'I always wanted to be an artist'

'Art is two things: a search for a road and a search for freedom' Alice Neel

All artists yearn for freedom to tread the path of transcendent fulfillment, to be able to show the world a part of their souls through their artworks. Thus, freedom and art go hand in hand, working in communion to create a world where binaries co-exist and strive.

“Freedom of Thought”, a painting and sculpture exhibition presented by Uchaan group and conceptualised by Jyoti Karla, was based on this exact idea. Displayed at the India Habitat Centre, its main aim was to provide a space where each participating artist could speak in his or her own true voice.

Amongst the many
participating artists was Richa Sharma whose medium of choice is acrylic on canvas. Talking about her painting technique, she says that she usually tries to maintain a soothing effect by using a mix of colours like blue, orange, white and black. She uses tools such as knives, rollers and brushes to create the specific strokes on her paintings.

“What makes my work different from mundane abstract work is the ease in understanding the thoughts behind the art,” adds the artist, who has done her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters of Fine Arts (Paintings), from Rajasthan University,
Talking about the theme of the show, Sharma, who had contributed eight paintings to the exhibition says, “Freedom of thoughts is which helps to seek one’s goals and takes one to a desired destination.”

Sharma, who found art at a young age of 10, says she “never doubted her career plans, as she always strived to be an artist”. She tells Metrolife, “I always feel energised and motivated once I start painting. I derive professional satisfaction and fulfillment by developing new techniques of strokes using acrylic on canvas.”

“I have a commitment to myself that I will continue to evolve as an artist, one who always experiments with new techniques, ideas and colours on canvas,” she adds.