My inspiration comes from Nature. I try to capture the mood along with the visual beauty of nature. I paint vibrant flowers and landscapes in watercolours.
1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
My real name is Hajira but my family calls me Nida. Thus, I chose to be known as Nida Hajira for my artistic venture. I'm a science graduate by academics but an artist by soul.
Art for me is a way of expressing and showcasing what nature holds for us. I had a passion for Art and started quiet young however my journey as a professional artist started around early 2012.
I had my paintings displayed at art exhibitions in Chandigarh and Lucknow and have been conducting classes and workshops regularly now.
My focus is on landscapes and florals aiming to depict the beauty of nature through a combination of colours and texture.
My earlier works were primarily in oil and acrylics but later got fascinated by watercolours and its challenging nature that led to the creation of some of my best works till date. I want my work to be such that it keeps helping people to envision this world as a beautiful place to live in and add more value to their lives.
2. Who is your favourite artist and why?
My favourite artist is Birgit O'Connor who is based in the US. Her work fascinated me to the extent that I left oils and acrylics and made my mind to pursue watercolours fully, though watercolours are not an easy medium to start with and require a lot of patience and dedication to master.
The spontaneity and vulnerability of this medium have always intrigued and fascinated me. I believe learning continues throughout life and there is still a lot to be learned and explored. Fortunately, by the grace of The Almighty, till now the journey has been very fulfilling.
3. Is it a financially stable career?
Yes, it surely is, if one is serious about Art as a profession. Unlike other products, art has a limited and selected audience who value art. But these audiences are your biggest support and motivators as they value creativity, the efforts and hours put in to create a piece of art.
Art is not only confined to painting, but an artist should also be open to exploring other avenues related to this field such as teaching, illustrating, graphic designing, etc. and see what works best for them. Apart from painting, an artist can conduct painting classes and workshops.
Since painting is very therapeutic too many artists are hired by schools, corporates and colleges to conduct workshops. Even homemakers and working executives with no prior painting experience enrol for painting classes to learn this skill. Besides conducting painting classes, I have been part of an organisation that works on mental health awareness and regularly conducts art therapy workshops.
4. Where do you get inspired to create art?
My inspiration comes from Nature. I try to capture the mood along with the visual beauty of nature. I paint vibrant flowers and landscapes in watercolours.
The change in seasons, the blooms of the spring and the colours of the autumn fascinates me to no extent and I try to relive that beauty while painting and capture it on the canvas in my own style. I believe art is a wonderful means to nurture, soothe and rejuvenate our souls.
5. What kind of book do you prefer to read?
There was a time when I enjoyed reading fictional works but now I'm more into motivational books. Being a mother to two kids and a full-time artist, it is now difficult to take time out for reading but I still try to make it a point to read motivational books for some positive motivations and keep myself striving for betterment. It really helps.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to the future aspirants?
If you really are passionate about something just remember that success won't come overnight. You have to be patient, keep practising and enjoy the process. Every painting that you make may not be perfect, it happens with every artist, even the masters too.
But the process one has gone through in making that painting is the real thing that matters. Every stroke of your brush is learning for you.
Don't compare yourself with anyone. You should compete with your own self for every artist is unique in his/her own way. See what interests you more and work on those areas instead of following others.
Don’t do portraits and landscapes just because others are doing. Select your area of interest and work on it dedicatedly. I once came across an artist who painted only turbans exclusively on the canvas and the works were unique and exquisite.
Be patient, everyone's journey is different. Enjoy the journey and always remember, good things take time!!
Nida Hajira - Artist
Interview by - Pallavi Surana
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