A brief about
yourself
I have grown up in the midst
of Modern Indian Art in Mumbai. As a nine year old I spent my Saturday
mornings, walking to Jahangir Art Gallery, Mumbai and seeing master artists
painting.
Growing
up I chose academics over art for various and obvious reasons. I’m glad for
that, as it has shaped my personality and made me who I am. Art has been a consistent part of my life
because it brings joy and so I have followed art passionately.
How did your
journey as an artist begin?
I have always drawn and doodled from a very young age. I
could never have paper around me on which I did not compulsively draw on. I had
art in the many schools I studied. Then as a preprimary teacher I had ample
opportunities to draw and paint and hone my creativity.
Did you have any
formal training or is it self-taught?
I have not had any formal training in art, I’m self-taught.
I created a curriculum and followed it for 5 years. My skills I have enhanced
with online learning from all over the world.
How would you
describe your art style?
In the early years I worked towards Realism and like all
aspiring artists my roots are there. Only to discover to my horror that working
realistically did not bring me joy and satisfaction. I felt creatively
unchallenged. I moved towards expressive art and now towards abstraction.
What's your
inspiration for your art work?
The main subject of my art is always my emotional
response to people, face, landscape and culture around me.
What is the most
challenging aspect about your work?
I always start intuitively; my process is not mapped out.
So I never know how I will finish. For me this is the most challenging part of
my work. It is challenging but it is also the most exciting part of my work.
What is your
creative process like? And what keeps you motivated?
As I work intuitively, it is always a response to what I
have put down on the canvas. The best way to describe my process is that of
working and erasing and unearthing my paintings. It is the process of
unearthing is what keeps me motivated. One of the skills I developed as a
teacher has been that I’m not the focal point of the learning and teaching
process, I’m just a catalyst and it is this very learning that helps me in my
creative process. The onus is not on me the artist but on the painting. I use
the paintings to guide me to its logical conclusion, so staying motivated isn’t
difficult. I also believe that simple discipline of daily practice keep me
motivated and on the path. I have a time limit of 15 – 30 minutes daily
drawings that fits into my life as a wife, mother and daughter. It’s amazing
how much one can do in this time frame.
Do you commission
different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?
I have done a few commissions. Luckily for me my
collectors gave me a long leash to finish my work. With my process being what
it is, it can be difficult to do traditional commissions. I have had people buy
at group and my solo exhibitions. I have also sold a few pieces online.
What is your
favorite art piece that you have done till date?
That is a difficult one to answer. I don’t see them as my
favorites but to answer your question I could say, there are a few paintings
that have been the turning points in my learning and growth. The study I did of
the famous ‘Afghan Girl’, it was this painting where I realized that Realism
did not satisfy my creativity. ‘Thames meets Oman’ and ‘Crossings’ were the
paintings where I discovered my confidence.
Any tips or words
of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.
Keep your process simple, try and work every day. Get in
there and do your thing. Don’t paint to sell, paint because it is your calling
and the rest will follow.
Here are two of Tarini's beautiful art work:
