‘I am myself when I concentrate on an artwork’

Sonika Gaur, a class 8 student of Apeejay School, Kharghar, has great art in her nimble fingers. Her sketch of Goddess Saraswati is a living testimony to that. The sketch does total justice to the magnanimity of the Goddess. In the backdrop of the Vasant Panchami celebrations, we speak to the Apeejay aspiring artist and ask her about her love for sketching as well as art in general. Read edited excerpts: 

Since when did you start drawing?

I started out very badly. I did not know anything about drawing. I remember I drew a simple figure like a peacock in class 3. But I gradually learned on my own and picked up the craft. 

Is sketching your favourite art form?

Oh yes, it is very comfortable, much more than painting or drawing. I am not perfect in colouring yet, to be honest. But in sketching one can experiment with many pencils such as HB2 and other options. 

How does your school help you to grow as an artist?

My art teacher helps me a lot. She has shared many drawings with me as a reference. She inspires me to improve and learn with every drawing. 

How would you define art?

Art is a skill that produces designs. It is a skill that we learn with time.  

What makes you unique as an artist?

When I concentrate on the art, I am myself completely.

One sketching tip for beginners?

Start from making blocks. Then you can focus on the curves, endings and sharp edges as you move along. 

How do you approach any artwork?

I complete a sketch in half an hour to one hour. It is a very tough thing to do, describing the texture of the drawing and the lines of the work, but I enjoy it. 

We loved your goddess Saraswati sketch. What inspired you for that?

I found a picture of Goddess Saraswati in my home. It was so beautiful and I wanted to sketch it as I was really captivated. So, I just did it. It took me one and a half hours.

Finally, your next artwork?

A sketch of Lord Hanuman ji