From the fruits on the table to the flowers in her garden, Bhagyajyoti Arjun Naik finds inspiration all around her. Believing that it was paint that ran in her blood and that her being was woven by canvas threads, Naik says, "I always wanted to become an artist. Although initially my father wanted me to become a doctor or an advocate, he knew that all I cared about was my art." And being the first artist in her family, it took more than a little convincing on her part.
She adds, "Our society believes there is no scope for art and that it is all about the struggle. This in a way pressurised my father to question my choice." But her passion and love for painting was resolute, and she stands by her decision. She says, "I told my father job didn't matter as much. What mattered was that I would be happy. I would be better at it than anything else, even if it meant that I would have to struggle."
As a budding artist, Naik works with realistic forms and finds inspiration and ideas in almost everything around her. May it be the fruits lying on the table, the things in her house, flowers, children, nature, people or even herself. It could absolutely anything under the sun that her artist mind captures and visualizes on canvas. There on, hues flow from her soul through her bold brush strokes reflecting sensitivity, liveliness and a constant search of something unsaid. She recollects, "Hostel was the best place to get models for my portraits. I would usually get ideas very late at night like 3 am, 4:30 am, sometimes even 5am", she giggles, "But despite the late hour, my friends would pose for me as models and encourage me to go on." Incidentally, Naik was the first ever recipient of the 'Gold medal' in the faculty of fine arts at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathawada University, Aurangabad, where she completed her Masters of Fine Arts in Portraiture. "I did not know I was going to be awarded the gold medal. I never worked to receive a gold medal. It was a real shock for me," informs Naik. '
Having first drawn inspiration from her true mentor and guide, her art teacher Vasant Kundaikar of Sharada English High School, Marcel, Naik recounts how, being an art teacher himself, he always encouraged, motivated and inspired her towards painting.
As an artist, Naik strongly believes in hard work and the need to search for inspiration from things around us to keep ourselves going. "It is very important to work sincerely and stay active in your field, and surely someday your talent will be recognised. As for achievements, they are temporary. If you earn an award and stop working, it has no value. It doesn't make sense," she says.
All set to display over 50 of her latest masterpieces at her first ever solo exhibition at Kala Academy, Panaji, from May 14-17, Naik says, "The true pillars of my support system during my journey are my parents, siblings, neighbours and friends, whose unwavering faith and love kept me motivated and high-spirited throughout."
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Exhibitions
June 2015: Prayas at Mirror Art Gallery, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
November 2015: 41st State Art Exhibition 2015-16, Kala Academy, Goa
March 2016: Art Event- Women Group Art Show at Harshada Art Gallery, Miramar
