6 minute read
Viola Rodrigues
The 8th of March is celebrated globally as International women's Day every year and in this special Women's Day issue of ours, we decided to bring to you the story of an incredible Goan woman who has, through, hard work, perseverance and dedication, managed to craft a name for herself in the world of the art business here in Goa. And that incredible woman is none-other than the number one artist of Goa, Ms. Viola Rodrigues.
Viola is a name and a brand in the field of art in Goa as she has established herself as a pioneer, working in the industry for 12 years now and breaking new uncharted ground. Director and coordinator of her own art gallery, ‘Vola Art Escape’, Viola is multifarious in all mediums of art. Starting her career at a very early age of 5, she started learning the basics of art and colour by trying out everything be it sketching, doodling or painting.
Her initial paintings and drawings were based on fashion trends of different styles of outfits and garments. Her father, Vernon Rodrigues, who saw her keen interest and talent in painting, encouraged her to pursue a career in the field. “My parents were always open minded and persuasive and encouraged me to follow my goals to the fullest.” added Viola.
Following her passion and love for painting, she opened her own art gallery named ‘Vola Art Escape’ online. Later, she took it offline by opening a physical art gallery in Porvorim on Chogm road. The gallery later moved to its present day location in Candolim. Lying in the heart of the tourist belt, on Candolim's main road near the Candolim health centre, this art gallery is a haven for all art lovers out there.
In the gallery, there are paintings of various genres like abstracts, contemporary, comprehensive religious, detailed doodling and many more Indian variables also available for purchase. There are live artists working in the art gallery, from whom the walk-in customers can personalize their portraits or paintings. Viola describes her art gallery as “a piping hot cup of tea for each and everybody”.
Other than the gallery work, Viola also takes personal orders for portraits, sculptures and culture murals from walk-in customers and word of mouth publicity and satisfied referrals. Viola, who prefers detailed
her customers, their preferences and choices before delivering their masterpiece in time.
Talking about her likes, Viola revealed that she loves oil painting and acrylics the most. She has an interest in contemporary and abstract arts along with renaissance artwork. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are two of the painters that she regards as role models. Working as a Pan-India artist, Viola sold 5000+ paintings all across India, the Middle East and Europe in 2020 while the world was still going through the peak of the pandemic.
Achievements
Viola has done professional wall murals and customized canvas paintings for hotels and restaurants, clubs and casinos such as Taj, Hyatt, Strike Casino, Tito’s, Antares, Cohiba, Ritz Classic and many more. “We have also sold paintings to the famous honorable Mr. Narayan Bandekar, who is our prestige client”, says Viola. “Mr. Bandekar has always been of immense support to me. He has displayed a few of the paintings done by me at The HQ hotel in Vasco, which is run by him. He has always been a father figure to me”, Viola added!
Viola Rodrigues has recently completed yet another milestone for an American based hotel chain named "Aiden by Best Western” situated in Vagator in North Goa. Professional wall murals were custom made for the reception area, bar area, lounge, restaurant area, staircases and hallways of the prestigious premises while 60 exclusive canvas paintings were custom made for the rooms and washrooms. The entire project was executed and handed over in just 3 months to perfection.
Vola Art Escape provides customized art for residential and commercial premises as per the client's design and budget. From personalized sketches & portraits to customized wall murals and canvas paintings, they also organize face painting and caricature sketching for corporate events/ private events & birthday parties.
Social Support
Viola has lent her help and support to many budding artists in Goa. Her art gallery offers internships for
students who like to learn the artistry and develop themselves. Vola Art Escape was instrumental in organizing the international art contest which successfully concluded its second edition in 2020. This art contest was a platform to recognize the talents of the budding artists from pan India/ overseas and appreciate their works by handing out cash prizes and certificates.
Gratitude
Reminiscing about her successful journey so far, Viola took time to give credit to Mr. Anshuman Sharma and her parents who have been constantly supportive and played an impressive role in vetting her art. Viola says that connections and financials are a must for any artist starting their career to make it big. But in her case due to the constant and unwavering support from her parents and family friends whom she met in the field with tech savvy and business perspectives, she was able to follow her passion and become a giant in the industry. Speaking about her future goals, she highlighted that she wants to open 1 or 2 more
the pan-India horizon. “I would like to open my own interior design office connected with art which can be a one stop shop for all artistic needs, “added Viola.
Being the role model for many budding artists of the state, Viola doesn’t hesitate to extend her support to the youth. “Join me and we will give you an opportunity to grow as an artist while giving proper exposure and a good platform to showcase your talents. Even a dish needs a pinch of salt. We will sculpt you to be an allround artist” she says.
For more information about Vola Art Escape:
Call/WhatsApp: 079723 55356
Mail: volaartescape01@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/volaartescape/
Facebook: facebook.com/volaartescape01/
