Conversation with Milik T. Pathania, a Class 10 Student of Sri Venkateshwar International School, Delhi: “I Find Joy in the Process of Discovering and Learning”

Conversation with Milik conducted by Keerti Sheoran, a class 10 student of Sri Venkateshwar International School, and Emerging Leader with us.

How did your journey in art begin? Were there any specific moments or influences that ignited your passion?

My journey in art began during the lockdown, and it was largely inspired by the vibrant and diverse world of art that I discovered online. The influence of various artists and art communities on the internet ignited a spark within me, prompting me to explore art as a hobby.

The accessibility of art tutorials, galleries, and social media platforms provided a wealth of inspiration and resources. Watching artists showcase their creativity and seeing the incredible range of styles and techniques in the online art community fascinated me. It was in this virtual realm that I found the motivation to try my hand at art.

The lockdown, with its unique set of challenges, offered an opportune moment for self-discovery and exploration. With more time at home, I decided to channel my creative energies into something new and fulfilling. Art became a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to express myself visually and escape into a world of imagination.

There were no specific moments but rather a gradual immersion into the world of art that fueled my passion. Experimenting with different mediums, styles, and subjects became a joyful journey of self-expression and artistic growth. The online art community, with its encouragement and shared enthusiasm, played a pivotal role in nurturing my budding interest.

As I delved deeper into art, I discovered the joy of creating something unique and personal. Whether it was sketching, painting, or exploring digital art, each medium offered a new avenue for exploration. This journey, initiated during the lockdown, has evolved into a ongoing pursuit of artistic expression, guided by the inspiration I continue to find in the vast and dynamic realm of online art.

What forms of art do you specialize in, and do you have a favourite medium?

At present, my journey in art has been marked by a diverse exploration of various forms, showcasing a willingness to venture into different artistic realms. While I haven’t specialized in a specific medium, I’ve been actively broadening my artistic horizons and experimenting with a range of art forms.

Surrealism, with its dreamlike and imaginative qualities, has allowed me to express creativity in unconventional ways. The freedom to blend reality with the fantastical has been both liberating and challenging, offering a unique avenue for self-expression.

Pop art, known for its vibrant colours and bold aesthetics, has been another area of exploration. It enables me to play with visual elements, creating pieces that capture attention and convey a distinct style.

Cyber art, a genre influenced by technology and the digital realm, has opened up a whole new dimension for my artistic endeavours. The fusion of art and technology allows for innovative and futuristic creations, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Exploring manga, with its rich storytelling and distinctive visual style, has been a captivating journey into the world of Japanese comic art. It requires a unique set of skills and attention to detail, contributing to my growth as an artist.

While I haven’t settled on a favourite medium or form, I find joy in the process of discovering and learning. Each art form brings its own set of challenges and rewards, contributing to a well-rounded artistic experience. As I continue to explore and experiment, my journey in art remains a dynamic and evolving pursuit, fueled by the passion to discover new forms of creative expression.

How do you balance your commitment to art with other aspects of your life, such as academics or personal activities?

Balancing my commitment to art with other aspects of my life, such as academics and personal activities, is a priority for me. I’ve found that incorporating art into various aspects of my routine not only enhances my creativity but also helps maintain a healthy balance.

In school, for instance, I make use of my notebooks and books as canvases for doodling. This allows me to express my creativity during short breaks or moments of inspiration, seamlessly integrating art into my academic environment. It serves as a refreshing and enjoyable outlet, adding a touch of creativity to the routine of academic studies.

As I approach my 10th-grade boards, I recognize the importance of maintaining a structured approach. Despite my academic commitments, I dedicate at least an hour to drawing each day. This consistent practice not only allows me to pursue my passion for art but also serves as a form of relaxation and stress relief.

The key to successfully balancing these aspects lies in effective time management and prioritization. By incorporating art into my daily routine and making it an integral part of my lifestyle, I’ve found a way to nurture my creative spirit without compromising on other responsibilities. It’s about finding moments throughout the day to engage in artistic activities, whether it’s sketching, doodling, or exploring new art forms.

Ultimately, the synergy between my commitment to art and other aspects of life contributes to a well-rounded and fulfilling daily experience, where creativity enhances various facets of my personal and academic journey.

Can you share a particular project or artwork that challenged you and how you navigated through it?

One particularly challenging yet rewarding project for me was the transition to digital art. Having been an avid enthusiast of anime and webtoons, I decided to challenge myself by delving into a new art style—digital art. Up until that point, I had been sketching and drawing in my traditional sketchbook, but the allure of digital art intrigued me.

The initial phase proved to be challenging as I navigated through the multitude of tools and techniques that digital art entails. Adapting to the digital medium posed a learning curve, but the prospect of creating vibrant and intricate artwork kept me motivated.

I confronted the challenges head-on, dedicating time to understanding the digital tools, experimenting with various brushes, and familiarizing myself with the software. Despite the initial difficulty, I soon found myself growing more comfortable with the digital platform. The process of learning and adapting to digital art not only expanded my artistic skills but also opened up new possibilities for creative expression. I created numerous digital artworks, each one contributing to my journey of improvement and innovation.

This project taught me the importance of embracing challenges in the pursuit of artistic growth. It reinforced the idea that stepping out of one’s comfort zone, even in the realm of creativity, can lead to newfound skills and a broader range of artistic capabilities.

Why is art important to you personally, and how do you think it contributes to your growth and self-expression?

Art holds a profound personal importance for me as it serves as a source of enjoyment, inspiration, and a means of self-expression. It goes beyond being a hobby; it’s a medium through which I find joy, motivation, and a unique avenue for expressing the thoughts and emotions within me.

Engaging in art provides a form of enjoyment that transcends the mundane aspects of daily life. Whether it’s experimenting with different styles, exploring new techniques, or simply losing myself in the creative process, art offers a space where I can immerse myself in something that brings me genuine pleasure.

Moreover, art acts as a powerful motivator, instilling a desire to work hard and improve my skills continually. The process of creation and the pursuit of mastery become driving forces, encouraging me to set goals, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence in my artistic endeavours.

On a deeper level, art allows me to see the world differently. It provides a unique perspective, encouraging me to observe details, appreciate nuances, and find beauty in the ordinary. This transformative aspect of art contributes to personal growth by fostering a heightened sense of observation and an appreciation for the aesthetics of life.

Crucially, art becomes a tool for managing my thoughts and emotions. Through the act of creation, I can externalize my inner world, turning abstract feelings into tangible expressions. It serves as a form of catharsis, helping me navigate through complex emotions, find clarity, and develop a deeper understanding of myself.

In essence, art is not just a pastime; it’s an integral part of my personal growth journey. It offers a means of self-discovery, a channel for creative expression, and a source of joy that contributes significantly to my overall well-being.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

If allowed to collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, my dream would be to collaborate with all my favourite artists. Each artist has a unique perspective, style, and approach to their craft, and the idea of combining those diverse elements in a collaborative project is truly exciting to me.

In addition to this collaboration dream, there’s a specific art account on Instagram that has captured my admiration. @littlethunder stands out to me for the exquisite beauty and creativity evident in their art. The intricate details, captivating colours, and overall aesthetic appeal of their work resonate with me, making it a dream collaboration.

Collaborating with @littlethunder would not only be an opportunity to create something visually stunning but also a chance to exchange ideas, techniques, and perspectives. Learning from their artistic process and infusing my style into the collaboration would likely result in a unique and inspiring artistic fusion.

Art, after all, is a dynamic and evolving form of expression, and collaborating with talented artists, whether they are established or emerging, provides an avenue for mutual growth and the creation of something truly special. It’s the beauty of shared creativity and the magic that happens when different artistic voices come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you’ve had for an art piece?

One of the most unusual yet intriguing sources of inspiration for an art piece came from the most unexpected place – the random faces etched or scratched onto the surfaces of my class desks. It’s fascinating how the seemingly mundane surroundings of a classroom can become a canvas for unintentional art.

These spontaneous doodles and sketches, created by unknown hands during moments of distraction or boredom, sparked my imagination. Each little face told a silent story, carrying a hint of the artist’s personality and a snapshot of their creativity in that particular moment.

Transforming these random faces into a cohesive art piece became a delightful challenge. The unexpected source of inspiration pushed me to think outside the conventional boundaries of artistic influence. It was a testament to the idea that art can emerge from the most unassuming places, and creativity can be found in the everyday details that often go unnoticed.

This experience not only resulted in a unique art piece but also served as a reminder of the boundless nature of inspiration. It encouraged me to look at my surroundings with a fresh perspective, always open to the unexpected sources of creativity that may be hidden in plain sight.

What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you envision your artistic journey unfolding in the coming years?

My long-term goal as an artist is to establish myself as a freelance artist, creating and sharing my work while enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with this profession. I envision having a cozy studio, where I can immerse myself in the creative process and bring my artistic visions to life.

Being a freelancer will not only allow me to pursue my passion but also provide the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of clients, artists, and communities. I aspire to work on projects that resonate with me and contribute positively to the world, whether it’s through visual storytelling, conveying emotions, or advocating for meaningful causes.

In the coming years, I see my artistic journey unfolding as a continuous evolution of skills, styles, and perspectives. I plan to explore new mediums, experiment with different forms of art, and engage in collaborations that push the boundaries of my creativity. Learning and growth will be constant companions on this journey, as I seek inspiration from various sources and continue refining my artistic voice.

Establishing a presence in the art community, both online and offline, is also a part of my vision. Building connections with fellow artists, sharing experiences, and contributing to the artistic dialogue will be integral to my journey. Additionally, I hope to inspire others through my art, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the beauty that can be found in diverse artistic expressions.

Ultimately, my goal is to lead a fulfilling and sustainable life as an artist, where I can make a living doing what I love and create art that resonates with people. The journey may have twists and turns, but with dedication, passion, and a commitment to continuous improvement, I am excited about the artistic path that lies ahead.

Image taken from Canva.