Tanya Anurag - Don't Create Art to Impress Others. Your Art Should Make You Happy (Software Engineer & Professional Artist)

Tanya Anurag

I am not a professional artist but have never thought of myself as any less. I believe art lives within an individual and there can really not be a point in time when you can say, 'I am an artist. It's a feeling and not a title.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am a Software Engineer by profession and artist at heart. I live in the USA with my husband and 2 toddler boys. I spare no chance to create art- be it playing with my paints to create art pieces or experimenting in my kitchen with flavors and ingredients. 

I find solace in it. Until recently, I only did photography to capture memories but then I explored this entirely new world of food photography. The setups for photography, recipe inventions and editing of pictures, helps unleash the artist within me. 

The creative satisfaction I get when doing this is unparalleled. There are so many little things to pay attention to, so many things to learn - the entire process is thrilling. I am a self taught artist, who was born in a family of art-lovers and got married into another. I've always found support from family and since there have been no restrictions, I've had the chance to try different things without worrying about failure. 

2. When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?

I am not a professional artist but have never thought of myself as any less. I believe art lives within an individual and there can really not be a point in time, when you can say, 'I am an artist'. It's a feeling and not a title. Having said that, I believe, I've been an artist ever since my early childhood days because I've always loved art and creating. What I am doing right now, i.e food photography, is just another art form that I got exposed to a little late in life. 

3. Is it a financially stable career?

With dedication and the zeal to learn, I am sure it is. Neither painting nor food photography is how I earn my bread and butter but I know so many who do. I've had quite a few decent offers in the last few months for food photography come my way, without making any special attempts to get them. Food industry is one with infinite opportunities- raw ingredients, fresh produce, cooked meals, story-telling through pictures, photography for brands and restaurants, recipes, there is so much to do. 

4. Who is your favorite artist and why?

It would be unfair to mention any one name. There are so many people whose work I like. Some for photography, some for how amazing their food looks and some for just how beautiful their picture composition is.

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

I do a lot of study in the form of browsing. I am always on the lookout for art - paintings as well as food, take notes and study to learn the details. 

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?

Practice and study. When I say study, it does not have to be a college degree in your chosen field of art but the desire to learn. To improve should be the goal. You might not reach the pinnacle but look for self-satisfaction. Don't create to impress others. Your art should make you happy! 

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

Internet. I don't hold a degree in art but I learned by studying other people's work. While painting is something that comes naturally to me, food photography was quite a learning curve and it still is. I haven't referred to books but to people and their work. Lucky to have found some, who helped without hesitation. 

Tanya Anurag

Tanya Anurag

Tanya Anurag, Software Engineer & Professional Artist

Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar