Artist Name: Sharmila Agarwal
Born: 1968
Live: in Hyderabad
Website url: http://www.Sharmila-Agarwal.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/agarwalsharmila
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sharmila1840
About you / Artist/ Gallery Statement:
Sharmila Agarwal is born and brought up in Bareilly, northern part of India, currently living in Hyderabad. She has been painting since she was a child. It was her art teacher who persuaded her to embrace arts in her future studies and since then she has never looked back.
She is a well-known accomplished multifaceted artist who is pursuing painting since last forty years. She has done her bachelors in fine Arts and Masters in English literature but her love for art pushed her to pursue it further by joining Masters in art. She has participated in a number of group painting exhibitions and has displayed her works in few solo shows.
Though she has tried different mediums, styles and keeps experimenting towards new parameters, she is well known for her contemporary miniature paintings. Her paintings are widely appreciated and recognised for their positive approach of the subject. They not only rejoice but take to a land of peace and subtle calmness moving the viewer at another level towards meditative mental state. Paintings are reflections of our internal state that’s why life of the characters of her paintings whether in miniatures or free expressions is very simple though not without vigour.
If you would have to impress the press (TV/Radio) with your artworks – how would you describe your works in order to stand out from other exhibitors?
I.E- What is so unique about your artworks?
A- Work says more than words but still if my work has to identify with current scenario, it is unique with its subject and color palate. There are very few Indian miniature artists who are creating their own theme with a contemporary subject instead of royal and mythological subject characters. Spirituality, calmness and positivity matter a lot to me and these gestures are easily noticed in my paintings.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love Ikebana and writing poetry. I am an Ikebana Master of higher degree, practicing since nineteen years. I have written two books on Ikebana. My first book Ikebana, “Japani Pushpkala” (Hindi Language) is a Hard Cover book with 252 pages. It is the first book in the world, written by any writer in the Hindi language about Ikebana. My second book “Ikebana for Beginners” is fun with flowers, and is written in the English language. I have given several Ikebana demonstrations and workshops as Guest Master nationally and internationally.
Would love to exhibit my work in?
Tokyo is like second home to me due to my Ikebana engagements. I go there very often and have visited most of the museums. I will love to see my work at any of the museums in Tokyo, SalarJung Museum, Hyderabad and Lalit kala Akademi, Delhi.
Have you ever had a spiritual happening?
Oh! It’s all the time there. My work is like meditation to me. I live in the moment while painting and try to practice the same at other times too. As the teachings of lord Buddha says “Our appointment with life is in the present moment. The place of our appointment is right here, in this very place”. My abstract works are healing while miniatures are soothing and pleasant.
What does your work aim to say?
From my side I say nothing just allow my hands to draw and paint freely. My hands draw what I love and appreciate. Though I don’t aim to say anything but positivity and pleasantness is very important to me to feel through my paintings. I feel as every work of mine is a part of me and like me, it also enjoys the company around.
How has your practice change over time?
Time has the capacity to change or mature the things at its pace similarly artist’s works also enhance with time, artists’ age, experiences, practice, life-style, mental-status etc. automatically influence one’s work. In my case with a period of time my style has matured and I am more courageous to twist the subject as per my imagination demands, characters are more vocal and women in my miniatures have always believed in freedom of expression and action, now they are more bold and expressive.
How do you deal with artist's block?
I am not a full-time artist and have other creative hobbies in support so do not face artist’s block for a longer period but if I am working on any one work for three months continuously it becomes monotonous at times. I just relax for a day or two then clean my table, palate, sort out my pigments, look for hidden treasure (papers, stationary, pens, brushes etc.) in my studio cupboard and plan another artwork and move on.
What themes do you pursue?
My way of doing contemporary Indian Miniature painting is the manifestation of previous olden style, maintaining the traditional roots I have allowed myself to explore new original themes and experiment with new techniques to some extent only to make sure that I am not killing the zest or flavour of past miniature paintings. I have chosen to go decorative way and shown the positive side of life which I find, opens up the peace within due to the pleasant approach towards life. Guiding spirit for my paintings is a simple day to day life, relationships between humans, between humans and nature. The themes I always keep in mind are the importance of Nature, the importance of creativity, the importance n need to present creativity through an aesthetic way.
What art do you most identify with?
I will love my art to identify as meditative, spiritual, calm and positive. I make sure that these mantras reflect in my paintings.
