Preeti Bhatnagar - I Rarely Shy From Trying, What Is The Worst That Can Happen? (Painter)

I think of a theme like I started with documenting my travels, to themes like Indian women in various professions, to a period drama theme, to maybe an adventure sports theme... And then according to the theme I look for references on Unsplash and pixaby and paint whatever speaks to me. 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am an architect by profession interested in alternate sustainable techniques of construction. After graduating from Delhi, I moved to Auroville to work with earthen masonry and sustainable practices. Couple of years later I moved back to Delhi, and subsequently to Agra, where I worked on bamboo and earthen projects and also starting teaching architecture in a university as an assistant professor.


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

Once I moved to Agra, I realized that as fulfilling my day job was, I had little to no social life in the evenings as my friend circle was either in Delhi or Auroville. 

So one day, while driving back home from work, I stopped at a small local stationery shop, got a small box of Camlin watercolours and a small A5 size sketchbook, and started spending my evenings unwinding with watercolours.


3. Is it a financially stable career?

I am currently working both as an educator and have started my own architectural practice. Art is not my main financial income. It is something I do out of passion and as a source of relaxation. So, as of now, I'm not dependant on it financially.


4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?

I am quite fascinated by the work of Raghunath Sahoo and J. Hunsung.


5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

I think of a theme like I started with documenting my travels, to themes like Indian women in various professions, to a period drama theme, to maybe an adventure sports theme... And then according to the theme I look for references on Unsplash and pixaby and paint whatever speaks to me.


6. What does your typical day look like?

It starts off quite early with first walking my dog, then feeding 27 street dogs near my block. Then regular scheduled office, site visits and university and lots of cups of green tea.


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

The one thing that helps me a lot is that I rarely shy from trying. What is the worst that can happen? The one thing that I truly believe in is, start walking, then keep walking. And also, hug yourself a little tighter.


8. Which is your favourite book and why?

The last book I read was 'a man called ove' by Fredrik Backman which is like a hot chocolate with cozy blanket on a cold winter night. Heartbreakingly moving and would put the warmest smile on your face.


- Preeti Bhatnagar (Painter, Architect)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanilai/


Interviewed By Nitesh Sharma