Hello, my fellow art enthusiasts and creative souls of the Hive community. Allow me to take you on a journey, a journey of paint, passion, and perseverance— a journey that gave birth to my painting, "Soul Combustion."
This artwork, which has become an integral part of my artistic identity, holds a story that I am thrilled to share with you.
Our tale begins in the early months of 2023, in the heart of March, just a month before my college's annual art exhibition. It was a day like any other, or so it seemed, until a surge of inspiration coursed through me, setting my creative spirit on fire. I couldn't ignore the call of my muse, and that day marked the birth of "Soul Combustion'' which means - "FIRE OF SOUL."
What makes this painting unique is not just its artistic vision but also the canvas it was born on. You see, I had never painted on such a grand scale before. The idea of working on a 6-foot canvas was both exhilarating and intimidating. It was uncharted territory for me, but the allure of the challenge was irresistible.
Without a second thought, I embarked on a mission to acquire the colossal canvas. The very next day, I was at the art supply store, eagerly picking it up and delivering it to my college studio.
However, as the days ticked away towards the exhibition, I found myself without a compelling painting to display. The pressure was immense, but it was precisely this pressure that would ignite the true essence of "Soul Combustion."
It was on the fifth day of painting when things took an unexpected turn. Perhaps it was my overexcitement, but I made the mistake of seeking the opinions of senior artists. Their critiques and thoughts left me feeling distracted and, ultimately, disheartened. That day, in a moment of frustration, I ruined what was nearly a completed masterpiece. The setback hit me hard, and I retreated into isolation for two days.
The above picture is the canvas I destroyed.
On the ninth day, I emerged from my self-imposed exile, armed with newfound determination and a valuable lesson. I reminded myself that the canvas was a reflection of my soul, and it was my creation. I decided to listen to no one but my own artistic intuition. With renewed vigor, I embarked on an artistic marathon, working day and night because there were only four days left until the exhibition.
The day before the exhibition, I stood before my completed masterpiece, bathed in a sense of accomplishment. The entire college rallied behind me, staying with me until 1 a.m. to witness the birth of "Soul Combustion." That night was incredibly fulfilling, a testament to the power of persistence and belief in one's vision.
The picture with Artist Ganpath Bhadake Sir, who always supported and motivated me for my work and my Mentor too.
I proudly exhibited "Soul Combustion" at the annual exhibition of the Government College of Art and Design in Nagpur. I felt so blessed that my parents came to see the exhibition for so long and I met them after almost two years.
The picture with my Dad and Mom.
Its success there paved the way for the painting to reach even greater heights—the national-level exhibition known as the Monsoon Show, held at the legendary Jahangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in June.
But my journey with "Soul Combustion" is far from over. In future articles, I look forward to sharing more of the memories, experiences, and lessons this painting has brought into my life. One profound lesson stands out—the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. It's in those uncomfortable spaces that we find growth, resilience, and the magic of self-discovery. Apart from the "Soul combustion", two of my painting was hanged "CULMUNATING" and the other was "Untitled".
So, dear members of the Hive community, remember that venturing beyond your comfort zone can lead to exceptional experiences and learning. "Soul Combustion" is living proof that when you believe in yourself and your vision, you can create masterpieces that resonate with the world. Stay tuned for more stories from my artistic journey, and may they inspire you to embrace your own creative challenges and endeavors.