BeyondBooks: ‘Don’t worry about making everything perfect’  

A talented student from Apeejay School, Noida, Diva Rathi, is carving her identity as a young, dedicated artist. Encouraged by her family and nurtured by her school, she creates purposeful, message-driven art that addresses real-life issues. From her favourite acrylic pieces to exploring abstract concepts, she inspires her peers by showing how creativity and passion can make a meaningful impact.

In a candid interview, she shares her artistic journey. 

What inspired you to start creating art?

Since nursery, Apeejay School’s diverse activities have been my creative playground. Winning prizes in art competitions and receiving teacher appreciation for my creative notebook work boosted my confidence, inspiring me to pursue art more seriously and constantly push my creative boundaries.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I describe my style as purposeful and message-driven, focusing on real-life issues like pollution, energy, and cyber threats. My goal is to use art to transform these everyday challenges into visuals that captivate and engage people.

What’s the first thing you do when you start an artwork?

Before beginning a piece, I reflect on the value my art brings to the community. I concentrate on the message it conveys and explore new techniques or ideas, making sure each creation offers something fresh and meaningful to the viewer.

Do you have any special rituals or habits?

I prefer working in a quiet and well-organised space, as it helps me concentrate fully and immerse myself in my creative process. A calm environment allows my ideas to flow freely and ensures that I can pay attention to even the smallest details in my work.

Which mediums do you enjoy working with the most and why?

I love working with acrylics because their bold and vibrant colors make my artwork truly stand out. They allow me to achieve the neat, clean finish I aim for, giving each piece a professional and eye-catching look that captures attention.

Can you share the story behind one of your favourite pieces?

My favourite piece highlights cyber security, illustrating how vulnerable our personal data can be. Rather than simply drawing a computer, I aimed to depict the ‘hidden’ side of the Internet. It was incredibly rewarding to see viewers recognise through my art that digital safety is a real and pressing issue.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge lies in bringing abstract concepts to life. Representing complex ideas through art can be tricky, so I turn to online research and draw inspiration from multiple sources. This approach helps me find a distinctive and creative way to convey the idea clearly.

How has your school supported your artistic journey?

My school has been my strongest support since nursery. By hosting various competitions and providing a platform for my work, they gave me the confidence to develop my skills. The constant encouragement and appreciation from my teachers for my creative efforts have truly inspired me to pursue art passionately.

If you could exhibit your work anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I want to begin right here at my school. For me, art is a way to contribute to my community, so I hope to inspire my peers and teachers first before sharing my message with a wider audience.

Any message for young artists?

Don’t worry about making everything perfect. Focus on using your art to express what matters to you. With consistent practice and staying true to your ideas, your work will genuinely connect with people and convey your message effectively.