‘Art helps one to express the thoughts deep inside’

Don’t go by Shiza Abbasi’s age. This budding artist at Apeejay School, Kharghar will dazzle you with her art skills as you keep wondering how such a little child is blessed with such deep creativity. Her recent paintings show calibre much beyond her years and it is truly heartening to have selected her for this week’s Apeejay Aspiring Artist of the week. Catching the prodigy for a quick interview, we learn about her journey into art, love for new forms and other hobbies beyond art. Read edited excerpts:

Shiza, since when did you start drawing?

 I started drawing as soon as I learnt to hold a pencil. I drew anything and everything I saw around me. My favourite part however was colouring. My parents saw the potential in me and made me join drawing classes by the age of 6 and I have been enjoying myself with every new drawing I make.

Which art form do you like the most?

My favourite art form is painting because here I can put all my imaginations on the canvas. I feel delighted when I paint my thoughts on the paper. Painting landscapes and beautiful sceneries is my favourite.

How does Apeejay School, Kharghar encourage you as an artist?

 My school keeps holding drawing competitions every year for all age groups. And the winners are awarded heavily. This keeps my motivation high and I keep participating annually. Also, my drawing teachers Nageena ma’am and Meghna ma’am always encourage me and believe in me. They see me as an artist and give me extra drawing work if need be, which makes me really happy.

 What is art for you?

Art is a feeling of creativity that enables you to express your imagination into visual form. Here you can express thoughts that are deep inside you.

Very well said! So, how much time does it take you to complete an artwork? What are the common ideas and themes?

It all depends on what I am drawing or painting. Some artworks take half an hour while some take a week. Themes I enjoy are realistic drawings like objects, animals and birds.

Upcoming artworks?

 These include realistic oil pastel and realistic pencil colour drawings. Soon I will be mailing it to be published in the Apeejay newsroom. I would also like to try my hands on Mandala and Warli art soon.

New artforms you wish to learn?

I love to dance. I would love to polish my dance steps and the school dance teacher Avitha ma’am is the best person from whom I am learning dance. I am also interested in learning AI art and my interest in literature is also growing, so I plan to write poems and stories.

Finally, other hobbies apart from art?

 Other hobbies include swimming, dancing and playing piano and flute. I would also love to learn Taekwondo, a great initiative taken by school and luckily I have been selected for it.