Artists talks series, “Art from the heart”

With Guest Artist: Mr. S.K.Sahani

Interview conducted with a very active artist, Mr.S.K.Sahani, whose paintings are in our Pranjal arts collection. He was interviewed by Pranjulaa Singh, managing Director of Pranjal Arts, about his passions, his challenges, and his journey. This interview has covered his work ethic and the way his practise has been impacted over a decade

P.S. What inspired you to get into art and how long has it been that you
have been painting?

It's difficult to respond to this question in a few words, but one thing I can say is that I've always been interested in art and paintings since I was a youngster. This fascination began when I was in eighth grade when my drawing instructor used to paint and bring his own works to school, and it was then that I began to acquire an interest in art. In Patiala, where I used to live, directly across the street from my house, an artist had his own signboard painting company. I used to see and he used to paint. He would ask me to assist him, and I would gladly do so. I studied primary inter-science in Patiala, then IIT, where I studied document civil, and then I did because I wanted to work in the field of art. I gained confidence and traveled to Bombay, where I joined the J.J. School of Art and began learning and painting. I was accepted as an artist at the Bal Bhavan in Delhi, so I returned to Delhi and began working there. The aim was to create a children's museum. The goal of the project was to create an educational exhibition including paintings, sculptures, and one-of-a-kind artworks. I spent ten years in Bal Bhavan. Later, I was asked to work as a deputy teaching artist at the National Gallery of Modern Art for over five years. Then I was transferred to the National Gallery of Modern Art as an art collector supervisor. In any case, I was able to make contact with the art world. The concept of lines and art came into my thoughts one day when I was sitting and pondering. I thought if I could make an artwork in which light and shadow are generated using lines. Is it possible to create depth using line artworks? I began traveling down the unknown and odd path of art after receiving this unique notion.

When did you start walking on this unseen path of art?

It all started around 1975. 

In terms of uncertainty, when you were studying at the J.J. School of Art, were you certain that you would be able to find work? Given that many individuals nowadays are encouraged to become engineers or doctors, how did you overcome such challenges?

I had no idea if I would obtain a job or not. But, with a civil engineering degree, I assumed I'd be able to obtain it. I even persuaded my parents to support me, and I moved on to start my career in the arts. I don't think about whether or not the painting will be sold while I'm painting; I just keep painting and creating wonderful pieces of art. I was aware from the beginning that selling paintings is a challenging task, especially in India. After retiring, I focused solely on my job, which consisted of exhibiting my artwork in various art galleries and presenting exhibits. My paintings have even been sold at a Texas museum-art gallery. I also have a large number of artworks now, and I'm completely committed to painting. I am fully invested in all of my works of art, and I am extremely happy with how I work and live. The path I chose in 1977 is the path I continue to pursue to this day. By deciding to work in the arts, I have fashioned my own future. Another thing I've considered is that my artworks should be distinct and one-of-a-kind.

Do you just work with figurative art and produce unique pieces from it or do you have variety in producing different artworks?

Not only have I worked on realistic and rough sketches, but I've also worked on abstract art. I paint directly on the canvas, keeping the concept of line art in mind. When you begin painting on canvas, you have no idea the path your piece will go. On canvas, a variety of colors may be utilized. I've exclusively used black and white to make my artworks. Later, I learned that colors must be subjugated; we should not dominate the colors while mixing them, but rather submit them.

Did you paint back in 1975 when you were working on the management grounds of the National Gallery?

Yes, I used to paint on a regular basis. I used to make tiny drawings back then, and I used to participate in many art exhibits, with my paintings being displayed in all of the gallery's national exhibitions. I even took part in the exhibition at the Delhi Sahitya Kala. I've done a lot of art exhibitions with a lot of different artists' friends. When the art camp was held, pranjal arts presented an unmissable chance. I am really grateful to Pranjal Arts for providing us with all of the painting supplies throughout the art camp, and for allowing us to draw and paint anything we wanted.

How did it feel to leave your career and retire, then spend the rest of your life creating amazing works of art?

I retired in December 1995 and began to look for an art studio. My children began to leave the house in search of a better future. After they went, I turned my house into an art studio.

ABOUT THE  “ART FROM THE HEART” SERIES:

Pranjal Arts walks down memory lane, connecting with Indian artists across the world. Through these conversations, we share a perspective into their journey, for the pleasure of new artists, art collectors, and/or anyone interested in art. We discuss their struggles, learnings and observe the changes in their art practice. We love knowing the artists closely on the candid conversation at a time in the “Art from the Heart” Artist Talks series.

Watch out for the full interview of S.K.Sahani. Do have a look at the below video.

About Mr. S.K.Sahani:

S. K. Sahni is a contemporary artist of the modern era of Indian origin and is one of the well-respected artists in the nation. He was born on December 27, 1937, in a small town of Jhelum district in undivided Punjab. His desire to experience art started in his school years but was overpowered by his family’s desire for him to study science in his college years. Later he learned mechanical drawing and joined a Draftsman Civil course at ITI Patiala in 1957. His never-failing desire for art led him to join Sir J J School of Arts, Mumbai in the year 1958 where his true journey began. 

About Pranjal Arts:

Original, handmade, Indian folk and contemporary art, Pranjal Arts is a collection of 200 paintings made by 70 different artists from India. Pranjal Arts Blog covers art topics ranging from art education to art history to conversations with the artists about their journey. Read more blogs here: