Vidya Vivek: An Artist Who Brings Art to Life on the Canvas

"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream"- Vincent Van Gogh

  Vidya is one of the rising artists in Bengaluru. She creates magic with her brush, the strokes bring to life a vivid imagination on the canvas. Her easel wields the power to transform the mundane into a masterpiece. Known for her portraits, knife paintings, and coffee paintings, it is hard to believe that Vidya Vivek is self-taught. It is a pleasure for BananiVista to interview such a talented artist and definitely one to watch out for! Here are the edited excerpts:   With one of the paintings from her 'Daivik' series  

BV: Would you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Vidya: I am 36, MBA, B.E. I worked briefly with an IT firm, then took a break to tend to my young kids, that’s when I turned to painting which was my hobby and now my profession. I am from The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu and I am now settled in Bangalore for the last 15 years.

I have two beautiful daughters, Samyuktha, 14yrs, and Charvi,8yrs old. My husband, Vivek, has been my constant support throughout in my art journey.

A Masterpiece by the artist  

BV: How did your family react when you decided to be an artist? 

Vidya: They were always aware of my artistic inclination towards all things in life, and have always been a great support.

The Temple Sistren  

BV: Share an anecdote which became a deciding factor in your gravitation from being an engineer to being an artist.

Vidya: I worked very briefly with an IT firm, and after my younger daughter Charvi was born, I got back to Art out of boredom and to relieve stress. I got a great response and a lot of support on online forums. In 2012, when one of our family friends had a look at my work and offered to buy two of my works for a price, only then I realized that there might be a market for my work.

Ganesha Mandala  

BV: As an artist, what subjects fascinate you the most? What is your medium of choice?

Vidya: Apart from conceptual works, nature and portraiture are my areas of interest and I work across a variety of media.

BV:  Would you like to share some of your achievements as one of the upcoming artists in Bengaluru with us?

Vidya: I had two Solo exhibitions this year, ‘Devi’ and ‘Daivik’; 'Devi' being the first solo in my art journey, so that is something I would cherish forever.

'Balachandra'  

BV: You seem to pack so much in a day, how do you strike a balance between work and life? 

Vidya: I work mostly in the nights 10 to 2 and when you love your work you make time for it somehow.

BV: Who or what do you attribute your success to? Is there a quote or a motivational phrase that you go by?

Vidya: My family has been a strong support throughout, especially my husband.

There is no substitute for hard work in any field.

  With her constant and strongest supporter, her husband- Vivek

BV: Do you have a quaint corner to channelize your creativity and paint without interruption?

Vidya: I have a small studio, designed by my husband, it’s actually a balcony converted into a very cozy and effective workspace.

At her exhibition titled 'Devi'  

BV: Who do you consider your strongest supporter? Any mentor or guide you seek advice from?

Vidya: Support - I have a good network of friends and family, but if I have to choose one, it would be my husband, Vivek.

Yes, unofficially there are many mentors across various age groups, a lot to learn from each.

BV: Lastly, any word of advice for people who wish to take up art professionally?

Vidya: Don’t take it up if you are only looking at monetary benefits, this journey requires a lot of discipline and dedication. Believe in your strength, your own style/way of painting/sketching. Work each day, you will reap the benefits on the way. 

A look at her paintings will take you on an eclectic journey. Her colour schemes and imageries will recreate her world in front of you. A world which transcends boundaries and eggs you on the path of self-discovery.