Student Achiever: ‘Art has made me a well-rounded and disciplined individual’

Her love for art paints a kaleidoscopic world. Though her interest and academic pursuits will take her to Business Management and Economics, it doesn’t deter her from following her passion. Meet Tani Bansal, a DP-1 (class XI) student at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park.  In a world where often academic pressures override creative pursuits, Tani stands tall among her peers as a beacon of balance and brilliance.

Meandering her way through her high school curriculum, her passion for art blends intricately with those demanding threads to finally offer a tapestry revealing both her intellectual and artistic finesse. A fact that was exhibited at a group show of young and emerging artists titled – House of the Rising Star at the Stainless Gallery.

Tune in as this young artist shares the strokes of her journey, the influence of her artist mother to her aspirations in melding together a career in economics with the vibrant palette of her hobby in art.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a student of DP-1. My current subjects include Business Management and Economics. Although these are on the academic side, art has been my passion since childhood. I’ve made many artworks and experimented with various mediums.

How has ASI helped you in pursuing your passion?

There are enough words to describe the guidance and the help that I have got from the school, especially Dr Neha Berlia ma’am (Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University) and Principal sir. A special thank you goes out for Neha Sharma ma’am, the Vice-Principal and DP coordinator. All have been extremely supportive; they have even put up my painting in the school building. Another thank you goes to the art teacher. She was the one who guided me at each step. I am also thankful to all the other teachers as well for their support and understanding. There were times when I would get stressed; they would calm me and let me set my pace.

What drew you into art?

It came from my family. My mother was an artist, and seeing her paint inspired me to join the world of art, too. She taught me the tricks in drawing, like shading and highlighting, mainly using charcoal. I started with simple time-off pencil sketching – sketching faces. Then there came a time when I did full portraits and started incorporating colours and using canvases.

What are some technical aspects of drawing faces that you pay more attention to?

First and foremost, proportions make a lot of difference. I have to make sure that the ratios of the eyes, lips, nose, and ears are proper, depending on gender. So, yes, I studied art in classes IX and X as part of my e-portfolio at the school. Even before that, I learnt about colour schemes and palettes.

Will you describe the nature of the different colour schemes you are using in the paintings you have showcased?

One of the paintings depicts nature – describes the relationship of humans and nature and vice versa, taking care of and being responsible for each other. I have used tones of green and dark red to represent nature and human forms to portray a darker mood. The second painting explores the interconnection in relationships. Despite the different backgrounds and experiences, the people are interconnected through love and bond. Hence, I have used bright colours to create a sense of positivity and intense emotions.

How has art helped in shaping your personality?

Art has made me a well-rounded and disciplined individual; it has taught me how to handle and manage myself, which is essential in balancing academics and extra-curricular activities.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

I have experienced creative blocks, where my mind has gone blank, especially when I have to meet academic requirements and obligations. The best way for me to pass through such times is through talking to my art teacher for advice and my mother.

What is the most challenging part of creating art for you?

The most difficult part is when I have to think about what I have to paint. It requires just linking and putting all of your ideas together. And once you have done this, the rest is a smooth ride.

How did you feel when your artwork was selected for an exhibition?

Excited and proud to know that my paintings will be displayed. It motivates me to continue creating and doing more exhibitions.