Coverage of Apeejay School, Kharghar student in Sugermint

By Shalini Saksena: She is, at present, studying in Class VI at Apeejay School, Kharghar. She enjoys art (painting) and also plays handball. She likes trying new things and learning different skills.

Interestingly, she did not take part in many activities, but now she is always excited to be involved in both sports and creative work. Meet Aryahi Gupta.

In a candid interview, she shares her painting journey, among other things.

How did you get interested in handball?

I had never heard about handball before. When I was in Class III, A teacher asked me if I wanted to join handball. Since it was something new, I thought I should try it since I was not participating in many activities, so I decided to take part. That is how my interest in handball started.

How did your journey with painting begin?

I do not clearly remember how I started painting, but I know I was inspired by great artists like Leonardo da Vinci. When I looked at their artworks, I used to think that I also wanted to create something like that.

What does art do for you that nothing else does?

Painting relaxes me in a way nothing else does. When I study, especially grammar, I sometimes overthink and get confused. But when I paint, I do not feel that pressure.

Painting comes naturally. Whenever I feel inspired or when I am in the mood, I sit and paint. My family also loves my paintings. I have made paintings of Radha-Krishna for them.

Which medium do you enjoy the most?

At present, I enjoy working with acrylic paints the most. I started with sketching, then moved to coloured pencils, and now acrylics. The biggest challenge is that acrylic colours dry very fast. To manage that, I mix enough paint so I do not have to keep remixing it.

I also use a small steel box to store my mixed paints. I spray a little water every five or 10 minutes to keep them hydrated. If I want to use the same paints the next day, I just spray a little extra water and close the box properly. That way, the colours stay usable.

How does the school support your art?

The school informs me about different competitions and encourages participation. I have not needed a lot of extra help, but the opportunities to take part in competitions have helped me improve.

How do you balance sports, art and academics?

I paint only when I am in the mood or when I have time. Right now, my exams are coming, so I am not painting much. My handball practice is already scheduled for one hour in the morning, so I do not have to worry about it. After school, I focus on my studies.