Babita Sridhar

What media of art do you work in?
I work primarily with Acrylics and Oils while incorporating other mediums like Acrylic inks, Pastels, Oil sticks, Spray paints and Textures.

How would you describe your genre of painting?
My works encompasses Portrait and Figurative art in the style of Abstract Realism. I also love to create abstract florals, still life and landscapes when I feel a need for change.

Can you describe your creative process?  When you begin a painting, do you have an idea of what the end result is? Do you prepare sketches first?  Do you know the colors you are going to use?
Portraits inspire me to delve into the narratives and emotions encapsulated within them becoming a form of personal therapy. I am drawn to the sense of order that comes with designing a composition, as it becomes the foundation for my entire creative journey.

My artistic process begins with the deliberate creation of a composition that resonates with my emotions at that moment. Sketching this design onto the canvas is a meditative step that sets the tone for the layers of paint that follow. I find joy in embracing unconventional methods of layering, creating textures, and reveling in the chaos that ensues. The initial layers of colors may seem like a mess, but within that chaos lies a satisfying sense of freedom and expression. As I progress to the details, a return to order and calm occurs. Yet, I intentionally allow the underlying layers to peek through in certain areas. This interplay for me, mirrors the complexity of the human mind. Emotions are usually unrestrained, and my paintings aim to capture and celebrate this untamable nature.

What is the message you want people to take away from your artwork?
For me, hope is not just a fleeting concept; it is a tangible force that resides in our dreams. Through my art, I endeavour to kindle that hope, inspiring viewers to not only acknowledge but actively live within the boundless possibilities of their own imaginations. In a world where uncertainties abound, my art is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.

100 years from now, how do you want people to remember you as an artist?
A century hence, I hope to be remembered as an artist who dared to delve into the depths of the human soul, as a fellow traveller on the tumultuous journey of life, seeking to capture its raw essence in all its glory and agony. I hope my creations are remembered for the humanity behind the art - the stories of love and loss, hope and despair, that inspired each stroke of my brush. Let them remember that in every portrait, I sought not just to capture a likeness, but to immortalize the fleeting moments of emotion that define us as individuals and bind us as a species. My legacy would be one of empathy, understanding, and the enduring power of art to illuminate the human experience in all its beauty and complexity.

What is your favourite praise you have received from a client or about your work?
For one of my portraits at an exhibition, a collector told me that when they first laid eyes on that piece, they felt an instant connection, as if the painting was speaking directly to their soul. The upturned face was open to her own interpretation which I felt was the biggest praise, as I was able to evoke such emotions. 

What are your hobbies outside of Art?
I love music and I am always singing or humming a tune. Apart from painting music is my mantra, my way of facing anything that life brings my way.

What is an interesting piece of trivia about you that people don’t know?
I do pen small poems every once in a while and it’s a surprise every time I write something for my family.

Give me one or two sentences about your family?
I am the only girl in a household of Boys, and me already being a tomboy I could not have asked for anything better. They are my everything.

What has been your strongest influence in your art career thus far?
The strongest influence in my art career has been the raw and unfiltered emotions that surround us every day. As an artist who focuses on depicting human emotions through my paintings, I draw inspiration from the complexities of human experience – the joy, the pain, the love, the sorrow. These emotions serve as my guiding light, shaping the colours I choose, the brushstrokes I make, and the stories I tell on canvas.

Moreover, I find inspiration in the works of other artists who have fearlessly explored the depths of emotion in their own creations. Whether it's the haunting portraits of Frida Kahlo, the visceral abstracts of Mark Rothko, or the evocative landscapes of J.M.W. Turner, I am constantly inspired by artists who have dared to delve into the complexities of the human psyche.

What is your vision for yourself as an artist 5 years from now?
Five years from now, I envision myself as an established and recognized artist who has honed my skills and developed a distinct artistic voice. I see myself continuing to explore the realms of abstract realism, delving even deeper into the portrayal of human emotions in my paintings. In this timeframe, I hope to build a strong and engaged community of art enthusiasts and collectors who connect with my pieces on a profound level. Additionally, I wish to have further diversified my artistic practice, perhaps exploring new mediums or techniques to push the boundaries of my creativity. Whether through collaborations with other artists, or experimentation with innovative technologies, I aspire to continuously evolve and grow as an artist. Furthermore, I envision myself using my platform and artwork to contribute positively to society, whether through advocacy for social causes, raising awareness about mental health issues, or through charity auctions to contribute for worthy causes.

My vision for myself is one of continued growth, exploration, and impact, as I strive to create art that resonates deeply with audiences and leaves a lasting impression on the world.

Which one is your favorite artwork you have ever done and tell us why?
I have plenty of favourites but if asked to pick I would go with “Seek the stars”.

This painting came about towards the end of 2023 when I faced a significant setback in my artistic journey and found that I was questioning myself and my path forward. As I immersed myself in the creative process, each brushstroke became a declaration of resilience, defiance against doubt, and affirmation of my worth. With every layer of paint, I channelled my inner turmoil into the canvas, transforming uncertainty into clarity and despair into determination. The sheer abandon with which I dedicated myself to this piece can be seen in the final output. I love that this painting showed me that there is nothing stopping me from seeking the stars! 

Which is one of your most recent works?
“Take on me” is one of my most recent work which aligns itself perfectly with my mantra for the year 2024 – “Trust my journey”. I am pushing the borders of my creativity by incorporating techniques out of my comfort zone and absolutely loving the process. This piece was literally a canvas to my chaos and with these splashes of vivid colours and textures, I am ready to take on the world!