Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements of human life.’ It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind as the Sun colors flowers, so the art colors life. Being an artist means you paint the world through your imagination with your colors. Artist Priya Yabaluri also believes in the same theory, and she has also proved that a series of small things brought together do great things.
Priya Yabaluri is an artist who creates masterpieces with her imagination, perspectives, and vision. She is the founder of the brand “Art for Awareness’ and “World Art Fair’ and recently launched the art website “First Woman Art Fair’’ to display India’s first international 3D virtual woman’s art fair.
When we got to know about her achievements, we presented her story in the spotlight. So this time the Hatke story has brought you a tale of an artist. Let us know her story.
Interview with Priya Yabaluri
Aashna – Priya tell us something more about yourself
Priya – I’m Priya Yabaluri. I’m a conceptual abstract artist. I paint and write books mostly related to art. Currently, I’m staying in Mumbai with my family. I grew up in a nuclear family and it filled my childhood with golden memories. My interest in art started during my early childhood. Since kindergarten, I used to draw and paint even though I was very small, but I remember every little thing about the paintings that I had drawn.
Aashna- When and how did you develop an interest in art? Tell us more about your journey.
Priya- I’d do different things in my art and craft classes during my school time. I was a bright student because I actively took part in many sports and other curriculum activities. For me, the painting was a way of keeping a tab on daily life and storing my memories and imagination on the canvas. It inspired me to draw more and show my craft to the world.
However, I belong to an era where art, craft, sports, and extracurricular activities were only seen as hobbies. None would take them as their profession. I also did the same thing. Despite having intense involvement in art, I went with the trend and opted for science as my mainstream subject.
I wanted to fight for the medical entrance exam and so I prepared for it. I passed it, but I was hemophobic and I feared seeing blood. This issue forced me to give up on medicine so I did not go further with the same and went to pursue graduation in science.
After earning a degree in Science I felt a sense of realization forming in my heart.
I asked myself, ‘What are you doing with your career? You know you love art, craft, and paintings. So why are you pursuing Science and overwhelming yourself? Just grab your passion. Follow it. There are struggles, but you never know what happens in the end. Try it and then see what comes out.’
I paid much-needed attention to my inner voice and chose my passion as my profession. Post-graduation, I got married. Still, I wanted to continue working as an artist. My husband supported my decision, so I pursued the PG diploma in interior designing and fine arts from Hyderabad.
During the fine art course, I learned to draw paintings, good color composition, and various techniques of art using different instruments. Throughout my entire journey of education, my family and in-laws aided me so I could pursue my dreams. They knew how much I love art. They understood and appreciated my passion for colors.
To boost my art career, I started taking part in exhibitions and art workshops. These exhibitions helped me out in achieving growth, exploring life and surroundings. With every experience, I grew up. With time, it became an experimental exploration for me.
“I discovered I could say things with shapes that I could express my emotions, imagination, mental state and whatever I want to and I don’t need words to do it. People say that you need words to express yourself. That’s why you should learn the art of speaking, but that’s not true. You can do it with colors too. That’s the power of art.”
Aashna- What do you think before and while painting on the canvas? What is the source of your inspiration?
Priya – While drawing, thousands of things get into my mind. For me, it is hard to stop the fastly running imagination. My artworks are the reflection of memories. On my canvas, I illustrate both joyous and painful memories. They take shapes of geometrical expressions. I paint to present my vision, to bring awareness, and to explain the world that an artist creates in his or her mind.
I believe that an artist’s creativity is the mirror image of the beauty and facts that coexist with us and within us. Painting from nature is not copying the object, it’s realizing one’s sensations. How you draw reflects how you feel about the world. You are not capturing it but interpreting it.
Aashna- Is art a stable career to pursue youngsters?
Priya- Yes and no as well. Because, if the artists are not in the limelight, then they may not make enough money. In that case, do a job or any other side business to meet the financial needs. They can pursue art as part-time work, but it will require time, fame, achievements, and enough marketing to become full-time and renowned artists. There will be struggles they will have to face, but if they believe in their art, then nothing would scare them.
Apart from it, now, art is giving many other opportunities as well. We might see them going up in the future too. If someone is interested in choosing art as their profession, then they can choose Graphic Designing, Fashion Designing, Illustration Designing, Animation, and Interior Designing, etc. These professions will definitely help youngsters in making money. They are thriving and in demand.
Aashna- Do you feel that there is any difference between Indians and foreigners to see and appreciate art? How are things overseas?
Priya- Well, yes, when it comes to art, there is a vast difference between India and other countries. They appreciate art more and know the value of art in life. Whereas, in India, people don’t value it that much. Of course, art lovers exist in significant numbers in our country too, but that is nothing in front of them. There is a wide gap in terms of perception, acknowledgment, and demand.
Aashna – What have you achieved till now in your career as an artist?
Priya- In the last twenty years, I have taken part in over 35 groups and solo Art shows in our country. I have also exhibited abroad, including in the UK, Germany, St. Petersburg, Moscow, France, London, Paris, and Dubai. Later in the year 2015, I started my brand called Art for Awareness, under which I continue to write, publish art magazines, books and conduct art shows.
With this brand, I wish to create a path for those artists who feel lost in this artistic world and cannot figure out how to get out and establish themselves as an artist.
Other than this, I wanted to preserve the beauty of earth along with my artworks.
So I also collaborated with the United Nations UN75 to conduct awareness programs by organizing Art Exhibitions to cover social, ecological, global issues and cultural issues.
Apart from that, I have administered 3D virtual Art exhibitions for contemporary artists during the pandemic period. After this, I started painting marine life and drawing the oceans because I wanted to express why it is important to preserve marine life and what will be their lives when we pollute their habitat slowly. Currently, I’m managing my ongoing First Woman’s Art Fair. It is an organization that showcases the artworks of many renowned female artists.
Along with these accomplishments, they have honored me with many National and Global awards in the year 2020-21. I won the excellence award 2021 by the India Book of Records and the Emerging Entrepreneurs Award by Global Summit.
I have won the Yashasvi Excellence Award for being an Eminent Artist and Start-Up Entrepreneur 2021. They also chose me to represent India in the International GTA Global Talent Eminent Artist and Entrepreneur Award in Dubai.
Aashna- What are the tips and tricks that you would like to share with young and new artists?
Priya- I’d say feel your art because whenever I paint, I completely immerse myself in my imaginary world. Your feelings play an important role in your painting. If you cannot feel the image, you cannot paint it. Suppose you are painting a fish, then you will have to see it in pictures, videos and idolize it.
Whenever I paint fish, I see them and that thing helps me out in creating a masterpiece. For me, the beauty of fish is calmness, a serenity in the ocean. I want to express why it is necessary to preserve marine animals and their lives through my work. Humans are becoming selfish and we forget that other living things also have a right to live in this world. You cannot destroy them. My picture should depict my mentality, thoughts, and emotions. If an artist is working in this direction, then eventually he or she will achieve fame and success.
Take-away:
From my journey, I have learned one thing that I want to tell everyone is to never give up on your dreams and remember that we are all artists. All of us are painting our memories on the canvas of life. We are mixing the colors in our own way. So don’t be afraid of brushstrokes and above everything, just make sure your art has your soul.
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