Inspiration is everywhere around us. When you observe with your eyes wide open you will never know what catches your eye.
1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
I’m Swathi. Self-taught Mandala, Zentangle and Illustration Artist from Kochi, Kerala. I did B.com. Before I chose to pursue this art form as my career, I had applied in for various design colleges, unfortunately, didn't get through any of them and ended up with B.com, a decision with which I was not really satisfied. My mind was ever since the beginning in the direction of art and these are entirely two different routes which don’t connect at all.
There were so many questions raised regarding this phase, but I went through them quite well and most importantly proved myself nothing was wrong,in fact, the best thing that ever happened to me and also realized not to go along with what others say but to follow your heart.
And I feel really lucky to have my parents support. I have been drawing ever since I was a kid. I started off as a pencil sketch artist, never did I imagine a huge turn coming up on my way. Definitely a wonderful one. I have been doing this art form for the past 9 years.
It all started from me putting mehndi for my friends and neighbours, and the love for patterns just grew and grew from there, eventually leading to the practising of this art form, experience and learn a lot.
2. Who is your favourite artist and why?
I cant simply choose one there are so many of them. My all-time favourite artists are :
Vincent van Gogh, Sayed haider Raza, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Salvador Dali and Gustav Klimt.
Though their style, technique and medium are completely different I could deeply resonate with their works And they are inspiring. I even study their paintings, do my own research, interpretation and cultivate ideas from them.
3. Is it a financially stable career?
It is definitely possible to hold a career as an artist. In the initial stage, it can be little out of the way. There will be times when artworks alone cannot sustain them, that’s when artists find other means to make their living. They multitask. Well, this is just a phase that shall pass.
Being able to support yourself as an artist, and maintaining a quality life can and does happen. But it need not happen overnight until your career gets rolling. Once you get a good grip of the rope you can climb up.
4. Where do you get inspired to create art?
Inspiration is everywhere around us. When you observe with your eyes wide open you will never know what catches your eye. My artworks are mostly connected to the universe and nature. They are the best sources to gain ideas. and also from my favourite artist's work as I had mentioned above.
5. What kind of book do you prefer to read?
Honestly, I read almost all the genre except romance. Though my most preferred genres will be philosophy, spirituality, biography, autobiography, poetry, suspense/thriller, mystery etc.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to the future aspirants?
Be the person who decided to go for it. Create your own identity instead of following others. create a better version of yourself instead of saying you want to be like them. Most important for an artist is to maintain patience. And lastly, never doubt your abilities.
Swathi - Artist
Interview by - Pallavi Surana
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