Interview with Nazish Kondkari

“Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness.” ~ Anni Alber

In this Interview, Nazish Kondkari shares her incredible journey of embracing art and her idiosyncratic perspective of perceiving art.

1. Could you share a bit about yourself?

“An ordinary girl with extraordinary talents.” That’s how people define me. 

Hi, I am Nazish from Mumbai and I am 26 years old. I am a Post-Graduate in English literature, and now working towards honing my artistic and writing skills. At the age of 18, I discovered I want to be a writer. That is when I was introduced to the blogging world. I have my blogging website now named https://nazishblogs.com/, where I share my experience as a blogger and some other ideas occasionally. Eventually, some of my articles got published in different e-magazines, print magazines, and social sites. I also am an author of three short stories which are published in three different anthology books. In the year 2019, I published my collection of Poems as an eBook on Amazon under the title, ‘Escape, A collection of Enigmatic Feelings.’ Last year, 2 of my poems got published in an anthology poem book ‘The Unforgotten Spring.’ Art is something that has been a part of my life since childhood but not as of how it is now. I used to love colouring books during my childhood. I sometimes used to like doing handmade papercraft out of hobby or boredom. It was never a part of my plans. Drawing lectures in school would be repulsive to me as I was awful at drawing and sketching. It was in 2018, I surprisingly started painting and that marked the beginning of my artistic career. 

2. How did you get started with creating art and graphic illustration?

After completing my Graduation I was in quest of some productive activity to pass my time and hence did opt for a graphic designing course in 2016. Nevertheless, in 2017, I got admissions into Post-Graduation for English Literature and got occupied with the studies. In 2018, I began painting with acrylics and now when I turn back and look at my journey I find it truly incredibly surreal. 

It is only after my post-graduation got completed, I re-started my illustration journey. I was always into illustrations especially cartooning. As I said I was not good at drawing or sketching, so I had to train myself from scratch. I started learning to draw by watching video tutorials and books. It was during 2019, I landed a small but paid illustration project. By the time 2019 ended, I decided to launch myself as a cartoon illustrator. I worked on my logo and ideas. Even though everyone loved my cartoon illustrating abilities, I had to bid adieu to it due to my personal beliefs which I would prefer not to talk about. It was heartbreaking but I somehow managed to endure it. It was during that phase only I explored watercolours and brush calligraphy. 

3. Could you tell us about your artistic style?

Honestly, I am still figuring my art style and evolving as an artist. Just a few days back I realized art is a lifetime journey and it is never one-shot thing when it comes to art. Not only as humans but also as an artist we learn a lot and keep evolving throughout our life. 

4. What made you choose this creative domain? 

I feel creativity did choose me rather I chose it. When I realized I want to be a writer, I somehow knew I want to be around stories, and be lost in my dreamland which is in my head, but I wish someone would have told me that it is a lonely journey as I have always found it so hard to connect with people. Sometimes I feel I am in the wrong world. (Lol!) I wish Hogwarts was real and I would end up getting a letter from Hogwarts.

5. Do you draw your inspiration from anywhere or have any role model?

I do not have any big role models when it comes to art. However, for Inspiration, I look up to myriad artists on social media. Especially, two particular artists I do look up to are ‘Yaari Kalathingal Nazir’ (Kerala based artist and goes by the handle as @art_ca_dabra) and the other one is Shaheena (goes by the handle @soulful.colors on Instagram). I also follow many other artists on Instagram and I feel highly inspired looking at how amazing art ideas they come up with.

6. While creating art, what elements do you think are important besides “Details”?

I just go with the flow rather than focusing too much on details. I feel every artist has its way to express their art. I do not believe in set rules when it comes to art. Just try to practice and you will get where you belong. Yes, but one issue I often face is if I have too many thoughts on my mind, I cannot paint. Even little stress end up affecting my painting. Painting soothes my soul and it is no less than meditation for me. But if I am over thinking something, then I refrain from painting. 

7. How your art has evolved over the years?

My art is evolving at its own pace but I believe that there is a lot of room for improvement. I seriously have a lot to learn, the only thing that is changing is my way to find perfection. Earlier I used to be okay even if my art has come out 60% close to perfection; today I try to make it 90% close to perfection. Concerning Illustrations yes, I have improved a lot. With painting, it is a long way to go.

8. What is the scope of your artwork and graphic illustration?

As I said, when it comes to art and writing, it is my life. The scope of my art is to somehow survive in this messed up world. Also, I wish to help the kids who are finding it difficult to pay for their education through the sale of my art. However, there is a long way to go; I still have to get my art recognized to that level to help the needy.

9. What is a little known fact you would like to share?

Um…I guess, people who know me do have an idea that I am a fantasy fiction fan. And that I am hoping someday I have a tree house with a beautiful view to look out where I am chilling with my tea/coffee, where I have my studio and I can paint and do my art in peace, a huge bookshelf (that I hope fits in the tree house) where not only I can read books in peace but also weave my own stories. I also am desperate to buy a mini camper bus someday and just go on a road trip to embrace vivid adventures. I wish to belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I have this urge to travel more often and explore places. 

10. What is your future vision?

I would like to create art that is being sold off and a part of the price goes to fund the education and enhancing the well-being of underprivileged children. Also, I really would soon like to discover my unique art style. *fingers crossed*. Write inspirational stories. Oh! And travel in a camper minibus. That is my future vision. 

11. What is your process when creating an artwork? Is there anything new you have been experimenting with?

Currently, I am not experimenting but trying to hone my skills. My process is simple; if something intrigues me to draw or paint I simply try it out. I mostly like to do landscape paintings. 

12. What does your work aim to say?

I do not try to send across a message but if that would be I guess all I would like to say is follow your heart and live the life you want to live.

13. Who are your biggest influences?

My parents, Saloni Srivastava is a social media influencer who is now an entrepreneur and helps many women and youngsters to hustle in a field they love. She helps them to build up their dream career. J.k Rowling and Khaled Hosseini are my inspirations when it comes to writing. 

14. Which cultural experience transformed the way you perceive the world?

My personal life experiences are something that transforms me or how I perceive the world. Also, the kind of books I read, do change my perception of life and things. 

15. Which real-life experience most challenged your thinking?

The journey from the year 2018 to date is like a roller coaster ride for me. It has completely changed me and has been the most challenging years of my life. They not only have made me stronger but wiser and have instilled a lot of patience. Now every time I come across a tough situation or some challenging phase, I am aware that it is trying to make me stronger and wiser. And all I can do is just hang in there and wait till I figure it out.

16. What role do artists have in society?

I feel today creativity is in demand. Especially handmade art is so much in trend now. We are trying to make awareness about small businesses and how we must support local brands and artist too come in that category. Artists do play an important role in society they not only spread awareness about creativity but also try to make this world a better place where freedom of choice, thought, freedom of expression exists devoid of rules and judgments. 

17. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

“Just start being happy and find peace within you. Do what you love and things will fall into place.”

18. Share your favourite Quote.

“In order to Rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.” 
By Octavia E butler. 

19. What are your hobbies? 

Reading books and watching Netflix.

20. For someone starting as an artist, what advice would you like to share?

Just follow your heart, keep practising and do what you love to do. Never compare yourself with others. Every artist out there is different and everyone’s journey is different. 

You can discover more about Nazish’ s work through following links.

Instagram handle: @nazishartstudio. 

Blog: https://nazishblogs.com