Artist Shirin Watwani On Her Work And Inspiration

Shirin Watwani has many talents. She is a fine artist, was a graphic designer for many years and even turned entrepreneur. She is now painting full time, and is all set to hold her first solo exhibition in February next year. She talks to SheThePeople.TV about her journey from full-time graphic designer to full-time painter!

Source: Shefali Dadabhoy

How she began her artistic journey:

I used to take art classes when I was a child, and really enjoyed them! My teacher, Mrs Hema, introduced me to various mediums and techniques from pencil sketches, charcoals, water colours and oils. She was a great teacher -- very kind and encouraging. It was a no-brainer for me to complete my B.A in Fine Arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai. I also trained to become a graphic designer in Sydney, and worked in India as a graphic designer from 2002-2015.

I always painted a bit throughout my career, and even during my pregnancy. But now I have decided to paint full time, for myself.

Her Artistic Style:

My work is always evolving. But my training as a graphic designer does influence my work. I am drawn to creating canvases which use a flat background colour on which my subject lies. The result is that the subject looks almost like a cut-out.

Source: Shirin Watwani

Her Inspiration:

I love nature and have always been drawn to it. I can sit and stare at a leaf, flower, branch or tree for hours. I love how simple yet beautiful even the smallest aspect of nature can be. My natural instinct was to paint flora and fauna. I love being amidst nature -- whether it's on a beach, in the hills or with animals.

Source: Shirin Watwani

On her company “Look It's Me”

This is a company started by three friends. We create personalised children’s story books and a few other products as well. A customer can personalise our illustrated books by giving the central character a child’s name. The book is then printed and couriered.
We put in a lot of effort into creating this brand a couple of years ago, and sell via Facebook. Working with friends was great because you know each other’s styles and strengths and can work seamlessly together.

On exhibiting her work, and her future plans:

All I know is that I want to paint as many canvases as I can. I have picked up a brush after a long time, and I am excited to see where this journey will take me. I am eager to see the evolution of my painting style.

I had painted so many canvases that I started posting photos of my paintings on Facebook. I got such a great response that I decided to hold an exhibition.

Source: Shirin Watwani

I’m looking forward to exhibiting my work in Chennai in Feb-March 2017. I will be tying up with galleries soon after. I intend to showcase my work in other Indian cities next year, and hopefully go international soon!

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