Parth Kothekar Interview
Q.You dropped out of conventional studies in 2010 to pursue art full-time. What gave you the confidence to take that leap and how did your early days shape your journey?
While doing animation, I got into the habit of sketching one artwork a day as practice. After I left animation, I worked a job for a year, but eventually realized I was wasting my time and not growing. So, I started sketching again, and it gave me the confidence to do something with my art.
I began printing my sketches on T-shirts and started selling them. But that eventually came to an end, because through that process, I realized that while I was good at sketching, I wasn’t good at business. So I dropped everything and started experimenting with my art full-time. These experiences shaped my journey and led me to pursue art seriously.
Q. Your work captures everything from daily Indian life to philosophy and intricate patterns. What inspires your choice of themes?
Since childhood, I used to observe my surroundings and draw what I saw. Over time, this became a part of me. The beauty of India has always inspired and motivated me to showcase it through a unique artistic style.
To keep challenging myself, I explore different themes that help improve my hand skills. For example, I create intricate works, as fine as hairline cuts, especially in my Indian heritage series.
Q. Tell us about your very first exhibition in 2013, what did it feel like showcasing 100 pieces of work at once?
It was a surreal and completely new experience for me. I used to keep my artworks in a file and show them to friends, so seeing them all displayed together in a gallery was something entirely different. Since this art form was new, I was overwhelmed by people’s responses. They were surprised, curious, and full of questions. Watching their reactions was truly magical.
Q. You’ve worked with multiple forms, animations, 3D lamps, portraits. How do you approach pushing creative boundaries within a single medium?
It comes from a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover what new can be done. I want to grow through my artworks, so experimenting with new ideas is what keeps me motivated.
Q. The Ohpapercut knife has become almost iconic in your process. Is there a story behind it, or how did it become your tool of choice?
This knife is very close to me because I made it myself. I’ve used almost every kind of knife from around the world, but none of them ever felt truly comfortable. During the COVID lockdown, I was feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future of my art. That’s when I started focusing on creating my own tool.
I designed it from scratch, taking inspiration from the pencil I use to draw. I named my brand OhPapercuts because that’s the first thing people used to say when they saw my work.
Q. How do you view the role of patience and discipline in an art form that is so precise, delicate, and slow?
Creating artwork is like meditation for me. For example, once I start a piece, I often sit and work for 7-8 hours a day, following that routine for 20-25 days until the artwork is finished. Being in a quiet, silent space with no distractions and just my thoughts teaches me a lot and helps me grow.
I also get many ideas while cutting the artwork. It’s a deeply inspiring process.
Q. You often share behind-the-scenes glimpses and WIP posts. How important is that transparency in building a connection with your audience?
It’s very important to me because I want people to appreciate the intricacy and truly connect with the artwork. After seeing my posts, people often message me with questions, which makes me feel even more connected to them.
Q. Looking back at your decade-long journey, what advice would you give to young artists who are hesitant to take the unconventional path?
Keep doing the work every day with passion and take risks. Challenge yourself and channel all your anger into your work. Question yourself - why isn’t it happening yet? The unconventional path takes time, but don’t lose hope. Stay curious.
Bio:
Parth Kothekar is known for his intricate papercuttings which he does using his ohpapercut craft knife. His journey began in 2010 when he decided to drop out of conventional studies and take on making art as a full time occupation. In the following years he discovered and explored the art-form. In 2013 he held his first exhibition showcasing his first 100 artworks in Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad. This exhibition was a pivotal point in his career as a papercut artist as the response he received confirmed his path forward. His way of work is that of challenging himself.
It has found a structure wherein he works with different thematic series, of various papercutting art-forms, from time to time which include animations, 3d lamps, patterns, portraits and more. The forms that his paper takes are unique with each exploration as he believes in experimenting and exploring different kinds of techniques to challenge and improve himself and his work. He was invited by the New Zealand government to showcase his work in 2016; his work has also been exhibited internationally and featured in many prestigious publications.
Interviewed by: Divya Darshini
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