+1 ::: Why are you an artist?
I am an artist because of an unexplainable affiliation to the world of art, a natural affinity in me to colors, artforms, art objects, and drawings. I guess I was born with this as I always feel at home with the artistic.
+2 ::: Tell me about your art.
My art over the years has changed styles. I flirted a bit with surrealism, then finally broke out into my present style which is expressionist art.. very original yet modern and urbane, this style is now synonymous to my name.
+3 ::: Could you share some more about why you paint figures in groups and why are they mostly faceless?
I have an urban touch in many of my paintings and drawings,
the figures (in groups) are an integral part of creating a modern ambience. Often I leave out the facial features thereby creating an aura of mystery, giving the figures a movement in vibrant colors much liked.
+4 ::: What artists have influenced you and why?
Going back to my student days I was most influenced by Goya and then Chughtai a Pakistan artist whose paintings were set in Persian and moghul emperors era. As a young student I found the figurative work of these two artists very impacting but at no stage was I confluenced by them in my work or images. Another thing I should add here is that I am self taught.
+5 ::: What do you do for fun (besides art)?
I lead a happy life and am active in swimming, going to the Gym regularly and these days am learning the Italian language, all this is fun for me beside other fun things too.
+6 ::: What inspires you to paint?
I have often been asked what inspires you to paint, in my case its an inner feeling, an inner urge which gives me the go ahead to paint, and be creative. Mostly I am driven by this urge when I work best, but I would say some times seeing certain colors or objects do trigger the urge, so they are also a source of inspiration.
+7 ::: How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
I feel I have handled the biz side quite well and am pleased that it is steadily growing. I have my own studio and my work is displayed and now I have plans for for going ahead and being more organised.
+8 ::: Where do you see youself in 10 years?
I will leave that for posterity to decide but am quite confident in growing towards success.
+9 ::: Tell me more about your latest series of paintings and where you are going with them.
I continue with my latest paintings with more maturity both in lines, forms, and colors resonating from the form of the figures. Occassionally I get into florals, mixed media and more.
+10 ::: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Have confidence in your self first then in your work and you will succeed.