My Artist's Journey: Behind the Canvas
It wasn't in my syllabus; it was in my blood. Here is a look at the practice, the vulnerability, and the long road that shaped me into the independent artist I am today.
Sometimes, when I feel like a tired, lonely artist, I hug my paintings. This video is a small, personal moment that shows how much of myself goes into my art. Each canvas holds a piece of my story, my feelings, and my dreams, making it a part of me that exists outside my body.
This is me, lost in the process of creating a color wheel. For me, painting is a form of meditation. It’s in these quiet moments of focus, with sunlight streaming through the window, that I feel most like myself.
The finished color wheel from one of my practice sessions. This simple exercise represents my journey as a self-taught artist, from drawing mangoes with my mom to choosing this path full-time. It's a reminder of my 'becoming'.
A short video showing the process of the color wheel exercise. It's about going back to basics, practicing the fundamentals, and remembering that in art, there are endless possibilities.
This video captures my answer to the question, 'Why do you paint?'. Like Vincent said, I paint to stop thinking. It's a way to feel connected to everything inside and outside of me, culminating in a small painting of a hand releasing a feather.
I am an artist, and I am not afraid. This video is a declaration of my creative freedom. I am not afraid to start with a blank wall, to get messy, to tell uncomfortable stories, or to be truly seen through my art. Every brushstroke is a little rebellion.
A candid photo of me, lying on the floor, completely absorbed in my work. This image captures my personal mantra: 'When the work comes, I’ll do the work. If it doesn’t, I’ll work on myself.' It reflects the constant navigation between commercial work and my inner journey.
The best way to start a new year is by playing with clay. This video shows me trying pottery for the first time. It was a beautiful lesson in how our inner emotions are reflected in the art we create.
This photo captures me during a painting drive, fully in my element. It reminds me of my 11-year journey to be able to introduce myself as an 'Independent Artist'. I didn't get a degree in art, but life gave me experiences that shape my work every day.
Mixing paints on the ground during the Gurujal mural project. This is the unglamorous, hands-on reality of being a muralist. It's about being close to the materials and the earth, preparing the colors that will soon bring a wall to life.
About My Artist's Journey
When I am not working on a commissioned project, you will often find me in my studio, going back to the basics like color theory exercises or messy experimentation. It is not just about the final mural; it is the quiet, meditative process that keeps me grounded. That same energy of focus and exploration is exactly what I bring to every workshop or collaborative project I lead.
A Decade of Finding My Voice
I did not study art in a formal institution. Eleven years ago, I started this path as a self-taught artist, often fighting for the space to simply be. This collection is a glimpse into that 'becoming' phase—the late nights, the self-doubt, and the breakthroughs that happen when I choose to put paint on a canvas.
How I Work
Whether I am facilitating a corporate team-building session or painting a mural with a local NGO, my approach is the same. I do not believe in mass-producing art. Every commission starts with a conversation about your story. For murals, this means I start with a site visit to understand the surface and the environment, followed by a collaborative design process where your input is the skeleton of the work.
Why Art Matters
For me, art is a bridge. It is how I stop thinking and start feeling.
- For Teams: My workshops are not about creating a masterpiece. They are about 'apnapan'—that sense of belonging you feel when you and your colleagues create something together without judgment.
- For Spaces: I use murals to transform environments, turning blank walls into storytelling vessels that reflect the people who live or work there.
I believe that art should be a safe space. If you are looking for a sterile, corporate outcome, I might not be the right fit. But if you want a process that feels real, messy, and deeply human, I would love to walk that path with you.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
15
Behind the Brush: My Artistic Journey
6
My Artistic Journey: From Canvas to Exhibition
My Artist's Journey: The Story Behind The Paint
Behind the Brush: My Creative Art Journey
My Art Journey: Process, Practice & Philosophy
My Story: From Commerce to Mandala Art
Looking for something specific?
Use the search bar to find workshops, mural services, or event collaborations.
More from Art Workshop & Event Facilitation by Anupama
More services by Anupama