Breaking The Stereotypes: Gender? No, art doesn’t see that!

Sakshi Lunkad: For the longest time, I would crave to have a passion. What is passion truly? I just wanted to know what it feels like, wanted to know why people fancy it, why is it so desirable, why does everybody need it in their lives?

Be it any profession, culture, country or society, stereotypes are omnipresent. As a young girl who ventured into art, I have walked through various stereotypes. It doesn’t matter where we live, but stereotypical mindsets welcome you at every step through your professional and personal journey. Sometimes, I believe people are so consumed with their strongly-held mindsets, that they forget to look past themselves or accept any new change.

My journey through art has made me realise that there are so many barriers in our society relating to art and all the branching creative fields that it stagnates our growth if we start succumbing to the negativities. Through my art, I strive to change the existing norms & perspective about abstract art. It has been years of discovery and persistence put together that finally culminated into ‘Fluid Art’.

Shared below are some strong setbacks that I faced due to the stereotypes that have been set in the world of art.

Gender? No, art doesn’t see that!

 When we talk about art, often people think it is a practice that can be adapted by only women because it’s not very masculine. Let me bring to your notice that art doesn’t limit or define one’s gender, age, or imperfections. A stereotype that I have been persistently trying to change is that art is not gender-specific. I feel my fluid art workshops are slowly breaking this preconceived notion. During my workshops, I have observed that men who attended my initial workshops were moderately shy to discuss that they were indulging in an art workshop. However, when they started enjoying the process of creating art, they were happy to share how art is a very distressing activity. I believe that art is for everyone, it does not see your gender. It sets the soul free and expresses what words fail to do.

Expressing social issues through art:

I can confidently say that I’ve been a sponge when it came to imbibing and absorbing the vibrance around me. Art is omnipresent! Expressing social issues through art is so relevant in these times because art is a well-known medium of expression and change which is why it’s so important in our lives. We use fluid art to break the stereotype around what people deem perfect. It is known effective tool to create awareness around issues that go unheard in society. Abstract art forms have the power to shatter the norms of how perfect everything should be. Art is truly a mighty medium of expression and change!

Age is just a number

 Just like gender, there are misconceptions about age and flamboyance, when it comes to art. In my workshops, people from all age groups can be seen embracing the magnificence of art. Right from three to 60-year-olds enthusiastically join my workshops.  It is so fulfilling for people of various age groups to practise art and zealously participate in an art workshop. Little toddlers and their grandparents may be poles apart in terms of experiencing life, but the fusion of their ideas scintillate beautifully on an empty canvas.

Abstract art forms have the power to shatter the norms of how perfect everything should be. Art is truly a mighty medium of expression and change!

Young minds embracing art

I like how young parents are changing their perspective towards art, which is crucial. This in turn paves way for the next generation to appreciate all and every kind of art. If children pursue art during their formative years, they will have more knowledge on the different forms of art such as figurative art, abstract art, etc. This will ensure that the younger lot grows to be more open-minded and accepting towards art in general. Therefore, I staunchly appreciate young parents who are giving their little ones the option and exposure to choose art and understand the world through it. The future looks promising when I see these tiny tots engaging in art!

Is it ever too late to pursue your calling?

The answer is straight up, no! It’s never too late. Some people get lucky, they find it out at the early stage, some may take longer, but it’s truly never too late.

For the longest time, I would crave to have a passion. What is passion truly? I just wanted to know what it feels like, wanted to know why people fancy it, why is it so desirable, why does everybody need it in their lives?

Now I see why and there’s no guarantee it won’t change over the course of time but that’s absolutely alright.

Art therapy: for mind, body and soul

 I realised that art is not just appealing to the eyes, but also therapeutic for the mind and soul. The effect of art as a therapeutic tool is multi-faceted, it helps people in more than one ways. For some people, art can help through colour. In the last few years, I have experienced that so many people including me, pretty much get lost in the process while indulging in art. Basically, while creating an art piece, be it for forty minutes, three whole hours, or even for half an hour, I have noticed this in people and in myself that we lose track of time. Apart from the technical aspects of art therapy, this is what I have observed. We get so engrossed as we take this little break from reality and indulge in art, concentrate on that art piece that essentially has nothing to do with our hectic lives. I believe this form of an escape is a form of therapy.

Liberating yourself through art workshops

 Back in 2018, when there was no trend of Fluid Art workshops, I was skeptical and anxious about what kind of a response I would receive. That being said, there was an added hindrance that stereotypes posed. People often trivialise art, therefore, breaking such a mindset and having people participate in the workshop was a catch-22!

I gathered my courage and believed in art, and went on to arrange a workshop to see how people would react to the new art form. The Art Workshops I host range from fluid art, alcohol ink art, resin art, to tie-dye kits. All workshops entail a body of art that is holistic in every sense. The participants in my workshop get a chance to indulge in a new Art form which is a one-of-its-kind experience. I intend to create an atmosphere where you don't just play with your imagination & creativity but also de-stress your mind.

During these workshops, the experience is even more elevating when you meet so many different people coming from different walks of life. I feel as though just moments ago, these people who were complete strangers, are now united because of art. People come together, keeping all their inhibitions aside. It’s magical, as to how forty strangers meet each other, break the ice between them,  and create art amongst themselves.

Sakshi Lunkad is a Premium Fluid Artist, Interior Designer and Founder of Sakshi Lunkad Art. The views expressed are the author's own.