As a student of Apeejay School, Noida, she has been part of the Apeejay family since her nursery years. Over time, her growing interest in art led her naturally towards sculpture, which has become her preferred medium for exploring creativity and expressing her thoughts and ideas. Meet Ayushi Kaushal, who is presently in Class XII.
In a candid interview, she talks about the moment she realised that sculpture was something she truly enjoyed.
What first drew you to sculpture as a form of art?
I was drawn to sculpture because it gives complete freedom to be creative. It allows ideas to move beyond paper and take shape in three dimensions. Sculpting helps me think deeply and use my imagination.
The moment you realised that sculpture was something you truly enjoyed.
I remember working on a clay project in school where we had to create a nameplate. Even though the process was challenging because it was my first time working with clay, I felt extremely satisfied while creating it. That moment made me realise how much joy I found in sculpting, not just in the final result but in the entire process.
When you begin working on a sculpture, what comes first for you, the idea or the material?
Usually, the idea comes first. However, sometimes the material itself inspires the form. There are moments when I look at a piece of material and start thinking about how I can use it to create something meaningful.
A project that challenged you the most, and what you learnt from it.
One of the most challenging projects I worked on involved maintaining the structure of the sculpture. It did not turn out the way I had planned initially, and I had to restart parts of it. From that experience, I learnt the importance of patience and guidance, as both often lead to better results.
How has the support of your teachers and the school environment helped you grow as a sculptor?
The innovative and interesting projects given by my teachers played a major role in developing my interest in sculpture. These projects encouraged me to think creatively, experiment with different materials, and explore new ideas. My teachers always guided me on how my work could be improved, and over time, I grew more confident.
If you could create a sculpture that represents you as an artist today, what would it be?
I would create a sculpture of a girl with calm, flowing forms and features that reflect spirituality, kindness, and forgiveness. The figure would have a peaceful expression, symbolising inner strength and emotional healing. Through this sculpture, I would express my inner self and thoughts that guide me to be both a good person and a dedicated artist.