‘Participating in competitions helps me understand better and think creatively’

Meet Aaradhya Gopal, a talented student of Class VIII at Apeejay School, Kharghar, whose passion for art and creativity continues to shine. With a keen eye for detail and a love for exploring different art forms, Aaradhya recently won an inter-school Quilling competition. Her artistic journey reflects dedication, imagination, and confidence, inspiring her to pursue art professionally in the future. 

Tell us about how you felt winning the Inter-school Quilling competition…

I feel proud and motivated about this achievement. Participating in a quilling competition helped me improve my creativity, patience and attention to detail. It also gave me confidence to showcase my skills and taught me that with dedication and practice, I can achieve my goals.

What inspired you to create the artwork that you won?

Since the topic was insects and birds, I wanted to create something natural that they are most attracted to. I chose flowers and added beautiful floral patterns to my quilling artwork. Through this design, I wanted to show the beauty of nature and bring a realistic and natural feel to my drawing.

How did you prepare for the competition?

I practised different quilling shapes and techniques to create my artwork. I took my time with each detail and made sure the colour and design worked well together. My idea was to make the artwork look authentic by combining different elements that we see and experience in our everyday lives. 

Do you have a favourite artist or an artwork that inspires you?

I don’t have any favourite artist or artworks that inspires me. My biggest inspiration has always been my parents. They motivate me to explore my creativity, believe in myself, and give my best in everything I do. Their encouragement gives me the confidence to keep learning and improving.

How does participating in competition help you improve your artistic skills and confidence?

Participating in competitions helps me understand the topic better and think creatively about how to present it. I also get to learn what judges look for while evaluating a drawing, such as creativity, detailing, neatness, colours, and how well the artwork matches the given theme. This helps me improve my skills and confidence.

How does the school support you?

My school has always helped me pursue my drawing skills since nursery. They have been giving me opportunities to participate in various competitions. Their constant encouragement and guidance have helped me showcase my talent and creativity, gain confidence, and develop a greater interest in art.

Do you aspire to pursue art professionally, or would you like to keep it as a passion alongside your future career?

Yes, I would like to pursue art professionally in the future. I love expressing my creativity through drawing and different art forms. I also hope to inspire other children to explore their creativity, enjoy art, and believe in their own talent.

What is the next artistic goal you would like to achieve?

My next artistic goal is to collaborate with different artists and explore different forms of art. I hope to participate in bigger competitions, learn new techniques, and create unique artworks that express my creativity, inspire others, and bring happiness to people.