‘Success is being able to inspire others’ – Pavitha Ashwin, nature artist

In this photo essay, we share highlights from the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath exhibitions ‘Nature and Beyond’ and ‘See the Unseen,’ along with career insights from the artists.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 255 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru recently hosted two exhibitions titled Nature and Beyond (by Pavitha Ashwin) and See the Unseen (featuring the works of Pratima Kumar, Asha Bhat, K. Mano), with a mix of realism and abstract art. 

Based in Bengaluru, Pavitha Aswhin grew up in Kodagu (Coorg), and her art work over the last 12 years continues to be influenced by the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. She studied at the Art Institute of Dallas, and paints with oils and acrylic on canvas.

“Art is therapeutic and spiritual, it connects me to the universe. Art is an extension of myself. Being able to bring my imagination to life on canvas is amazing and humbling at the same time,” Pavitha said, in a chat with YourStory.

 India needs more art galleries, and art viewing and appreciation need to become popular, she suggests. Her art works are priced in the range Rs 12,000 to Rs 65,000. She has also collaborated with the SCEAD Foundation to support art in education.

Some of the art work is inspired by actual incidents in her life, such as children coaxing a frog out of a ditch, or a dish prepared by her mother. Her paintings include the ‘Owl Series,’ and each painting is accompanied by a caption describing its symbolism.

“Let go of yourself and find peace in being with yourself. Feel the connections to the universe,” Pavitha advises audiences and aspiring artists. “Success comes not just from recognition. Success is being able to inspire others,” she explains.

Over the last 25 years, artist K.Mano has sold more than 5,000 paintings in India and overseas, in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. His works span landscapes and abstract art, and are priced from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.

This former civil engineer has had an interest in art since his childhood years. “Art was seen as a luxury in India in the period 1970s-1990s, and many artists left the profession to join the advertising world. It is hard to come back to art after that,” explains Mano.

While some artists tend to be reserved and secretive about their methods, Mano says he prefers to share his ideas and give feedback to aspiring artists. “You live life only once, share your lessons,” Mano signs off.

Now what have you done today to become a source of insights and inspiration for others?

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