Rediscovery

Running Ox, Acrylic, 36″x24″

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” Pablo Picasso

Coming to India has revived my love for art. I enjoyed painting and drawing while growing up, but when I entered college, this hobby was put on the shelf. “Drawing? Who has time for that?” Exams, social life, and career progression took precedence. Now in Bhopal, after work, I return to my hostel. If I don’t have any remaining work, I have almost five to six hours to kill before heading to bed. Figuring out how to occupy that time has helped me return to art.

“An artist never really finishes his work, he merely abandons it.” Paul Valery
Tower, Graphite

Unlike some of my previous works, I have started to place meaning behind each one I create. Inspired by my surroundings and life circumstances, I have started to sketch and paint. A camera always with me, I take snapshots of my everyday. When going through the pictures, if I am struck by an image, I immediately start sketching. But, inspiration has to be upon me to begin. As a result, a simple sketch may take a couple of weeks, but another piece may be completed in a couple of days. Tormented by imperfection, I revisit only when I have calmed down and have accumulated the patience to once again work on the piece.

“What art offers is space- a certain breathing room for the spirit.” John Updike
Rarely did I share my work with others because of insecurity and dissatisfaction with my work. Now, I have started to become comfortable with what I am producing. I am also coming to terms with the tension that arises when seeking perfection. Yet, when the piece is finished, the tension relieved, it is a fantastic sensation. This feeling has been missing for some time. Living in India has brought it back.
History Preserved, Graphite
Agra Fort

 

I have uploaded some of my pieces. Hope you enjoy!

 

Author

  • anusharaja

    As an undergraduate, Anusha cultivated an interest in connecting medical anthropology and global health, particularly in India. She is interested in understanding the Indian public health system using qualitative methodologies. Anusha has worked in the past with Sangath, an NGO that focuses on improving the provision of mental healthcare in India. Anusha will continue to work with Sangath to evaluate the PRIME study, an international study that aims to generate knowledge which can be used to improve access to care for priority mental disorders in primary and maternal health care contexts in low resource settings. In the future, she hopes to become a cultural broker in both the academic and health care realms.

As an undergraduate, Anusha cultivated an interest in connecting medical anthropology and global health, particularly in India. She is interested in understanding the Indian public health system using qualitative methodologies. Anusha has worked in the past with Sangath, an NGO that focuses on improving the provision of mental healthcare in India. Anusha will continue to work with Sangath to evaluate the PRIME study, an international study that aims to generate knowledge which can be used to improve access to care for priority mental disorders in primary and maternal health care contexts in low resource settings. In the future, she hopes to become a cultural broker in both the academic and health care realms.

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7 thoughts on “Rediscovery

  1. great stuff Anusha! reminds me of the Wittgenstein quote on beauty: “When the eye sees something beautiful, the hand wants to draw it.”

    1. Thanks Pranav! That’s a great quote and definitely reflects what I do!

      I am trying to develop a bit of my own creativity and imagination, where I don’t necessarily have to have the object or scene in front of me… where I just draw upon scenes from my memory… I’ve realized for me it’s a lot harder. Maybe it says something about my personality?

  2. Anusha, this is great work and surprising to know your artistic skills. If possible bring them at midpoint, would love to see your work……:-)

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