An artist fills the canvas with his or her imagination with the help of colors, strokes, shades, and textures. Eventually on the canvas emerges their vision of a concept for the world to admire, appreciate, and critically acclaim.
Chaula as a child was always inclined towards drawing and painting. In school, she indulged in playing with colors. Chaula and colors had an amazing friendship and anywhere she went she carried them along. She would imagine the world in her unique way, draw inspiration from them, and bring them to life on canvas. Since the creative genes within her were always buoyant she tried her hands at fashion designing, anchoring TV shows, and even some acting in ad films. Over a period of time, she realized the one thing was always constantly with her – Art. Realization dawned on her and she chose art as her main profession.
Chaula was born in a small village of Saurashtra , but her childhood was spent more in Bombay today called Mumbai. She grew up with the backing of a legacy of her grandfather and great grandfather who had contributed to the Indian history in their own way. She always saw the world through her imaginative view and that trait pushed her to take up art, photography and literature. She graduated in commerce and did a diploma in Fashion designing. Despite having the desire to pursue her studies further she could not continue because of circumstances. However, not to be deterred Chaula self-educated by way of reading books and meeting and interacting with knowledgeable people via many mediums available today.
A Gujarati family into business thought of goals from a commercial point of view. The social circle around her family too were not very inclined towards art, besides women were not encouraged to work. Chaula was the exception and loved her art. Chaula’s mother too loved art but circumstances did not permit her to continue. Chaula, however, gave it all she had and went ahead to achieve her goals against all odds.
With the passion that drove her aspirations, she had more than 55 exhibitions and art installations all over India and abroad (Spain, Kuwait, and the UK). She worked on multiple mediums like acrylic, charcoal, oil colors, metal scrape, copper, brass, wood, and fusion of materials. She also worked with fabric and light manipulated works.
Going international was the next organic step. Social media, when used positively can reach the entire universe at a click of a button. Chaula began uploading her work on the web and she got a call for a job from Kuwait as the Operational Head for an art gallery. She took it up and was associated with them for 7 years. That exposure gave her a vast platform to learn more about the international art chapter. Chaula Doshi feels using social media in today’s digital world is the best way to take flight and achieve the recognition that may come from any corner of the world.
Challenges are a constant in life. When Chaula Doshi was faced with them because of the social circle she came from she did have second thoughts on quitting the art scene though heart of heart she was aware that Art, Literature, and photography is her calling. She purchased a box of colors to start with for a mere Rs. 500/-. Slowly and steadily she grew to reach the stature she today stands on. Beginning small and making your way up is really an achievement for any individual.
Success for Chaula was nothing but hard work and integrity. It may take longer but sooner than later it will show results. Being consistent and having the courage and will to survive despite failures will eventually lead you to your goal. We live only one life and going for the goal despite misses is eventually a winner. Chaula is also of the opinion that art does not pay much until you are recognized. Hence it’s important that you do it part-time if finance is a constraint. A full-time job to support this passion is a good balance to strike.
Giving back to society has to come from the heart. Chaula Doshi has a banner named KALAANSH through which she organizes art events, lectures, and art trips for wider exposure. Organizing workshops for new upcoming artists bringing them in line with the new innovative mediums available is another area she is associated with. She makes sure that the message is passed on that one should promote original and organic Indian Art rather than fake duplicates from those who look at art only commercially. India has a treasure of art and learning and making it work for oneself and for the country is the best way forward.
