Artist Ambika Wahi
Recent addition of several artworks to Gurgaon based painter Ambika Wahi’s portfolio in Indiaart was a good occasion to engage into a conversation with her. Conceptual art is what Ambika Wahi is comfortable with. Her art is her inner journey which is a meditative process by itself for self discovery and self expression.
Here are the Questions and Answers :
Q : Do you remember the time when you first started taking a keen interest in drawing and painting? Was it your childhood days or later?
A : I remember doing a lot of drawing and sketching during my school and college days. My room’s walls used to be plastered with my works. I can’t help but laugh at the flaws and the unmindful works I did then.
Q : Did you have a role model to emulate or was there someone in the family who was an artist and therefore a big influence?
A : There was neither a role model nor any family member an artist. I clearly remember enjoying doing my diagrams that came with school assignments and practical experiments.
Q : What did you do after completing your education?
A : I am a Post Graduate in Sales and Marketing. I have worked as a professional in a couple of companies as well as in the family business.
Q : Your journey as an Artist?
A : As a child doing those sketches I never thought I would take up art someday in life. But life takes you where it has to. In fact sometimes when life closes one door another one opens and that is exactly what happened. I had to quit my job for personal reasons and art came into my life and there has been no looking back since. That reminds me of doing my first series on doors and windows.
It’s been a beautiful journey of learning and exploring different mediums, styles and forms. I realised early on how difficult the art world is but thanks to online platforms provided by galleries like yours I, have been able to showcase my works and have reached out to a larger audience along with doing various group shows from time to time.
Q : Which artists have had a lasting influence on your thought process?
A : My mentor, my Guru Mrs Kavita Jaiswal has been a great influence on my thought process. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to study under her.
Q : How interested are you in social and political issues?
A : I have been a student of Political science and social issues do affect me but there has been no influence of either in my works as yet.
Q : Which themes have you enjoyed working in your career so far?
A : I have enjoyed working on all the themes and mediums I have worked in and my works have grown and evolved with each theme.
The essence of my work is self-expression and self-discovery. It’s about reconnecting with myself at a deeper level and comprehending emotions. My work is mostly conceptual art and inspired by nature and life in general. Being a woman I have done a whole series on women. Sometimes the work is a dialogue with the self or sometimes it revolves around a concept. There is use of a lot of bright colours and textures in my works. Though currently I am in love with my black charcoal block and colours have taken a backseat for now. These current works reflect my inner journey, seeking my sanctuary and moving towards the guiding light which is very meditative. I can say my works are mostly a mirror reflection of my inner world.
Q : What kind of work do you see yourself doing in the future?
A : Well it is a journey you don’t plan. IT JUST HAPPENS!
I really like all paintings. very deep thought.good work.
Thank you Pradnya for your appreciation.