Art has always been an integral part of her life, even from a young age. Growing up, she was irresistibly drawn to colors, shapes, and the stories they could tell. Painting became her escape and her joy, a passion she nurtured throughout the years. Despite this deep-rooted love for art, her career initially led her down a different path.
“I began my professional journey in the corporate world,” she shares. Her resume includes stints at prominent companies like ICICI Bank, IBM, and American Express. Later, she moved to Qatar, where she worked as a Brand Manager with distributors of prestigious cosmetic brands like Sensai, Hugo Boss, Revlon, and Make Up Factory. “That phase of my life was fulfilling in its own way, but something was missing.”
The turning point came when she decided to prioritize her family. With her husband, a dedicated pilot often away from home, and two young sons, Aawhaan and Nirvaan, she chose to step back from her corporate career to devote herself to raising them. “As the years passed, the urge to create grew stronger. When my youngest, Nirvaan, turned eight, my husband recognized my longing to return to painting. He encouraged me to transform my lifelong passion into a profession.”
Supported by her husband and children, she embarked on a new journey, blending her love for Indian folk art with contemporary styles. A pivotal influence in this transition was Anushree Dutta, a former corporate employee turned Mithila artist based in Munich, Germany. “Her passion for Madhubani art and her willingness to share her knowledge inspired me to return to this art form. Her work reminded me of the richness and depth of Madhubani art and encouraged me to explore my voice within this tradition.”
This new chapter has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to express her identity and share her heritage with others. Her work in Madhubani, Warli, and Bhil art forms is a testament to her roots, while her explorations in contemporary art reflect her growth and experiences. Looking back on her journey, she feels immense gratitude for the twists and turns that led her here. “Art is not just my profession; it is my voice, my legacy, and my contribution to the world.”
Support System: The Pillars of Her Success
She attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her husband, children, students, and a close-knit group of friends in Doha. “My husband, despite being away often due to his career, has always believed in my passion for art. He encouraged me to turn my lifelong love for painting into a profession, a decision that has transformed my life.”
Her sons, Aawhaan and Nirvaan, have been a constant source of inspiration and joy. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity about my work remind me of the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.” She also finds inspiration in her students, whose eagerness to learn and fresh perspectives push her to grow as both an artist and a teacher.
She speaks fondly of her friends in Doha, who have been instrumental in her artistic growth. “Their encouragement and constructive feedback have helped me expand my artistic boundaries and explore new techniques and styles.”
Roots and Dreams: From Childhood Aspirations to Future Goals
Born on May 13, 1984, in Agra, the city known for the iconic Taj Mahal, she grew up with parents who were role models of commitment and service. Her father, Dr. D. K. Sharma, is an ultrasonologist practicing in Bulandshahr, while her mother, Dr. Nishi Sharma, is a retired gynecologist who served for 40 years. “Growing up with such inspiring role models instilled in me a deep respect for commitment and service to others.”
As a child, she dreamt of becoming a police officer, inspired by the television serial “Udaan,” which told the story of a woman officer who stood as a voice for the oppressed. “This narrative resonated with me and fueled my ambition to champion justice and equality.”
Looking ahead, she is eager to delve deeper into the diverse and vibrant folk art forms of India. “I want to learn directly from the artisans at the grassroots level. My dream is to bring these unique art forms to the world stage, sharing their beauty and cultural significance with global audiences.”
Her message to readers is one of inspiration: “There is no age limit to pursue your passion. Good things can happen when you least expect them. Stay curious, stay passionate, and always believe in your dreams.”
Balancing Acts: The Struggles and Triumphs
As an artist, she has faced her share of struggles, particularly in balancing her passion for art with the demands of family life. “As a mother and the wife of a pilot, my schedule can be quite hectic, especially since we’re based out of India without a support system. Finding time to create art amidst these responsibilities is a struggle I constantly face.”
She also confronts the perception that her art is not taken seriously, with some people implying that her artistic pursuits are merely a hobby. “For me, it’s never been about the money. It’s about expressing my individual identity and ensuring that my talent receives the recognition it deserves.”
Introducing Indian folk arts to the rest of the world in a way that resonates with them is another challenge she navigates. “I strive to create fusions of Indian folk art with global art forms to make it more accessible and relatable. This approach allows me to bridge cultural gaps and share the beauty and richness of Indian traditions with a wider audience.”
Despite these challenges, her journey as an artist has been incredibly rewarding. “Through my art, I continue to seek my identity and inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles they face.”
Success Mantra: Continuous Learning and Practice
Her success mantra is simple yet profound: continuous learning and practice are essential. “I hold firmly to the idea that perfectionism is a myth; what truly matters is the dedication to practice and improvement. I strive to remain open to suggestions and feedback, as these are invaluable in refining my craft and pushing my artistic boundaries.”
By embracing this mindset, she finds herself constantly evolving as an artist. “It is through persistent effort and a willingness to adapt that I continue to grow and achieve new milestones in my artistic journey.”
For her, the journey of learning and practicing never ends, and it is this relentless pursuit of growth that drives her success.
