Influential Stories about me # 1

 

Influential Stories about me # 1

My Intrinsic Passion

-Ankitha Shaji

From a very young age, I was drawn to the world of colors, lines, and textures. My earliest memories are splashed with the joy of finger painting in kindergarten. The first stationary I owned was a 6 colored paint palette. I never noticed the enchantment of my imagination skills taking into its form in my later life, until when I began to rely on art: my stress-reliever to pain. During my adolescence, art has had a significant impact on me. A time I encountered many personal challenges.

Navigating through the pathway of family upheaval and academic pressures, I discovered art as my source of emotional power that gave me a sense of joy. Through the fusion work of my graphite pencils, brushstrokes and pastels, I had found a language through which I could communicate the complexities of my thoughts and feelings. I never used to be a keen painter until the age of 12, when I began being inspired by Raja Ravi Varma sir's paintings. Though initially I tried mastering mural paintings, I later understood it wasn’t my cup of tea at all. 

I firmly believe that my visit to US to my uncle's place in the same year, changed my perspective towards art drastically. My aunt was trying to find art pieces for their new house. Though, initially my mother mentioned about my artistic talent to her, I wasn’t confident to work on a canvas. A stroke of fear emerged through my chest when I was handed a fresh canvas of 120x150cm. I wouldn’t like to consider this as me boasting, but the nature-painting I made baffled my aunt, though I believed I didn't perfect the style. I can never miss out to mention the contribution of my aunt who helped me wake up the sleeping artist within my soul.

Then on, I tried pencil sketches on sheets of paper. I started off sketching my role models. I realized I could improve this talent through constant practice. Art had eventually become a passion for me. Even if art had influenced me, I never plan to major in Arts. My journey as an artist is an integral part of my identity and purpose that will continue, and I will preserve it through as many works as possible. I also feel, I could tackle the themes of gender inequality, mental health, and environmental sustainability, by aiming to spark conversations and evoke empathy among viewers. As I move forward, my commitment to using art as a catalyst for change will continue and shall remain persistent throughout.