fine Arts program at Kanpur University in 2011, Shashank faced skepticism from a society that often trivializes artistic pursuits. “Everyone draws. As kids, all of us have. The society doesn’t take it seriously. ‘Drawing me kya hoga?’—we leave it because we don’t know how we can take it forward,” Shashank Shukla shares. However, with his family’s support, he navigated the course with determination, even securing a gold medal in his final year. This is the reason why Shashank believes that there should be efforts by private and public institutions to hold seminars on Art and the contemporary integration of this field in so many others fields like social sciences, film and cinema, technology, sciences, etc., so that all aspiring students can know how they can take their skills to the next sphere of life starting their higher studies.

Shashank’s journey was not without its challenges. His first year was a humbling experience, realising he was very much an amateur in drawing and painting, but with his dedicated mindset, Shashank kept on taking the steps of the ladder boldly. He opted for applied arts in his later year, and got training in watercolour painting, sketching, as well as sculpture, along with digital art.

Overcoming Societal Barriers and Personal Growth

The societal disregard for art and the pressure to secure a job weighed heavily on Shashank. The constant glances of his distant relatives would often try to make him question his career choice and the uncertainty of the future. “The society doesn’t support you. ‘Mai kya kar raha hun, yeh log is cheez ko aise kyu dekh rahe?’ I want to change these people—maar na hai toh apne kaam se maaro (respond to everyone who questions you with your work),” he asserts. Over time, as his work gained recognition, even his initially skeptical relatives began to appreciate his talent. This personal validation fueled his resolve to teach his students the value of using art as a medium of expression and change, and as one’s medium of livelihood as well.

This incident also reminds Shashank of how people often ask artists, as friends and relatives, to paint them a portrait or a scenery, free of cost. They see it as a hobby which doesn’t require much skill or efforts. Art, painting, sketching, are all denied of respect and value and that needs to be changed. Artists shouldn’t let their work be devalued or mocked any longer.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, including job loss and financial instability. It was a huge backset for artists who depended upon their physical studios and art exhibitions. Amidst losing his job, (when he almost decided to go back to Kanpur), it also opened new avenues for Shashank. He started teaching students painting through the online mode and has taught over 2,500 students since 2020. This was also when Shashank started posting his work on social media. Today he has more than 80,000 followers admiring his work! Famously regarded as a ‘watercolour artist’, although that is a bit limiting to define this artist from Kanpur! Social media is a game changer for artists who want their art to reach beyond borders.

Final Words of Inspiration and Advice from the Watercolour Artist from Kanpur

For Shashank Shukla, art is not just a profession but a calling. He recommends all aspiring and young artists to go out and connect with nature, and observe their colours. Nature has infinite numbers of contrasts, shades, and hues to offer. As a watercolour artist who specialises in landscape paintings, he shares that regular outdoor and live sketching sessions help one overcome the fear of public scrutiny and brush observational skills.

Shashank’s vision extends beyond personal success. He dreams of creating more opportunities for aspiring artists by establishing art institutes across the nation. He advocates for equal opportunities in art education. Anyone with an interest should have the chance to develop their skills.

For all aspiring artists, Shashank Shukla gives the advice to set a strong intention, commit to your craft with all your heart, and persevere through the challenges. Success will come, whether early or late, but it’s crucial to remember that true achievement isn’t just about personal gain. An artist, Shukla believes, must think beyond themselves—uplifting others is key to progressing in any creative journey. When you work not just for yourself but for the betterment of those around you, that’s when you truly move forward.

In this fast-paced world of commercialisation, it is hard to come across artists who value expression over anything. Artists for whom art is more like a therapy than work. Artists for whom art is happiness in its rawest form. Given the 9-8 work culture we are trapped in at some level it is understandable why someone would hesitate to leave everything behind and focus just on art. But for those who manage to do it, it’s our duty to capture their tale so that we can keep the hope alive in others who are thinking of making a career shift. So, let us introduce you to Payal Bansal, a budding lippan artist for whom art was just an extension of her existence.

Payal Bansal: Initial Journey & Struggles

Payal Bansal started her journey in the art realm at a very young age. And for that she has her big joint family to thank for. According to her, everyone in her family was always involved in some form of creativity or other. Hailing from a small town in Maharashtra Jalgaon, she never anticipated that you could actually do so much with social media in terms of starting a small business and being financially independent. Growing up in a small town there weren’t a lot of opportunities available back in the day when she went to get a college degree. Thus, instead of pursuing a degree in fine arts, she settled for a degree in engineering. But her creative spark never died.

From crochet to embroidery to clay work, Payal Bansal has tried her hands in every possible art form. Initially, it was just a fascination and love for art in general. Her creativity always managed to shine no matter what she was doing. Be it decorating the house for festivals or just making a simple rangoli her creativity always found a way to woo people.

The pandemic of 2020 that brought the entire world to a standstill was no different for Payal Bansal. Just like all of us, she waited at home uncertain about the future, and worrying about her loved ones. And it wasn’t easy given that some of her family members had to be rushed to the hospital. But when all doors close you look for a window and that’s exactly what lippan art was for Payal Bansal. 

During the devastating time of COVID-19, Bansal stumbled upon a piece of lippan art at home. The origins of this art piece are still unknown but somehow it ended up at the right time and the right place for Bansal. Just like the curious cat that she is, she immediately tried different types of mud and tools to figure out how to master this art form. She did her fair bit of research to understand lippan art and took courses to get better at it. During this time she also fell in love with the lippan artwork by Maji Khan. For her, during this terrible time, lippan art was the only source of happiness and therapy that helped her sleep soundly at night and look out for the next day. And gradually from making lippan art for herself and people close to her she got the boost to make it bigger and put it on social media. But it wasn’t until her work got featured in the Sunday Midday that she got her breakthrough moment. And ever since then her popularity has never taken a dip.

Payal Bansal: Lessons Learnt 

Being the first woman entrepreneur in her family and just running a business she never thought in her wildest dreams to start, comes with a lot of challenges. Initially, when she started off, there was a lot of pressure to ensure that the work was dispatched and received in perfect condition, especially for the door torans, which were very delicate. Bansal narrated how it was so difficult to find a way to dispatch for this one customer who really loved her art piece but each time they sent it to her, she always received them broken. But by not giving up and continuing to try different techniques with each failure, Bansal ended up coming up with the ingenious idea of foldable torans that made it possible for her to make huge torans and dispatch them without any issue. 

There was a time in her initial days when Bansal was running the whole creative art show herself. From taking the orders to conceptualising to making the schematics to drawing it on big panels to placing the last mirror, she did everything. But soon she had to undergo two major surgeries that put her in a depressive phase and she just wanted to give up. She even called up her customers whose lippan artwork orders were pending and offered to give them a refund as it would take her longer than expected to make their orders. But not a single customer accepted a penny back as they had a lot of faith in her and even waited patiently until she recovered and was in a better space to do her magic with lippan art. Because of all of this, she values her customers a lot and ensures that constant communication is maintained. According to her, communication is the key to establishing a good rapport with your customers and ensuring both you and they are happy at the end of the day.

Payal Bansal: Creative Process

Whenever Bansal starts on a lippan art piece, she gets so engrossed in it that she doesn’t need to rethink or re-check anything. But just like every other artist out there, it does happen that at times she gets stuck or experiences a creative block. Her go-to strategy involves trying again and again until she cracks it. Out of all her art pieces the one that is close to her heart is her first art piece for a wall that she made for her customer Yamini Sood.

A strong believer in giving back to society she also trains many young girls from low-income families to help them improve their skill set and earn more. They also help her out on her projects. By doing this, she not only ensures that many women of tomorrow have certain skills but also skills they can market and earn out of. Though she loves to teach she doesn’t host any online workshops as she is a strong believer in working with traditional mud and not the moldable clay you may find online. This just highlights her respect and love for the traditional lippan art form. 

Afterword

As an artist, Payal Bansal has faced a fair share of dealing with people who copy her artwork but she never let it get to her. Focusing on just herself she tries to improve in every way she can. A small message that she has for young artists: “Put your heart and soul into what you’re doing, and then only you can truly create art that you love. Getting inspiration from others is fine but you need to find your own style to truly shine.” 

The artists artistic journey often begins in childhood with a deep fascination with drawing, scribbling and exploring the world through creativity, colours and lines. This early stage is marked by a love for storybooks and comics, providing rich visual and narrative inspiration. For those raised before the digital age, these activities were cherished pastimes, filling the void left by the absence of mobile phones and limited television programming.

Growing up in Mumbai with roots in Kerala, an artist like Gulshan Achari finds inspiration in both regions and cultural and artistic richness. However, it’s not just the environment that shapes one’s artistic inclinations but an inherent appreciation for art and creativity. The drive to pursue art must come from within, with the surrounding occasional inspiration to recharge and find new perspectives.

Gulshan Achari’s journey into art is an innate inclination to express oneself visually. From drawing inspiration as a child to seeking new expressions, his journey is marked by a refusal to stop. While many halt their artistic pursuits at various stages of life, those who persist continue to evolve and mature in their craft.

Inspirations and The Essence of Art

A pivotal moment for Achari came from discovering a mentor or an inspirational figure in the field. Encountering the works of Milind Mulick, a renowned watercolour artist, was transformative. Mulick’s vibrant and lifelike paintings, which look digitally enhanced, reveal true brilliance to a more profound commitment to craft and a desire to learn from the master. This underscores the crucial role of mentors in an artist’s journey, guiding them towards new techniques and perspectives.

Mulick’s approach to art emphasises passion over popularity. He paints daily, driven by love for the act itself rather than the pursuit of fame. This dedication is a powerful example, illustrating that true artistic fulfilment comes from commitment to the craft. The rewards, whether in recognition or personal satisfaction, follow naturally when focused on the art.

Art, in its essence, is about conveying emotions and experiences. While some artists may embed hidden emotions and messages in the work, the primary goal for many, including Achari, is to evoke a sense of happiness and connection. Creating art should be a joyous experience, which should be palpable to the viewer. If the artist feels happy creating, this sentiment can transcend the medium and resonate with the audience.

Achari’s work is a testament to the beauty in the ordinary, shifting perspectives and bringing unexpected joy to viewers. Painting a simple hut in the shadow of a grand fort can help the viewers see their everyday surroundings in a new light, appreciating the beauty in the ordinary. His work celebrates the transformative power of creative expression, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation.

The Artistic World View

The life of an artist is often viewed through the lens of pros and cons, but some categorisations can be limiting. What one perceives as a disadvantage, such as the uncertainty and unpredictability of an artist’s path, can also be seen as an adventure. Achari’s journey is about embracing the unknown, finding joy, and breaking free from conventional constraints. His work is a testament to the transformative power of creativity that evokes a sense of adventure and open-mindedness.

Ultimately, Gulshan Achari’s perspective on life and creation transcends traditional notions of good and evil, as well as pros and cons. It is about experiencing each moment fully, finding beauty in the present, and continually evolving in one’s craft. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and its significant impact on both the creator and the observer.

The Transformative Power of Creativity

Embracing and utilising waiting periods can lead to a profound shift in one’s mindset. Instead of viewing delays as a nuisance, Achari began to appreciate the extra time engaged in productive activities. This shift in perspective enhances personal growth and positively impacts social interactions. When friends arrive late, instead of being frustrated, they are greeted with an unexpected smile. This comfort, although not directly stemming from friendship, fosters a deeper appreciation for the company of others.

The creative fields come with their unique set of challenges. An artist often struggles between personal creativity and commercial demands. For example, Gulshan Achari might prefer painting landscapes, but the markets may prefer subjects like luxury cars. This creates a dilemma: Should artists pursue their passion or cater to commercial interests? Additionally, societal expectations can pigeonhole an artist into specific themes, such as religious motifs, limiting creative freedom. Over time, this can lead to creative stagnation, where repeating the same subject becomes monotonous. Understanding and navigating these societal pressures is a significant part of an artist’s journey.

Another challenge is the modern obsession with social media metrics. Artists may focus more on gaining followers than on honing their craft. This shift in focus can dilute the quality of their work and stifle creativity. Pricing artwork for exhibitions presents another hurdle. High expectations based on market trends can lead to disappointment if sales need to match the inflated prices, causing frustration and discouragement.

Persistence and Adaptability

Despite these challenges, persistence and honesty in one’s artistic journey are crucial. Setting realistic goals and continuously learning and adapting are critical to long-term success. Early wins should be seen as opportunities for self-assessment rather than reasons for complacency. Consistent effort and staying grounded help artists navigate their paths more effectively. This emphasis on persistence and honesty in the face of setbacks can inspire artists and provide a realistic view of the rewards of pursuing art.

The Leap of Faith

Gulshan Achari’s journey started balancing creative pursuits with demanding careers, painting late into the night after working long days. The transition to full-time artistry can be daunting but fulfilling. Such dedication often stems from a lifelong engagement with art where formal training might be absent, but relentless practice and passion drive progress.

The fusion of creativity, inspiration and logical thinking can be a powerful asset. In corporate environments, for example, visualising initiatives as a creative process can identify potential challenges and solutions more effectively. This duality allows for innovative problem-solving and enhances the overall effectiveness of business strategies.

Ultimately, the message is clear: creativity is inherent in all of us. It should be nurtured regardless of one’s profession. Engaging with our creative side can bring immense satisfaction and success. Whether in art or other fields, creativity drives innovation and makes us more adaptable and resourceful. Consistently pursuing creative endeavours and integrating them into various aspects of life can lead to a more fulfilling life.

In the bustling city of Hyderabad, amidst the humdrum of daily life, Arpital Patel was born. Raised and educated in Hyderabad, Arpita’s journey from a typical Indian household to becoming a celebrated photographer is nothing short of inspiring. Her early education at Sri Aurobindo International School played a pivotal role in shaping her career. The school, known for its creative environment and lack of a uniform, fostered Arpita’s creativity and instilled in her a love for the arts. It was here, more than at home, that her teachers provided the support and encouragement she needed, setting her on a path destined for a creative future.

Discovering a Passion

Photography chose Arpita rather than the other way around. Her mother, passionate about capturing moments, was meticulous about getting family photos clicked at studios. She instilled in Arpita the importance of photographs as markers of personal growth. With a basic roll camera in hand, her mother taught her the significance of a good background in any image. These lessons, absorbed subconsciously, slowly ignited a love for photography within Arpita.

Coming from a traditional Indian family where women were not typically encouraged to work, Arpita was initially prepared to marry right after her education and become a homemaker. However, her passion for photography and art eventually led her to realize that she could forge an independent path. The turning point came during her college days when she discovered the work of Richa Kashelkar, a wedding photographer whose stunning captures of simple moments inspired Arpita. Seeing a woman excel in this field gave her the confidence to believe in herself and pursue photography as a profession.

The Struggles and Triumphs

Reflecting on her journey, Arpita believes that struggles are essential for growth. One of her earliest challenges was acquiring her first DSLR camera. Her parents, unsure of investing ₹50,000 in a camera, hesitated, prioritizing education instead. It was her uncle who ultimately stepped in, helping her buy the camera and supporting her dreams.

Entering a male-dominated field like photography presented its own set of challenges. Surrounded mostly by male photographers, Arpita found little initial support. However, she was fortunate to work with talented mentors who guided her. One such mentor was Shreyans Dungrawala, who welcomed her as his student. Interning with Shreyans and his friends, Arpita learned valuable lessons about purpose, innovation and the evolving technology in photography.

During those early days, Arpita had no clear direction for her career but deeply enjoyed the process of photography. Social media, especially Instagram, played a significant role in her journey. Her work resonated with many, leading to opportunities such as judging events at colleges and winning the award for the youngest female photographer in Hyderabad.

A Dream Come True

A major breakthrough in Arpita’s career came in May 2021 when she received an offer from a heritage hotel chain to photograph their properties across northern India. Traveling to cities like Haridwar, Mussoorie and Nainital, she was able to combine her love for travel and photography, fulfilling a long-held dream. However, Arpita’s ultimate dream is to shoot for National Geographic, a goal she continues to strive towards.

Looking back, Arpita wishes she had known early on that photography is an expensive profession and not just a hobby. She learned the importance of valuing her work and setting clear boundaries. Doing free shoots, especially for commercial projects, undermines the profession. Professionals charge for their expertise, time and quality and establishing fair pricing from the start is crucial for building a sustainable career.

For Arpita, the most rewarding aspect of her work is meeting new people and getting to know their unique stories and perspectives. Each person she photographs teaches her something new. Traveling, another significant part of her work, enriches her creativity and passion for photography. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures allows her to blend her love for travel with her profession, creating memorable images that tell compelling stories.

A Message for Aspiring Artists

To young dreamers who wish to follow unconventional careers, Arpita Patel says, “Dreams are meant to be pursued and turned into reality. Keep going and life will provide what you need. Never lose your passion for what you love the most.” She advises staying focused on your goals, enjoying the journey and believing in yourself. Embrace obstacles as opportunities to grow, take risks, surround yourself with supportive people and let your passion drive you forward.

Arpita Patel’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and the belief in one’s dreams. From a young girl in Hyderabad to a celebrated photographer, her story inspires us to follow our hearts and pursue our passions, no matter the challenges.

In the heart of Kenya, amidst the whispers of the wild, begins a remarkable journey. Born in the small town of Nyeri, Dhir Jakharia, a 21-year-old, grew up immersed in the rhythms of African life. Raised in the vibrant tapestry of African culture until the age of 13, Dhir Jakharia eventually moved to the capital, Nairobi. It was here that his love for photography sparked, eclipsing his childhood dreams of becoming a footballer. And his journey as a wildlife photographer began.

Embracing Change: From Football Dreams to Photography

Dhir Jakharia’s journey had a surprising twist. From dreaming of a career in professional football to unexpectedly finding his passion in photography, life had its own plans for him. His transition from an aspiring footballer to a passionate wildlife photographer was fueled by curiosity and love for nature. “I kind of just fell in love with it,” Jakharia reflects, recounting his photography journey. “Now I’m doing wildlife specifically, and I love the travelling aspect of it.”

Dhir Jakharia: Exploring Passion and Purpose

Currently pursuing Business Administration, Dhir Jakharia seamlessly combines his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for nature. “I’m a Gujarati, so I have business in my blood,” he states. Specializing in marketing, he envisions a future where his entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vision converge seamlessly. “I want to mix my photography with business,” he shares. “I’m already doing it on a small scale, selling prints and organizing photo tours.”

Through his lens, he seeks to foster awareness and empathy for the natural world. “Good photography helps to create awareness and can promote animal conservation,” he explains. Working on the logic of making people more familiar with their environment to ensure they try to conserve it, he explains further how when someone sees a picture of an elephant and likes it, they may think twice before partaking in animal cruelty.

Dhir Jakharia: Overcoming Challenges

The young photographer’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. The untimely passing of his father in 2020, and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. “Dealing with these difficulties was as difficult as you can imagine,” he reflects. “But channelling that negative energy into something constructive, that’s the biggest achievement I’ve gained from photography.”

Dhir Jakharia: Inspirations, Dreams and Beyond

Despite the hurdles he’s faced, Dhir Jakharia remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. Drawing inspiration from renowned photographers in the field of wildlife photography, such as Thomas Vijayan, Varun Aditya and Shaaz Jung, he continues to hone his craft with unwavering determination.

“I learned everything through YouTube,” he shares, underscoring the importance of persistence and resourcefulness in his journey. “It’s more about making the most out of what you have.”

In a field dominated by seasoned professionals, Dhir Jakharia is exceptional. “In ten years, I see myself as a full-time photographer, recognized internationally,” he shares. “But beyond success, I prioritize my mental health and relationships with family and friends.” Reflecting on his recent exhibition at the ‘Xposure International Photography & Film Festival’ in Sharjah, UAE, he speaks of his pride in being the youngest among his peers. “Inspiring people and making photography my full-time profession while living a fulfilling life—that’s my definition of success,”. Additionally, he has already left a mark in the industry by collaborating with industry giants like Sony and Adobe at the young age of 18.

Message for Young Dreamers

To aspiring dreamers embarking on unconventional paths, Dhir Jakharia offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Self-belief is the biggest thing. Dream big, aim for the stars—even if you fail, you’ll still reach the sky.” In the footsteps of giants and guided by his unwavering passion, Dhir Jakharia continues to weave tales of wonder through his lens, reminding us all of the magic that awaits in the embrace of nature.