You Have to Build Your Own Platform and Your Work Should Speak for You

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am from a small town called Kanjirappally, from the Kottayam district of Kerala. For 18 years, my life was in the vicinity of the 15 minutes distance from my home, school and church. Shifting to Chennai for my under graduation at Stella Maris College was one of my best decisions.

That city and people had a lot of influence on me and has moulded me to the person I am today. After my four year under graduation in BA Visual Arts, I stayed back and worked at Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram for two years as an Art teacher. That's when I started the page @k_y_t_h_e on Instagram, to showcase my works and to sell handmade products.

After quitting my job, I came back to my hometown by the end of March 2020, with plans of higher studies. Since we got to stay back home due to the current Covid situations, I got a gap to do more freelance work and became active on kythe. My page had tremendous growth during this period. I continue my passion for teaching, by taking online classes for water colours and doodling through kythe.

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

I started painting when I was around three or four. I had very limited resources during my school days and most of my childhood memories are associated with drawing and painting.

I hail from a very orthadox family and never thought I would be permitted to take a course like B.V.A. Thank God! Everything fell into place. College helped me to understand art and design in depth and from there I started a wonderful journey.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

Like in any other field there is a lot of competition and talent out there. You have to build your own platform and your works should speak for you. Financial stability comes secondary for most of the artists, I guess. We do it with more passion rather than keeping a count on money.

4. Who is your favorite illustrator and why?

Vincet Van Gogh is one of my most favourite artist. Everything about his work is magical and expressive. His vibrant color palette and turbulent brush strokes are a feast for the eyes. He was a neglected genius of his time and worth millions now.

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

I believe that you need a great observation skill to be a good artist. Everything from nature. our habitat, the buildings around us, flowers and even humans, are a great source of inspiration. I instantly find beauty in all the things I see around; I am alert and awake to receive anything and have an open minded approach towards everything.

6. What does your typical day look like?

Mostly wake up at 7:00 am, starting my day with a hot cup of black coffee. Then I will check my Instagram and my mails. Start working on my personal and freelance projects till lunch, taking breaks occasionally to spend quality time with my nephew.

Afternoons are for my online classes and product shoots. Evenings are my family time. I stay up until 12:00pm and find time to watch some Korean movie or serial before I sleep.

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

Believe in your talent, work hard, do not compare your work with others and trust in the process.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

My all time favorite book is Aarachaar written by K.R Meera. Fell in love with the author as well as the protagonist, Chetna. The book discusses almost every social and political satire of our times. Also I have never come across such a strong and bold female oriented story.