“I GROW NATURE ON WALL!”
~Rajat Suhbra Bandopadhyay
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
Working with Nature
Jharkhand – my birthplace was a great encouraging force for me to develop a deep love for nature and it was only natural for me to pursue a degree in this field.
I was an arts graduate from Govt College of Arts & Crafts (GCAC), Kolkata (1990). My firsts debut show in 1994 at Chitra Kala Parishad, Bangalore. In 1986, I was chosen under the Young Artists Category for a West Bengal Government project.
After spending two decades in advertising, I left this illustrious career and returned to my passion of water colors in 2011.
I embarked on this journey in August 2011 with my first solo show ‘Relate’ at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi that was a joyous riot of trees, temples and landscapes. My ensemble of abstracts in mixed media and watercolours ‘Universal Truths’ was a part of the group show at a private gallery in Delhi. I was invited by art veterans in Chandigarh to exhibit ‘Resonance’, an experimental collection of mixed media at Chandigarh Kala Bhawan in December 2011. I participated in the International Mask festival 2011 wherein over 300 contemporary artists spread across India (Delhi, Bhopal, Jaipur). In January 2012, I was one of the promising artists to be featured in ‘C’est La Vie’ winter art festival, Gurgaon.
I was one of the shortlisted winners at the ‘100 years of the City of Delhi’ in 2012 at AIFACS, New Delhi. In 2012, I participated in several group shows – ICCR – Kolkata, Jawahar Bhawan – Jaipur to name a few.
Apart from exhibitions, I strongly believes in giving back to society. I was approached by The French Cultural Institut and NGO Ssrishti for an art auction last December. In April 2013, my art was showcased exclusively on TEDx stage in Delhi.
Water colour is my forte and I like to capture the nature at its best on canvas. I have always been attracted towards water colour which is considered to be one of the most challenging mediums to indulge in. I have now set out to explore this medium further and develop my own style characterized by brushstrokes that impart a sense of freedom of spirit.
Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?
Nature is the soul inspiration for my creativity. I found music, rhythm on the tree, water, cloud, reflection of small stone or trees in monsoon.
Where do you get your inspiration from when you paint?
Again, It’s all about nature, mostly different form of trees and rocks. I can relate with their language.
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Difficult question.
I am honest, I am a nature loving person, I don’t loose my temper, I love People,I respect all (living and non living things)
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
I started my career in advertising. Spent 23 long years then got into painting full time. God has been kind to me. He sent my wife(Sushmita) and my son (Shaon) who brought me so much joy.
My family
Describe a typical day in your studio space?
My studio is small, (which is my son;s bedroom by the way) It’s difficult to work on such a small small particularly when the canvas is 1200mm x 1500mm. I once fell on top of my work and I thought I had destroy the painting ,but I managed to save it. Lol!
As an Artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Being in India, New Delhi, there are few million artists. Getting exposure is very tough. Also to reach out to your ideal audience and to sell your art work are biggest challenge for me.
Tell us about how you prioritise your work.
I paint everyday religiously. I finish all my domestic work by 10 am then get right into my art.
Tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
I am a very cool person. I don’t critisise other artists’ work. I do respect their art. When I have my exhibitions I like to watch my customer and I approach them gently and start to engage with them and to talk about my art and their interests.
What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
Water colour being my forte, and itis a dying medium in India. If you are a artist you should experience with water colour. It’s an interesting medium to work with and although it look easy to paint but it’s not easy to master.
What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?
As a good human being. I see myself as a Nature lover artist. People should know me as ‘an artist who grows nature on wall.’
What is your proudest moment so far?
There are few million artists in India. After I did my first solo exhibition in August 20112. I wanted to create a ripple effect but it became a wave instead. God is kind to me and I am grateful for that. I am very proud for such a good beginning of my artist career.
Who do you most want to meet and why?
Not only artists, I want to meet people, I can gather their ideas, thoughts and vision. I try to incorporate all into my life as an artist
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
Respect. If you give you will get.
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
I do not read, That’s a bad habit. I know It’s helpful for many people.
Where do we find you and your art?
Email: rajatsubhra11@gmail.com/
Contact No: +91 9818967592
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/rajat.bandopadhyay
Speckle Brush:
http://www.speckledbrush.com.au/brands/Rajat-Subhra-Bandopadhyay.html
Pieronymus Art Network:
http://pieronymuskosch.ning.com/profile/Rajatsubhrabandopadhyay?xg_source=activity
Coroflot:
http://www.coroflot.com/rajatsb/profile
