I get a lot of inspirations for my art is when I travel, when I am alone I walk for hours observing everyone, being amidst nature, exploring strange places, tasting new food, meeting new friends. I am an avid photographer. I come back and recreate them on my canvases with that nostalgia and happy memories. I have traveled a lot in Asia and a little in Europe and North America – and you will see many of my paintings of footprint series is about these unchartered territories, the untold stories, a glimpse into different cultures and mysteries of the world.
Growing up I didn’t have budget to travel. But now that I have resources to travel, finding time to travel, is a challenge. When I choose a place to visit, there is no strict itinerary. I have a broad idea of what all I would like to do and see. The itinerary evolves throughout the journey and I am able to let things flow.
A wanderer’s life is often envied – how can she experience so much? Be so free? Does she not have any bonding? Family? Responsibility? I am often quizzed by friends and strangers alike. It is almost like an unacceptable practice. But I have plunged into it – taken the risk, sometimes a lot more than I can be comfortable with! I decided to move beyond my comfort zone, pushed my limits, said to myself – I am afraid but let’s go on anyways. That established a lot of trust in my inner strength and equanimity with the unknown, expands the comfort level with “the different”. Knocking on doors, to find out more, curiosity became a habit – it was my seed for growth, beginning of new paths. That was my gain. A glimpse into a whole new world. I was ready to tell the stories through my paintings.
I see immense beauty in the heritage buildings. These are a recurring theme in my paintings. I strongly believe we must preserve it for our future generation!
