Wildlife artist
Prasad Natarajan
When and why did you choose to become an artist?
Nine years ago when I moved into my new house, it had enough space for me to translate my love for wildlife into artworks. Visual representation of my feelings always makes me happy. That’s one of the privileges of being an artist.
Describe your signature style of art
Since most of my subjects are related to nature, I would like to represent them as precise, detailed and accurate as possible. So the drive is towards realism naturally, at the moment.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nature never fails to inspire me. I need not be in the forest always. A morning walk in a nearby park would do the trick.
Your favourite artist
My all-time favorite artist is Robert Bateman, wildlife artist, environmentalist, and naturalist from Salt Spring Island, B.C. Canada.
Visual artist and photographer
Vimal Chandran
When and why did you choose to become an artist?
Being an artist is far more liberating than other career choices I had. As a software engineer who worked in IT for more than seven years, I can say that being an artist gives more satisfaction (I quit my corporate job one and half years ago and started working as a full time visual artist). It gives me a chance to express my views and tell stories. Art gives me a way to connect with people spiritually and emotionally.
Describe your signature style of art
I refer to it as ‘new age urban/pop art’. It varies from illustrations to graffiti art and installations. With the advance of new media, it’s time to reach out more people with different styles. I also do other works like painting and photography. So I don’t think I follow a traditional body of work. The thought is more important than the style.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Books, music, movies, and the people I meet are my constant source of inspiration.
Your favourite artist
I have lot of favourite artists. It varies from fine art to comic artists but Bill Watterson and Ai Weiwei are at the top of my list.
Visual artist who has taken up a full-time career in painting
Soumya P.V.
When and why did you choose to become an artist?
I always knew subconsciously from a young age that painting would be a significant part of my life. While working as a tax consultant previously, I was driven by a relentless need to paint all the time, until it came to a point when I needed it to be an exclusive vocation in itself. This was
one of the most profound decisions I've made, one I haven't ever felt like turning back from.
Describe your signature style of art
I tend to favour the marriage of vivid, exuberant colours with very specific filigree detailing. I am heavily influenced by traditional Indian art forms and usually try to work their principles into a contemporary format.
Where do you draw inspiration?
Inspiration isn't something that is planned, and I can't consciously turn it on. There have been several instances when an idea or concept would occur to me when I least expect it. And once that happens, I'm very unsettled until I act upon it and see how it unfurls.
Your favourite artist
I have been following Amit Bhar's work for a long time, and love his inimitable style. Thomas Kallarackal is another favourite for his wonderfully realistic portrayals of wildlife. I am also a big fan of S.H. Raza's symbolic renditions.
Architect turned abstract artist
Amrish Malvankar
When and why did you choose to become an artist?
I have a lot of creative people in my family from the field of fine arts and motion arts. Even my father had a very good hand but couldn’t pursue his dreams. He wanted me to explore my creative side. He gifted me a set of crayons and a drawing book when I was a child and my fascination with fine art and creative expression started then. Keeping parental obligations in mind, I decided to get into architecture. It was but a natural extension of my creative talents. While working as an architect I continued to keep my love for paintings alive. It was only on the first day of my first exhibition when I saw my paintings on the wall and admired by patrons in Bangalore that I truly realised that this was my true calling. I have not looked back since.
Describe your signature style of art
It’s abstract art in mixed media. It gives me the freedom to create without being restricted by a particular medium.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration is the ultimate creator – Mother Nature – from the tiny but integral atom to the immense awe inspiring universe. You cannot possibility imagine the permutations and combinations that nature can bring alive, and in such a beautiful and aesthetic manner. Despite all that has already been created and will be created, I believe that there is still so much more that can inspire artists for generations to come!
Your favourite artist
I respect all works from every artist as I believe everyone has a unique way of expressing their creative skills via art.
