FEATURE

The Soulful Essence of Art and Artists

Art has been around for more than we can ever imagine the first painting made is 40,000 years old according to historians. Art is the reason our world is the way it is. Can you imagine a world with colours? We would literally be living a black and white life. Art has always been to interpretation, but today art has opened its arms to the different creative fields present. Art includes any that is artistic and not aesthetic. It’s quite difficult to differentiate between the two as they look very familiar but art is anything that is creative yet holds a deeper meaning or symbolizes something. An idea out of the book is called creative and when creativity is put into action we call it art. But art isn’t just thinking and digging deeper meaning. Art is quite personal for a certain artist as they try to depict their own feelings and emotions through it, hence art is more than just a piece for pleasure. This doesn’t mean art isn’t made just for fun or for its beauty. Art is known for great therapy for people dealing with anxiety, mood swings, stress and depression. Art is also known to develop and enhance skills like problem-solving and making us more observant than absent-minded. It is also an amazing stress burster great for people working a rigid schedule to unlock themselves. Art helps oneself to feel more confident and accomplished and also build good self-esteem. Children and adults both should take time to enjoy art as they like. Art plays an integral part in our well being and society, it is important that we include it in any form that we prefer and enjoy. It’s time to encourage and embrace art and creativity as much as applaud desk jobs, neither is better or worse, both are equally important for a society to run. It is time to accept art and artists as equal professionals in their respective fields. We have found some hidden gems of Hyderabad:

Nawal - Calligrapher and Resin artist

A 21-year-old PharmD student but this is the story of how I became an artist and an entrepreneur. I started learning Arabic calligraphy (khatt) around 5 years ago, while I was in high school in Saudi Arabia. I couldn’t continue practising it later as I shifted to India for further studies. Two years ago, I resumed my practice and fell in love with the language and its letters. The works of other famous calligraphy artists inspired me to get better at what I do. I wanted to share my art with the world. I started posting my art on Instagram. (@calligraphybynawal)

Most artists in our country don’t get the appreciation they deserve. I want to tell all those artists out there always know your worth, and believe in yourself! My family and friends always supported me, shared my work and helped my page to grow. A few months later, I started receiving orders, And I thank the almighty for it.

Last year, I designed my line of calligraphy mugs, phone cases and many other customised products. I also teach and share the love of Arabic calligraphy with people around the world through online classes. It’s not always easy to balance work with college but I’ve learned to manage both. The love and appreciation keep me going!

What are you working on now? I’ve been practising Copperplate calligraphy and Resin art as well.

I have been passionate about drawing since childhood, and have been publishing my artwork online from the late 1990s. Since I am a movie buff, much of my artwork is inspired by movies. I mostly draw portraits and my primary tools are pencil and ballpoint pens for my art. I’ve been very active on Instagram (@karthikabhiram) since 2013 where I post my art and photography daily. I’ve also exhibited my work in different forums over the last few years.

What is Daily Movie Sketch? In April 2016, I started a Daily Movie Sketch project for regular movie sketches, and I’ve done 550 sketches so far as part of it.

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time... to die.” - Roy Batty, “Blade Runner”

I am a Software Engineer by profession and an artist by passion. My artworks include Mandalas, Zentangles and doodles. I love experimenting with different forms of art which led me to learn watercolour and acrylic painting. I think of ways to mix different mediums with mandalas being my primary art form. My interest in patterns helped me discover this art five years ago. And the constant practice to make sure that the designs are perfect gradually gained a lot of appreciation. I also conducted workshops and displayed my art in a few exhibitions. My online workshops in recent times received a huge response. A merchandise line has also helped my art to reach the next level. Not just with the mandalas, I use the patterns to create animal art which was the most interesting ones so far.

What inspires you? What inspires me the most is trying out a new kind of work. Many artists from all around the world, whom I follow on Instagram and Pinterest inspire me. Travelling is another form of inspiration as I get to see different cultures and art forms.

Sri Priyatham - Illustrator. Sketch Artist and Painter I am an illustrator. I practice classical fine art illustrations as my niche with a touch of realism and lots of depth in detail, In both traditional and digital mediums. I think I was 6 years old when I started drawing, I’ve been drawing my whole conscious life. I don’t think it was a coincidence that my mum asked me to try replicating a drawing my classmate made and this was during my 2nd standard. It was a crutch to my bad academic track. I was stuck to it once I started and I kept drawing and never stopped.

How does this help you out in life? It’s more about finding a bigger purpose than minute reliefs, I think. I wouldn’t go with fancy terms like “art is a therapy” to me. But, it led me to a disciplined life, taught me to be patient, consistent and not to work for the result. The fun is all in the process, the journey. Working for a result never ends well. I can extract all elements of life from the above.

Do you find art important? Absolutely. It gives a sensible perspective to life and also towards humanity. Art doesn’t necessarily need to be a profession to feel that way. Learning any performance art rewires the brain in a whole different way. It helps you question the purpose of life. Makes one more calm and relieved. So, yes, Art is essential, I’d say.

Marzia Ali - Astronomy and Resin Artist

An Entrepreneur, running an art subscription box service known as “The Duende Box’. An artist focusing on teaching art and revolving my art style around Astronomy and Human mind. I’ve been into art since I was a kid; my mom always made sure to keep me in contact with the creative field. She is an artist too, and I have been watching her paint since my birth. But yes, I have developed my interest in different mediums over the years. I am a specialised artist in Resin, Alcohol inks, fluid art, watercolours and many more. I keep an interest in Interior decor and have merged my art style with interior development. I have collaborated with many brands for conducting art workshops as experiential marketing events and worked with many interior designers around the country focusing on interior decor with my art style. I also keep an interest in ceramic and pottery which has led me to introduce ceramic art supplies in my business.

Who has helped you the most? Mom, dad, my family and friends are super supportive throughout my journey. And Hamad Jowher, who has always been there listening to my ideas and helping me structure them, not just this but he makes sure that it is something meaningful.

How do you feel about art? I believe we live in our heads more than we do in the present moment. And art is a different world or stage where you live with who you are and in your own way. I strongly believe it’s a way to express freedom of mind and soul.

| FEATURE Neetu Sam - Psaligraphist

I am a Trainer and Teacher by profession, SoloTraveller who is in love with photography and art. A trained classical singer and dancer since childhood. Art has been a part of my life from an incredibly young age. At some point in our life, all of us have tried to create an art masterpiece on paper through doodling, sketching or paper cutting. Chances are some turned out fantastic and some ripped apart in a matter of seconds. Six years ago while scrolling through Facebook, one day, I stumbled upon an article with all these beautiful art pieces made from paper by this UK artist. I found it fascinating and discovered the art of paper-cutting, Psaligraphy. I was intrigued by design patterns that Psaligraphy holds and how it can have different forms to express storylines.

A quote that inspires you? This quote often inspires me “ If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” And here I am happy about finding mine.

Ruchit Jain - Urban Artist (Portraits, Murals, Graffiti & Wall Art)

I am a 27 years old, semi-qualified Chartered Accountant. Currently working at Deloitte-US as an Audit analyst. As a child, I used to observe things a lot and was curious to learn different kinds of art forms. I’m a self-taught artist with no professional training whatsoever. It all started with random sketching and some doodling on papers and then on my college bags and shoes. Slowly I got into portrait sketching with initially sketching for friends and family. One of my friends (Priyanka) got me an offer to sketch a portrait for commission and encouraged me to open my art page. I started my art page on Instagram and Facebook in 2015 and began taking orders for sketches and shoe art. I tried my hand in different forms of art like Wallart, Graffiti, Mural, installation art etc. Graffiti is something which I like doing a lot. I get many requests for wall art/graffiti from different clients like restaurants, homes, offices, gym, bistro, pubs, schools etc.

What inspires you? What inspires me the most is trying out a new kind of work. Many artists from all around the world, whom I follow on Instagram and Pinterest inspire me. Travelling is another form of inspiration as I get to see different cultures and art forms.

| FEATURE Saima Afreen - Poet and Deputy City Editor, The New Indian Express

Saima Afreen is an award-winning poet who also works as Deputy City Editor with The New Indian Express. Her poems have appeared in several Indian and international journals, including Indian Literature, HCE Review, Barely South Review, The Bellingham Review, The Roanoke Review, The Stillwater Review, The McNeese Review, The Nassau Review, The Oklahoma Review, Staghill Literary Journal, The Notre Dame Review, Honest Ulsterman, and Existere, among others. She received the ‘Writer of the Year Award, 2016’ from Nassau Community College (the State University of New York). She has been part of several literary festivals and platforms such as Sahitya Akademi Poets’ Meet, Goa Arts and Literary Festival, TEDx VNR-VJIET, Prakriti Poetry Festival, Hyderabad Literary Festival, Betty June Silconas Poetry Festival, Helsinki Poetry Jam, Pulse Radio Glasgow, the University of Stirling, the University of Westminster, Waterstones Bookstore Canterbury, and the University of Kent. In the autumn of 2017, she was awarded the Villa Sarkia Writers’ Residency (Finland), where she completed the manuscript of Sin of Semantics. This is her début poetry collection. She’s been awarded the Charles Wallace India Trust Fellowship (2019) in Creative Writing at the University of Kent, United Kingdom.

My poem from my book ‘Sin of Semantics’: Revenge She wasn’t allowed to touch the roses they said she was the dark blood of profanity. The sweet sap of Satan. She smiled, opened her wings—very white—the colour of Eve’s face when she found herself beside Adam. She looked up the treetops, took all the birds, gathered them on her knuckles and let them fly inside her sonnets. A yellow canary sat on the proud kaaf, while blue-green hummingbirds chose the zers below the consonants like seaweed floating under the bottom of boats. The sparrows chose aleph—the proud minaret—the significance of The One. She chiselled the birds into words, knowing that we are free inside our bodies the way these birds fly inside letters. She nails her skin to their wings mocking Eden to show what it threw and insulted can both walk and fly. She is the dark blood She is the felony She is what Eve couldn’t be

Tabeer Khusrou - Poet

My Sher Ujdi hui cheez ka Kuch fayda to hona chahiye Kuch nahi to ghazal ka ek Misra to hona chahiye Tabeer Khusrou Tabeer Khusrou, I’m 20-year-old, and a mass communication journalism student. I enjoy writing and performing Urdu poetry. Sometimes I like turning it into a ghazal and singing it as a melody instead of just reading out, called ‘tarannum’. I’m a makeup artist and fashion enthusiast. My grandfather was an Urdu poet and his brothers as well. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to witness his existence during his lifetime. Poetry has always been with me; It is who I am. I often write about things that inspire me, like life and society. Poetry has always been a way of expressing myself and writing down how I feel and when you read it out to people they hear you, I like that acknowledgement of emotion the poetry expresses on behalf of the poet. Life is constant, it keeps changing so does the emotions of a person and hence the poetry.

What does poetry mean to you? Urdu poetry is something very close to my heart and something I would want to serve to it. I wish the beauty of poetry to get the acknowledgement it deserves in this generation. I urge young writers to write, learn and promote poetry.

Junaid Akhtar - Photographer

An engineer working with Amazon who codes and manages stakeholders. As a child, I was always fascinated with cameras but coming from a middle-class family I could never afford one as camera gears were expensive. But I kept dreaming of becoming a photographer. With academics being my priority this dream slowly faded and I indulged myself into sports, I played both state level for badminton and tennis I enjoyed playing sports but I was never truly satisfied. I always knew my heart resided with photography, in 2014 I bought a camera and it began as a hobby. I was a member of the press club in college covering events.

I have been published in Amazon wallpaper contest which happens every year in which Amazon selects 12 photos for every month which are then sent to worldwide Amazon employees to put it as a wallpaper. That was quite an achievement for me!

Which kind of photography do you enjoy? Travel Photography is my favourite. To capture the beauty, the serenity and the vibes of nature makes me feel alive and fresh. I do have a keen interest in Portrait and Fashion photography. I plan to start travelling and capture as many pictures as I can as soon as this pandemic gets over.

How does photography make you feel? I thank God for such a blessing to see things beautifully and granted me the skill to capture them. It helps me to connect with art, nature and people and gives me a distinctive sight to see things. Without photography, I wouldn’t be who I am.

Tejo Oo - Doodler

I am an artist by profession. My style is a blend of Sketching & doodling. I focus on the details in my artworks as I believe God is all about details. My main tools are pens & markers. I draw murals & conduct workshops across India. I realised my passion is an art and I dropped out of architecture to follow my passion. Drawing has been my hobby since childhood which turned into my obsession over the years. I’ve been exploring different styles for a long time using different materials. In my 12th standard, I realised I am comfortable with inking. Every opportunity I’ve ever received is through art & I am grateful for it.

Is Art Important in life? Every living being is creative & art helps us channel & express our creativity in different styles.

Riyasat Ali Asrar - Poet

I was born in Hyderabad and brought up in Jeddah. I was raised in a family of scholars, academics and artists - my interests are partially inherited, and partially due to my curious over-thinking mind. My interests are a broad range of subjects which include socio-political affairs, history, theology, philosophy, cosmology, the most favourite out of them is Poetry, Urdu-Poetry to be precise. My grandfather being an Urdu poet is the reason I was pulled towards poetry, I was named after my grandfather. I mainly compose Urdu Ghazals, and at times Nazms and other genres, and sometimes try scribbling in English. Currently, Pursuing Mechanical Engineering from Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad.

What is Anjuman e Fanna? Started Anjuman e Fanna with a friend, a couple of years ago which aims at preserving and promoting Urdu literature amongst its heirs in the youth. Member of different social, religious and literary forums trying to serve in my areas of interests.

My Ghazal: Woh aankheiN jo apne gumaaN se parey haiN; Woh aankheiN haiN ‘Hawking’ ke ‘kaaley ghaDoN’ sii Jo ik baar dekhe, toh phir Doob jaaye, Jo ik baar Doobe, toh waapas na aaye, Koii inkii gehraaioN ko bhalaa kaise naape, YahaaN khatm hote haiN paymaane saare! In aankhoN se nazrieN milii gar merii toh, Na jaane kahaaN kiss zamaane meiN jaakar girengii, ke teenoN zamaane fanaa o fidaa hoNgey in mei!

Ye aankheiN hai ya haiN koii raaste doosri kehkashaaN ke?

Koii raaste haiN nayii si jihat ke? koii jaane kitne sitaaroN ki haiN asthiyaaN dafn in mei, koii jaane in mei chupey kitne Asrār hongey Humein sirf apne gumaaN ke binaa par haiN andaaze thode; Woh aankheiN toh apne gumaaN se parey haiN, Woh aankheiN haiN ‘Hawking’ ke ‘Kaaley ghaDoN’ sii! - Riasath Ali Asrār