‘Art has always been my favourite’

Vyna Malhotra is a Middle Year Programme – 4 student at Apeejay School International (ASI), Panchsheel Park. She is one of the few young artists who have been blessed with the wisdom to not chase perfection in the artwork but to allow perfection to happen in auto mode as the artistic journey progresses. 

Sharing some words of sheer beauty in this week’s Aspiring Artist interview, we get a glimpse of the enormous potential Vyna houses. Read edited excerpts: 

Since when did you start drawing?

I’ve been drawing since I was a small kid. My parents always encouraged me to follow my passion and never once discouraged me in anything. Despite being good in academics, art was always my favourite thing to do!

Which art form is your favourite and why?

I like painting the most, and surrealism in that. There’s so much joy when you bring a blank canvas and gradually every bit of work you’ve done transforms into a  life-like picture.

Excellent! How does your school support you as an artist?

My school has always been supportive of my love for art.

I chose visual arts as my portfolio, and all my teachers as well as coordinators supported me so much in my art journey. I would especially like to show my appreciation for my visual arts teacher, Ms  Kanika, because she’s always there to help me and encourages me to learn more as an artist every day. 

The school reminds me that I should try my best for all artworks and it doesn’t always have to be perfect, because art doesn’t have a perfect. You just have to see where the paintbrush takes you!

That’s really brilliant! Do tell us your definition of art?

Art is a way to express yourself. It can be in any form. Visual arts, music, dance or even acting. Art is something that your mind comes up with! Art is a way of survival.

Very inspiring indeed! How much time does it take you to complete an artwork? 

It depends on what artwork I’m doing. My last artwork took four months to complete and so, there is no fixed time. 

Upcoming artworks?

For my next unit, I’m doing study drawings of different animals. I’ve already selected four random animals  and I will be executing this on sixteen A3 sheets. I will be doing this with charcoal.

A new artform you wish to learn?

I really want to learn how to do sculptures! Sculptures have always fascinated me but I have never quite grasped the idea of making them properly

And lastly, other hobbies apart from art?

I like reading books and I also like playing badminton, along with traveling.