‘A Ganpati painting like no other’

Many believe that art- the process of eternal creation is only possible when one is blessed by the Lord. Shivani Ganti, class 8 student in Apeejay School, Nerul too was recently touched by such a divine inspiration. 

Shivani visited many Ganpati pandals during the auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi days and felt inspired to paint the lord on a canvas. That fact that she was divinely blessed in that moment, reflects in the finess, exquisite beauty and precision of the Ganpati painting she has made on a circular canvas. 

Selected as this week’s Artist of the week, the young painter speaks to us of the process of making the painting and how art gives her a sense of joy and freedom combined together. 

 At what age did you pick up the brush Shivani?

I have been drawing since I was in class 1. Drawing has held my interest since childhood and this is my passion. I love to draw and paint and this gives me a sense of freedom as well.

Which art form is your favourite and why?

I love all kinds of art but I love to draw mandala art and freestyle or abstract art. I practice these most of the time.

And how does your school support you as an artist?

My school art teachers have been really supportive; beginning from my primary classes where my art teachers Bahar ma’am and Naina ma’am helped me improve my drawings and I soon gained an immense interest in art. 

In my secondary classes my art teacher Pallavi ma’am encourages me a lot. She recently motivated me to participate in a poster making competition.

Every artist has his or her own definition of art! What’s yours?

There is no specific definition of art as it would differ from person to person and their perspective of looking at things is unique. 

For me, art is something that provides happiness and peacefulness to me. It is something that allows me to use my imagination and creativity to a higher level.

How much time does it take you to complete an artwork? What are the common ideas and themes?

It usually takes me about 2-3 hours to finish an artwork with less details. A day or two is good enough for artworks with finer details. My treasured ideas are nature, environment, changing planet landscapes, women empowerment, tribal empowerment etc.

Upcoming artworks?

Next I am going to work on a new freestyle art type. Let’s see how it goes.

A new art form you wish to learn?

I am looking forward to learning digital art. It has fascinated me a lot.

Other hobbies apart from art?

Other than art I am also interested in singing. I really enjoy it.

And finally, tell us about the inspiration and process of painting the Ganesha on canvas? We loved it, it felt like the Lord himself inspired you!

The day I did this painting I had visited many Ganpati pandals in Vashi and Nerul in Navi Mumbai. The splendid display of Lord Ganpati inspired me to work on this painting.

The process of painting it simply begins with a rough sketch on the canvas and adding a splash of our own colours. I loved painting this and I feel blessed that it has come out so well.