Thoughts, ideas, concepts, works……..ART
Is that it? How hard could this be? These were my rather frequent conceptions which waver in my mind. Yet, I was indeed content. Art has always been a part of me, from scribbling random lines on walls, painting traumatising effects on dolls, struggling to hold a pen, trying every medium until I get tired of it, to label myself as a dignified artist (aka Hannah). I’ve always felt that art is a distinct way of communicating. It tells a lot about the person than anyone could have been aware of. Emotions which can’t be expressed or shared openly can be tolerated, using art.
We see different forms of art all around us, like, textures in our body, a person walking, people chatting, or a bird flying cluelessly. They help us capture the movement, sound and colour to put it into a self-driven piece, which has life within. My first look into the world of art changed according to my existence, perhaps, society, we’re stereotypical influences, oscillated my ideal thoughts and concepts, putting my art skills to the test.
Besides, I would stand rather clueless, when comprehending a piece of art in the museum, which I still do. Hence, works like Starry Night, The Night Watch or Mona Lisa depict a lot more elucidation, just like any other creative piece. The true way of looking at art and conceiving it depends on each individual. Each work has a meaning of its own, based on the individual. But the real way of looking at a piece is when you look at it, from the artist’s (the ideal person who achieved that idea) perspective. That’s when you experience it, to the fullest. Sometimes, we tend to notice or appreciate it but forget to understand it. A single line or a dot can depict a whole lot more meaning, than a long-lasting speech, or a 4-page essay. Art is a form of expression, which manifests our freedom, emotions, and thoughts.
Through these years of my journey in art (OMG this phrase makes me sound so old), from going to art classes, figuring out what art is, trusting the process and depending on it, learning different methods from each individual, taking positive and negative comments on my work, adapting to the moving world of design and technology, taught me so much about the genre and its form. This can signify each work in a different manner, when the viewer sees, they see a part of you in it. And if they don’t know you, then they learn a part of you.
At the age of 13, I eventually figured that art isn’t what people say it should be, it is what you perceive it to be. However, I learnt it the hard way around. Art classes are known for one thing, to do art, learn it, and get it corrected. Besides, I’ve been an expert at switching art classes, for all these 15 years (no offence, to the teachers). Moreover, I’m proud to say I’ve learnt quite a few techniques and thoughtful advice from my mentors. Although, there are times when I’ve felt a bit unsettled or concerned. Like, this one time when a teacher asked me to redo an entire piece because of the fact that he wasn’t fulfilled. These comments made me think twice about art, and if it has only one right way of implementing it. It’s important to consider other thoughts and techniques, but it is predominant to go with our guts, and our feelings when working on a piece, as that tends to give us a more personal trademark to fill our piece. Fortunately, I grasped the matter within years.
An art with meaning, commitment and hard work, can’t be mistaken.
Art has a meaning within, and a meaning has an art within.
This is the first part of the essay series…
Kindly note that the art work in the series are by Hannah and should not be reproduced elsewhere without her permission.
About the author
Hannah is a Grade 11 student at APL Global School, Thoraipakkam, Chennai. An artist, writer, and a photographer. Passionate about music, and gets along with any sports. Hobbies such as journal writing, and trying unique mediums of art interest her. She won an art competition conducted by K-Art International Juvenile Art Competition held at Busan, South Korea between 3rd and 10th August 2023. There were 40 Indian school going teenagers from India and an equal number from South Korea and Japan. Semi-finalists from all these countries were shortlisted and finals were held at Busan, South Korea. She won gold among the Indian participants, not only for participating but also for exchanging ideas, visiting places, sharing their culture and experiencing close connection with Indian culture. K-Art International Exchange Association chairperson Ms. Suk Heo gave away the award.
