Balancing art and studies is an art in itself

Akshita Niranjan may be just in class VII but her art suggests a different thing; looking at it nobody can say that it is an art form that she took up just a year back. Sketching or painting, this student of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park has mastered both art forms.

 In this week’s Aspiring Artist interview, the budding painter talks about her love for art at length and how she wishes to balance art alongside a career in medicine. 

Excerpts:

How did your journey into art begin?
I started drawing during the summer holidays last year. I was inspired to create art by my school art teacher Harveen ma’am. She saw my work in the school art room one day and encouraged me to keep at my craft. My growth at art is all due to her encouragement.

What is your preferred artform?
I simply love painting. The different shades and texture of the colours just fuels my creativity!

Which art work is your personal favourite?

There is a landscape painting of a snow-covered land. I loved the time that I spent on it and how I drew the sky and lake in that artwork.

How does your school polish the artist within you?
As I mentioned before, Harveen ma’am, my school art teacher, gives me plenty of opportunities to showcase my talent — from doing the artwork during the school’s Annual Appreciation Day to other school functions like inter school competitions, the school always supports me in my endeavours.

I recently got the first prize at an inter school competition in Apeejay School, Saket . I also received the second prize in the painting competition organised within my school for students across classes VI-XII.

What advice would you give to a beginner?
Start with basic sketching, then go to painting and gradually you will find your way!

Every artist has their definition of art. What’s yours?
Art gives me happiness. It gives me a sense of freedom whenever I am working on an artwork.  

Any artwork you are working on?
I have my exams and need to prepare for the same. But once I am free I already have an idea for the canvas — it will be a wildlife painting.

But how do you balance art and exams?
After studying for about three to four hours, I make a painting and then again return to studies. Art is a relaxation period for me. It freshes my mind.

Would you prefer to take up art as a profession?

I would love to but I also want to become a doctor; art will be something that will be there, it is part of who I am.