‘Something fascinates me when I sketch’

Ankita Kumari Pasyan, a class 8 student at Apeejay School Saket, is a very spirited artist. Her spirit to admire her classmates who are better than her at art and to also learn from them with a positive attitude speaks volumes about the artist inside her. In this week’s Apeejay Aspiring Artist interview, the master sketcher speaks about her love for pencil and paper as well as offers some advice for beginners. Read edited excerpts: 

Since when have you been drawing?

I have had an interest in drawing since childhood. However, I started out with a renewed interest since the last winter vacation. So what happened was, I had hurt my leg and therefore was unable to go out anywhere. That was when I decided to draw in that spare time instead. I made a lot of artwork and I later showed all of them to my school art teacher. He was very impressed with my work. 

What is your favourite art form?

Sketching. I am not that interested in colouring and drawing but in sketching, the art just fascinates me so much. 

Which artwork of yours is your personal favourite?

I made a sketch of a girl crying. That one is my favourite because I find myself always emotionally attached to that sketch.  

How does your school support you as an artist?

My school art teacher Maharana sir encourages me a lot. He always has some or the other positive words and advice for all students. He motivates us all a lot.

What are your upcoming artworks?

I haven’t thought of anything yet. My exams are going on presently so I am occupied with that. Only self-study right now (laughs)

Any art advice for beginners?

If you find yourself interested in art, then start out with some small scale artwork. As and when you find your interest growing, slowly venture out with the more complicated artforms and specialisations.

 What is your definition of art?

Art is that skill, which enables us to infuse our emotions with creativity and in return it fills our life with happiness.

What makes you unique as an artist?

My friend Sakshi is much better at art than me. When I see her artwork, it inspires me to draw even better than her. Her drawings are so beautiful. I have that healthy competitive spirit in me, maybe that makes me unique. 

Finally, how do you approach artwork?

It generally takes me one to two hours to make a sketch. On some of the occasions, I half prepare it and then approach it again when I find the free time.