SHIVANI VISHWAKARMA

 I have always been deeply fascinated by the traditional art of Uttarakhand, which has served as a great source of inspiration for me. It motivated me to take the folk art of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand and give it a contemporary twist. For me, art is a powerful reflection of the cultural life of a community, encompassing the expressive essence of folklore and our rich cultural heritage.

In my artistic endeavors, I focus on the interplay of lines, which holds a special significance in my work. My paintings revolve around the theme of "The Importance of Colors and Lines in Women's Life." Each color is intricately linked to a woman's life, and I aim to portray how different colors can transform and impact their journey. One particular color that holds immense importance in a woman's life is red. When a woman embraces the color red, it becomes an integral part of her existence, leaving a profound impact. It is like she immerses herself in the essence of this vibrant hue, and it marks a symbolic rebirth for her. Understanding the significance of this transformation has become a vital aspect of my artistic expression.

As a woman myself, I feel a deeper connection to the colors associated with women's lives. Through my art, I strive to celebrate the diverse emotions, struggles, and triumphs experienced by women, and how these are intricately intertwined with the colors they encounter in their journey. My passion for art and my personal experiences as a woman drive me to bring this unique perspective to life through my creative endeavors.

SANDHYA BADHANI

My painting revolves around the beauty of nature, something that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Uttarakhand, I was surrounded by the enchanting sights and sounds of birds. From the moment I woke up, the cheerful chirping of birds filled the air, creating a magical start to my day.

Birds, particularly sparrows, have captured my imagination since childhood. Their petite size and the blend of brown and black feathers have always fascinated me. It's no surprise that most of my artwork features these delightful creatures. For me, birds symbolize freedom and boundless expression – qualities that I believe every artist should embrace. When I'm painting birds on canvas, I feel an innate connection with the world around me. Nature itself seems to inspire and guide my brush strokes. Every time I hear birds taking flight, it's as if they're encouraging me to capture their essence on my canvas.

For me, art is a way of setting birds free – not confining them to cages but immortalizing them on my artwork, allowing their beauty to be appreciated by others. My paintings serve as a bridge between birds and people, reminding them of the precious species that are gradually disappearing from our world. I find myself pondering the reasons why we are growing distant from nature. Through my art, I strive to rekindle that connection and instill in people a sense of responsibility to protect our natural world and its winged inhabitants. As an artist, I seek new ways to share my work with the world, to touch people's hearts, and to inspire them to care for nature. I draw inspiration from legendary artists like Ustad Mansoor, who portrayed birds even in historical times like the Mughal period. I'm equally amazed by contemporary artist Jagannath Panda's exceptional technique in depicting birds, and I aspire to cultivate my unique style to bring birds back to nature and unite them with people's lives. 

In the end, my journey as an artist is a quest for that inner artist within me, who can breathe life into birds through my art and foster a renewed appreciation for nature's wonders among all of us. I hope that my paintings serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and the natural world and that together, we can preserve and cherish the magnificent creatures that adorn our skies.