‘Art doesn’t distract me from studies, it refreshes me’

Avijit Sahu , a class 11 student at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, is a very talented artist. He is shy to speak about himself and his art, calling even his work “rough”. But a glance is what one needs at his artwork to see how richly cultivated the boy is. In the Apeejay Aspiring Artist series, the young talent speaks on finding the time to draw despite being a medical student. Read edited excerpts:

What’s your favourite type of artwork?

Charcoal sketching. This art-form is very realistic with a lot of space for depth in the work.

How do you approach/begin an artwork?

First I search for a reference point, and generally, I look for it in my surroundings and then copy it. It takes me around two hours on charcoal and three hours on watercolors. I love making portraits though – it is realistic. One can observe the person in front , there is no need to look for a reference point anywhere else.

How would you define art?

For me, art is copying the surroundings or capturing the imagination in 2D. 

How does the school help you as an artist?

Harveen ma’am, our school art teacher, helps me a lot. She guides me in my artworks and also encourages me to participate in competitions.

You are a medical student. You have entrance coaching for four hours daily alongside school and self-study. How do you find the time for art?

Weekend rocks!  I also carry a diary with me in which I draw in my free time. In class, when we have free periods I go to the art room and work there. Art doesn’t distract me from my studies. On the contrary, I do art after I am tired after studies. It refreshes me.

Any upcoming artwork?

It is a canvas with acrylic colors. I want to do a portrait of Swami Vivekananda.

One painting tip for beginners?

To free the hand, they should practice overline circles. So, just take an old newspaper and draw circles after circles with your pencil and soon, your hand will be free.  

What’s your USP as an artist?

My art is abstract. That’s all I can say!

How will art help in your journey to become a doctor?

We have to make diagrams in medicine. I can easily draw the diagram of the human heart, thanks to my art skills.