Chitrarth: A Canvas of Dreams and Determination
Dear readers,
It’s been a while since we last shared an update, but today, I bring you a story straight from the heart—a blend of passion, challenges, and triumphs.
As many of you know, painting has been my lifelong passion. However, what you may not know is the incredible artistic journey of my elder brother, Nikhil. A wildlife researcher by profession, he has also been capturing the beauty of the wild through his lens for years. His stunning photography and my dedication to painting sparked an idea—credit goes to Sneha—why not host an exhibition that combines our work?
Thus, Chitrarth – The Meaning of Canvas was born. But the road to the exhibition was anything but smooth.
The Challenges
The first hurdle was finding the perfect venue in our hometown. After a long search, we came across the art gallery at Devrukh College of Art and Design. It had everything we wanted—ideal lighting, ambiance, and elegance. But there was a twist. We hoped to open during Ganesh Chaturthi, only to realize the management was unavailable during the holidays. Adjusting our plans, we rescheduled to September 28-30, 2024.
Next came the daunting task of framing the artworks and safely transporting them. With help from friends, bubble wrap, and a lot of care, we managed to get everything ready. Sneha took on the responsibility of printing and transporting the photos, while I focused on designing banners and invites. Slowly but surely, the pieces started coming together.
The Grand Opening
As the exhibition day approached, nerves kicked in. Despite rehearsing, I felt a wave of anxiety about speaking and sharing my journey. But as the doors opened, around 30 people walked in, filling the room with curiosity and excitement.
Both Nikhil and I shared our stories, explaining the effort and emotion behind every painting and photograph. People were astonished by the intricate details of my line art and the time it took—5-6 hours on average for each piece. Students were fascinated by Nikhil’s wildlife photography, and eager to learn and explore the field.
The feedback was overwhelming. Visitors connected with our work, some even sharing their creative dreams. It was humbling to meet people of all ages—some starting their artistic journeys in their 50s—who reminded us how art has the power to inspire.
A Proud Moment
The most unforgettable moment wasn’t the applause or the appreciation—it was the look on our parents’ faces. They’ve always been our strongest supporters, and seeing their pride made every challenge worth it. Those three days were a celebration of creativity, resilience, and family.
This exhibition taught us that dreams, no matter how big or small, are worth chasing. It reignited our passion to create, to share, and to inspire. We’re fueled up and ready to take this journey to the next level.
To everyone who supported us, visited the exhibition, or sent their wishes—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Stay tuned for more stories, including a special interaction with one visitor that left a lasting impact.
Until next time,
Follow your heart—it knows the