"Always Strive for Value and Quality Over Quantity"

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

Known on instagram as @immersedincolors, my name is Sarika Verma. Basically from Kanpur, UP, I have been living in Delhi for the last six years. I am about to complete my masters from Hindu College, DU with Mathematics as my major (class of 2020). I have been inclined towards art since childhood, but, growing up, I had to shift my focus towards academics.

Within a span of five years, art has become a major part of my identity. It has emerged out to be a therapy for the times I have felt low and a way of radiating positivity when I am all pumped up and happy. The journey has been a bit slow as I have been more involved in tackling theorems and proofs in college, but I got to do a lot of commissioned projects and have received a lot of appreciation, and I can't be grateful enough.

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

Well, I won’t call myself a calligrapher or hand lettering artist yet as there's a lot to learn. I am still learning , going at my own pace, discovering and enjoying everything on the go. I would prefer calling myself calligraphy and lettering enthusiast, instead. I had never thought of becoming a calligrapher, this isn’t my full time profession either.

It all started back in 2015 when my Aunty pushed me to try calligraphy seeing my beautiful handwriting and interest in art and crafts. I found it interesting and started learning through internet: blogs, you tube and most importantly, by following artists on instagram. I just went with the flow and kept grabbing the work opportunities on the way.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

Let’s be honest. Being an artist in a country like India is already difficult as it is still looked down upon by most of the people. Art, of any form, is undervalued here. Although, the mindset of people is gradually changing, but there are days or even weeks when you don't get work at all.

This is definitely not a financially stable career option. COVID 19 has hit all the industries and slowed down everything; the world of art is not any exception. Artists are hardly getting any work opportunities as everything is shut.

4. Who is your favorite calligrapher and why?

It’s hard to come up with one name, there are so many amazing and immensely talented calligraphers and hand lettering artists. I draw inspiration and learn from a lot of their work. As of lately, I am finding myself inclined toward hand lettering a bit too much and I admire artists like Stefan Kunz and James Lewis, to name a few.

5. Where do you get inspired from to create art?

I love making greeting cards and customised lettering pieces for people I love. I always advocate handmade and Personalization and that is reflected in my work. So, my family and friends are my major source of inspiration. The love we share encourages me to come up with beautiful artworks. Other than that, I also admire other artists and their artworks inspire me to experiment and come up with new stuff.

6. What does your typical day look like?

I would spend my day attending college, chilling with friends and listening to music while commuting in metro, studying and I would try to keep my weekends reserved for art and commissions until March. As the lock down started, entire schedule went for a toss. These days, I keep myself busy with studies, online courses, art and of course, daily chores. :P

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to the future aspiring calligraphers?

Art takes time. You gotta stick with the 3 P's: Practice, Patience, Persistence. Working on your presentation and branding is important, but there’s no substitute to hard work: Get your basics right and work on yourself. Stay true to your art; always strive for value and quality over quantity.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

Can I take a Mathematics text book name? Just kidding! I hate to admit this but I am not an avid reader. I am trying to develop a reading habit. I like reading fiction, travel magazines and blogs and among authors, I really admire Ruskin Bond.

- Sarika Verma

Interview by Kriti Garg