BeyondBooks: ‘Art gives me space to express and stay connected’

She has a wide range of interests. Along with art, she actively participates in public speaking and has received awards at both the school level and in Inter-school competitions. She enjoys dancing and has been learning it since kindergarten. Recently, she also began professional training in Kathak. Meet Haritika Tripathi, who has recently gone in Class VIII of Apeejay School, Kharghar.

In a candid interview, she talks about how she manages her love for art and dance, among other things.

What are your interests besides art?

I practise calligraphy and hope to learn the violin in the future. I am quite interested in literature and enjoy writing essays, articles, and poems, mostly on themes such as nature and hope. Academically, I have a strong interest in Math and Civics. I enjoy debates and have a keen interest in law and order because I aspire to become a judge one day.

You have so many interests. How do you manage all of them?

Time management is important. In the beginning, I did struggle with it, but with the help of my parents and teachers, I have learnt how to balance my time better. I try to enjoy them rather than feel pressured by them, which helps me stay focused on my studies as well.

What do you enjoy about drawing, sketching, or painting?

I enjoy both drawing and painting because each has its charm. Drawing allows me to focus on structure and fine details, while painting gives me the freedom to experiment with colours, moods, and emotions. Art gives me a space where I can express myself freely, and that keeps me connected to it.

When you start an artwork, do you plan it or do you create it spontaneously?

It depends on the artwork. Sometimes my ideas are clearly planned. At other times, I simply allow the artwork to develop naturally based on my thoughts and emotions at that moment.

How do you feel when you are drawing or painting?

My feelings depend on the subject I am working on. When I work on realism or semi-realism, I feel focused because getting the proportions and anatomy right requires patience and dedication. When I paint landscapes, I feel calm and relaxed. In every case, the canvas becomes a space where I can express myself freely.

Has any artwork turned out to be different from how you started?

Yes, that happens quite often. When that happens, I try to make the best of the final result. I believe the purpose of art is to convey a message. If the message reaches people clearly, the exact form of the artwork becomes less important.

Has there been a particularly challenging artwork that tested your skills?

One of the most challenging artworks I created recently was a portrait of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. I found it quite difficult to get her facial proportions right. But with patience and practice, I managed to make the portrait look fairly realistic. Through this experience, I understood how important it is to practise facial structures and proportions. It also made me more confident in drawing faces.

Is there any skill in art that you would still like to improve?

Yes. I would like to improve my control over watercolours. Sometimes the colours spread more than I expect them to, and I would like to learn how to manage them better so that my work looks cleaner and more controlled.

How does your school support your interests in art and other activities?

My school gives students many opportunities to explore and showcase their talents. I recently won second prize in an Inter-school English public speaking competition, which I am very grateful for. My art teachers encourage me greatly, and the school’s carnivals and competitions also motivate me to participate in dance.