1) INTERVIEW
New York : Artful Vagabond
A Video Tribute to Artists - Day 366
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| Chick for Video http://youtu.be/Jt6tmPVDxB0 |
I made it! 365 (plus one) days of daily
posts! I feel like a marathon runner crossing the finish line! I’ll have
quite a few insights to share with all of you tomorrow, but for this
very last post in this 365-Day Tribute to Artists and the Creative Mind,
I wanted to do something special.
It has been an incredible journey since I made that crazy New Year’s Resolution
a year ago. I’ve interviewed hundreds of the most amazing, talented and
fascinating artists from around the world who generously shared their
stories and successes along with their hopes and challenges and allowed
us a glimpse into their creative process.
So for this last post, I created a video
tribute that encompasses everything the 365-Day project was about: the
celebration of artists and the creative mind. It celebrates each and
every one of you who has the courage to keep creating no matter what, to
keep putting your work out there so that the rest of us may be moved,
inspired, transformed.
This video is also for all of you who are
not working artists, but who truly appreciate the work artists do. It
is through each of you that our art truly comes to life. We thank you
for being there, for attending our exhibitions, for buying our work when
you can.
And I personally want to thank every
single one of you who has taken the time over the year to follow my
blog. Your feedback, both online and in person, has kept me going,
especially on days when I wondered if it was worth it. Believe me, it
was.
So I invite you to sit back and enjoy this visual feast…..
Alternative Landscapes: The Destructive Side of Nature - Day 320
Untitled by Archana Mishra. Copyright © Archana Mishra
There are two sides to nature. When
landscape artists focus on the beauty found in the natural world, they
offer a heightened awareness of peace and harmony. But when the serenity
of nature turns violent, there is an important symbolism that can also
be presented on canvas and through sculpture, providing deep insights
into the duality of human nature.
Archana Mishra looks beyond the obvious beauty of the landscape and explores both sides of the natural world in her work. “It is very common for people to become mesmerized by observing beautiful sights in nature,” says Mishra,
“but I am not solely convinced by its external beauty. I prefer instead
to explore deeper into nature’s core, delving into its origins and
composing elements and then portray the essence of nature by bringing
these visible and hidden aspects to life on the canvas.”
There is more to Mishra’s paintings than a
simple portrayal of natural elements. She also explores the parallels
with human emotions. “Both humans and nature can undergo transformation and both are influenced according to circumstances,” says the artist. “Nature
is not only exquisitely fine and visually pleasing but it also displays
various characteristics that are associated with human beings, with
personalities exhibiting shades of varied hues.”
Archana Mishra. Copyright © Archana Mishra
The artist’s current work is filled with
power and movement as she explores volcanoes, tornadoes and the
destructive side of nature, painting her own turbulent emotions in order
to calm what she calls her “inconsistency of mind” as a form of
self-liberation. “This helps me understand what lies at the core of their evolution,” she says. “It’s an exploration into why destructive actions in nature prevail, which leads to self-destruction.”
These themes of turbulence in Mishra’s work evolved out of her own personal circumstances. “You will not find any turbulence in my in earlier paintings,”
says the artist. Since moving to Mumbai, India, Mishra found that the
lack of an abundant natural environment in the city had introduced her
to a very different facet of nature and life. “Here, life never stops – it never seems satisfied,” she says. “Superficial,
unwanted pressures develop blasting thoughts within, which makes
survival difficult. In these circumstances, emotions have no value and
life is steadily vandalized, and it is due to these pressures that
tornadoes and volcanoes of emotions erupt. Prior to every fatal action,
however, nature tries to warn us through various ways, but it is often
our misfortune that we are unable to decipher its seemingly silent
indications.”
Mishra’s exploration doesn’t end with destruction, however; she sees it all the way through to the other side. “Whatever development takes place after the fatal destruction is always beautiful and awe-inspiring,” she says. “This proves nature’s tendency to return to stability – the inherent completeness of nature’s character.”
“Likewise, I believe that when a
volcano or tornado of human emotions rises to its highest point, it
ruins not only the individual self but every kit and kin related to
him/her, so before these destructive forces harm the individual and
others, those forces should be vented in different and constructive
ways. Even though human beings are closely related to nature and adopt
nature’s characteristics, they sometimes lack adequate resistance to
severe circumstances. Feelings are abstract and can only be sensed. If
we are able to fortify this abstraction, then we would be capable of
winning over the undesirable circumstances. Through my work, I try not
only to be serene and peaceful, but I want my viewers to realize that it
depends on whether or not we handle destructive pressures wisely and
vent in such a way that they result in creativity and beauty rather than
focus uniquely on the destruction.”
"Moon" by Archana Mishra. Copyright © Archana Mishra
So along with the vortex of volcanoes and
tornadoes, Mishra also paints beautiful waterfalls, star-scattered
skies, trees decorated with vines of flowers and unfolding layers of
earth. “These are things which cannot be segregated from life,” says the artist, “and if experienced wholeheartedly, this nature-covered world proves to be simply marvelous!”
Whether we experience nature’s
destruction directly, or learn of it through the media or other means,
it is a powerful source of symbolism and insights into human nature.
Thanks to the work of artists like Archana Mishra, we can perhaps begin
to explore the various ways to transcend these powerful forces and
return to our natural state of peace and tranquility.
- SerenaK
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For those of you who are new to Artful Vagabond, I have made a resolution to write a year-long series of daily posts: A 365-Day Tribute to Artists and the Creative Mind.Here’s the story behind these daily “resolutions”:
A Juicy New Year’s Resolution
__________________________________________________________
Artist Credits for the images included in this post:
"Feel" by Archana Mishra. Copyright © Archana Mishra
Untitled
Archana Mishra, India
Acrylic on canvas
Waterfall
Archana Mishra, India
Acrylic on canvas
Moon
Archana Mishra, India
Acrylic on canvas
Archana Mishra, India
Acrylic on canvas
Feel
Archana Mishra, India
Acrylic on canvas
Archana Mishra’s artwork can be viewed at: Archana Mishra by Serena Kovalosky: NYArchana Mishra, India
Acrylic on canvas
2) INTERVIEW
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| 72 x 72 inches , Mix Media on Canvas |
A.M.: I believe that the things that
influence nature and even ourselves are almost abstract. The comprehension of
wordless expressions is very powerful. Like, when wind blows fiercely it is
destructive and we call it a tornado or hurricane, but when it blows leisurely,
it proves to be a life-giver. Abstract is beyond comprehension of ordinary
being as it is not an imitation of real objects, but it surely satisfies the
soul, the spiritual thirst .We cannot express the fragrance of flowers,
emotions, the calmness of stars, coolness of waterfall or fury of volcano in
any form, because those are abstracts and so ultimately when objects are separated
from their abstract character then they ultimately lose their existence. Even if
the figurative artist removes expressions from the figures, the paintings would
seem lifeless. The gist of all this is that, feelings have no form, they are
abstract. So, without abstract no realistic form is complete, but abstract is
complete in itself. In Abstract painting by coloring and giving expression to
our own abstract feelings, we provide perfection to painting.
JK.: In these exhibits most of
your images revolve around ‘volcano’, which if fiery, full of vigor and it
erupts from the earth, why did you choose such an element from nature?
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| S H Raza and Arachna Mistra at krisna art gallery solo show Delhi -2003 |
JK.: Tell us about
your technique of work.
A.M.: I do not rely on a particular
medium for my work. I have won awards for my paintings on prints, but my favorite
medium is Acrylic on Canvas. I work even in mixed media if my creations demand
it. My aim is to exhibit a finished creation and therefore I use any medium
that suits my creation.
JK: How many days does it take to
complete one art work?
A.M.: The time taken depends on
the theme and the intricacy in it.
J.K.: Which other aspects of
nature are dear to you, to express it in Abstract form?
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| 72x72 inches , Acrylic on canvas |
A.M.: Every form of nature is dear to me. Since childhood I would meticulously observe every aspect of nature, its every form, beauty and innocence etc; this is the reason why I try to relate human character with elements in nature. Till date I have painted many aspects of nature. But there are many more undisclosed subjects in nature that I still wish to paint.
JK.: Do you have any
inspirations?
A.M.: Nature is the biggest
inspiration.. Every moment it introduces me to novel forms. There is no greater
school or teacher than Nature. The more I learn from it, it seems to be less.
JK.: Tell us about your progress
as a painter.
A.M.: I have done my P.hD in
painting. I started my painting career at my home in Bhopal, in the year 1997.
In that year I had my first solo show. In 1999 I achieved a National level
award SCZCC, from Nagpur. In these 15 years I have achieved many awards and
prizes, and I have been doing solo and group shows till now. I wish to attract
the art lovers towards my paintings by astonishing creations; and I will continue
to astonish the world with my creations throughout my life time.
J.K.: Does the competition affect you?
A.M.: No, I am never affected by competitors. But
frankly speaking, due to competition many artists are trying their hands at new
experiments and trying to give a unique identity to their works, in a way this
is good. This is the reason why Art has progressed from being on canvas to
other mediums. But I confidently feel that my creations are totally different
from other artists, my world of creation is different. My competition is with
myself and no other artist.
JK.: In this age of globalization, which
means of exhibiting your art do you prefer? Social networking sites or
Galleries?
A.M.: This era is good for artist and art lovers
too. The advanced modes of exhibition like web. blogs, online sites facilitate
us to display and share our paintings all over the globe and know the reaction
of people about our works. Right from layman to art lover is free to express the
views. Networking is like a revolution for our field.
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| 80 x 80 inches, Acrylic on canvas |
JK.: Do you think participating in Art Fair
is a wise decision?
A.M.: I think every artist should participate in
Art Fair. It’s a platform where budding and eminent artists display their
exhibits under one roof and the exhibition is open to all and not just for a
particular class or category. It also introduces artists to the changes that
are taking place in the field of Art.
JK.: Painting is a passion or
profession for you?
A.M.: Painting is first a passion for me then a
profession.
JK.: What are your other hobbies?
A.M.: I like to enjoy music and do photography.
JK.: What are your future plans?
A.M.: In the next show I will do installation and
I am also working to present my creations with a very unique perspective. Along
with canvas, other mediums will be the part of my forthcoming creations.
JK: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us
and looking forward for your creations in other mediums too.
It was a good experience speaking to this nature
lover; In the interview she said that she tries to relate human beings to
nature and I think that proves true in her own case. Cheerful and chirpy as a bird,
flowing enthusiasm like river and filled with the burning desire to create more
and more and something unique….just like her theme Tornado! Her hobbies too reflect romanticism and nature
in its physical state is nothing but one of the real life expression abstract
Romanticism. I guess there will be more surprises of nature that she would
unveil to us in her next creations.
In 1999, I acquired lot of success in the field of Art, but for me the most valued thing was appreciation by S. H .Raza who praised my work and said, “You age is too small for the kind of artwork that you have created, it is a rare entity to find such thought in the youth of your age. Your creative world is bright so let it flow continuously.” These precious few words of appreciation made me realize that the surge of feelings in my creations is capable of binding the attention of beholders. Thus, I was ready to bind the world into the magical spell of my creative world.
It was quiet a different experience of migrating from city of Bhopal, the city with abundant nature and working in the city like Delhi where human feelings were restricted and superficial. The feelings seemed nothing to do with tender and rich emotional attachments. It was like, - The more superficial, the better. Therefore it can be summed up that, the nature of city has more or less ability to alter the attitudes. And that is the reason why I was not able to live in that city for more than five years and I shifted to Mumbai, to know the nature of one more city! Mumbai is such a city where people of varied natures live and there are different shades of life, the spirit to live happily in any prevailing condition, the zealous attitude of moving on by ignoring hurdles and moving without halts and winning over failures, make its personality more impressive.
Even after the calamities, people who value life, care for feelings and do not let emotions perish and nor make them superficial. I am constantly studying this city since 7 years and a lot can be created here. The knowledge and education in painting as well as the medium of Print that I studied at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal prompted me to work in this medium in naturally abundant city like Bhopal and later on moved to the city like Delhi and finally came to Mumbai. Here I could experience a unique facet of life where there is a hidden beauty in the natural destructive forces and realized that it strengthens the purity of feelings and expressions. This is the only reason why my artworks created here are either destructive visuals or calm and serene. You can effortlessly hear and feel the spoken or silently expressed feelings. Even after the numerous blasts of emotions and tornados, a corner of your heart remains tranquil
Destruction heightens emotions and this happens innocently which is also a call of a new life. It is a special feeling for me to endow a character to the feelings of this city in my creations; it is as if, I am creating my own form. This cycle of tapping and knowing my soul calms me down
3) INTERVIEW
Articles on www.cartanart.com
You age is too small for the kind of artwork that you have created, it is a rare entity to find such thought in the youth of your age – S. H. RAZA
Right from the birth till being mature to give birth to a new life, I am blessed to experience every emotional feeling as a woman. At the very tender age itself, I realized that the Lord who created this Universe has scattered upon this earth diverse hues and forms and varied patterns, but maintained similarity in spirit of emotions that flow through these creations. This is the only reason why we are able to simply colligate equally with the living and non-living objects of this earth. Sensing this minor yet mysterious knowledge has swayed me away into a very different thrilling and spirited world, the world, where everything is spiritual and very dear. It has a spell of magic from which I am not able to come out, or it would be apt to say that I willingly deny coming out. With times, this affection has compelled me to develop a very different kind of world by giving forms and coloring these emotions. At the age of thirteen I was thrilled by my very own, first creation of this aura. It guided me to vent my creativity in an influential manner. I loved to work in Print etching style and the period from 1993-1998 is most cherished period for me. This is the period when all the dimensions that were necessary for my creativity, were unveiling before me and I happily ventured towards my creative world.
In 1999, I acquired lot of success in the field of Art, but for me the most valued thing was appreciation by S. H .Raza who praised my work and said, “You age is too small for the kind of artwork that you have created, it is a rare entity to find such thought in the youth of your age. Your creative world is bright so let it flow continuously.” These precious few words of appreciation made me realize that the surge of feelings in my creations is capable of binding the attention of beholders. Thus, I was ready to bind the world into the magical spell of my creative world.
It was quiet a different experience of migrating from city of Bhopal, the city with abundant nature and working in the city like Delhi where human feelings were restricted and superficial. The feelings seemed nothing to do with tender and rich emotional attachments. It was like, - The more superficial, the better. Therefore it can be summed up that, the nature of city has more or less ability to alter the attitudes. And that is the reason why I was not able to live in that city for more than five years and I shifted to Mumbai, to know the nature of one more city! Mumbai is such a city where people of varied natures live and there are different shades of life, the spirit to live happily in any prevailing condition, the zealous attitude of moving on by ignoring hurdles and moving without halts and winning over failures, make its personality more impressive.
Even after the calamities, people who value life, care for feelings and do not let emotions perish and nor make them superficial. I am constantly studying this city since 7 years and a lot can be created here. The knowledge and education in painting as well as the medium of Print that I studied at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal prompted me to work in this medium in naturally abundant city like Bhopal and later on moved to the city like Delhi and finally came to Mumbai. Here I could experience a unique facet of life where there is a hidden beauty in the natural destructive forces and realized that it strengthens the purity of feelings and expressions. This is the only reason why my artworks created here are either destructive visuals or calm and serene. You can effortlessly hear and feel the spoken or silently expressed feelings. Even after the numerous blasts of emotions and tornados, a corner of your heart remains tranquil
Destruction heightens emotions and this happens innocently which is also a call of a new life. It is a special feeling for me to endow a character to the feelings of this city in my creations; it is as if, I am creating my own form. This cycle of tapping and knowing my soul calms me down
