"Creating Art Isn't Only for Artists, It Is for Everyone!" - Manimegalai

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey?

I started drawing very young as most artists do. I like to see more cartoons during my childhood days where my passion for scribbling those faces in my school notebooks paved a way to create interest in painting. During celebration times in school, I used to draw cartoons on the blackboard where I got more appreciation from my peers and teachers. 

I also started drawing on the walls which attract ever visitors to my home. Being a biology student I showed more interest in drawing neat diagrams in record notebook which helps me in scoring good marks. I started spending my leisure time with painting brushes and HB pencils. Usually, I do a chart work related to my subject topics and display them in Pin boards.

During my college days also I used to draw for any special occasions. "A single picture can explain your feelings which can't even be done with 1000 words.”

During this quarantine, also I am spending my timing doing artworks and wall painting.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a painter?

I never thought of painting as a job; It is my passion which gives inner peace; It is something that becomes a part of my life. My paintings don't need to be displayed in the art gallery and need to be a great hit, It is something personal that I want to enjoy myself and painting places an important position in my life.

I realized painting as a chance to expand my imagination and experiencing the flow of creativity. It helps you learn to "see" by concentrating on detail and paying more attention to your environment.

3. Is it financially a stable career?

I haven't considered painting as a cash cow; It makes me feel that there is more than one solution to the same problem. It challenges our beliefs and encourages open-ended thinking that creates an environment of creative thinking in problem solving. 

It boosts your self-esteem when hanging your work of art on the wall inspires the same feelings within you. So it is not about making money; It is living life on your terms.

4. Who is your favorite illustrator and Why?

MADHAN (CARTOONIST)

Madhan is a Tamil cartoonist, journalist, writer, and film critic. He is a popular figure among Tamils the world over; Madhan has proved to both reader and viewers alike that the art and literature can flow freely across boundaries. 

He says that Humour cannot be forced nor intelligence cannot be trust down; It is a known fact that the ones who come out with the best illustration need not necessarily be a good cartoonist. He is a man of inspiration with a complete understanding of time and context, keeping his audience in splits within seconds!

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

From my mother, she is good at drawing rangoli designs and I started working by assisting her and got interested to work with colors. I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say in any other way.

6. What does your typical day look like?

I will spend time watching videos of blending colors and I used to try it. I used to visit May websites regarding paintings. If I get too bored I start doing work with paper and draw by seeing some base pictures by adding my creativity in it. I used to try with a different combo of colors.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to your future aspiring illustrator?

Painting and drawing are relaxing hobbies that can lower your stress levels and leads to an overall improvement in well-being. It clears some head-space and allows one to focus on the good in life. 

Creating art isn't for only artists, it is for everyone! Within each of us lies a spark of creativity, but never had the time or opportunities to do so. With the knowledge of all benefits artists, pursuits can provide, I hope you won't put off exploring your artistic side any longer!

8. Which is your favorite book why?

I love reading Chetan bhagat books which give confidence. Mostly I spend time seeing pictures in books and the internet.

Interviewed By - Sivagnana Manisa S V